“How very peculiar,” Miss Hodwell said. “MissOliver, did our society ever receive a princely sum such as that?”
“We never received even a farthing. I’m quite sure of it! There must be some mistake.”
“No mistake, I assure you, Miss Oliver.” Mr. Cleveland frowned at her. “The treasurer of your society would be the one to confirm the receipt.”
“I’m the secretary of the society, and I record any charitable gifts.”
“I see,” he said, looking doubtful that any woman could serve in such a capacity. “The gentlemen of the society must know the whereabouts of the funds.”
“Perhaps they were waylaid somehow?” Miss Hodwell asked. “Lost in transit. Highway robbery, perhaps?”
“Every year?” Sandrine asked.
“Please refrain from impugning the memory of the late Duke of Rydell,” Mr. Cleveland said. “He lived for charitable concerns. His annual charity ball raises more money than any other event in London. Speaking of which, your lordship, I’ve been attempting to tell you that the ball is scheduled for next week, and there are urgent matters for you to attend to.”
“No one will expect me to host a charity ball while I’m still in mourning.”
“On the contrary, they will expect the ball to go on as planned as a memorial to your brother’s life work.”
“Out of the question.”
“The tickets have all been sold, your lordship.The soprano has been paid, and the orchestra contracted.”
“Refund the tickets. Don’t accept the donations.”
“We can’t give back all the money. I believe some of it has already been spent.”
“What do you mean, spent? I thought all proceeds went to the various charitable beneficiaries?”
“Er, that is, I believe your brother used some of the funds for the administration of the event. It’s all in this portfolio.” He held out a thin leather folder. “And it was your brother’s dying wish that you host the ball.”
“He did say something about the charity ball... but I can’t host an event such as that.”
“Allow me to run through the portfolio with you. I want to show you the pamphlet that will be distributed at the event. I’ve notated several questions on some of the documents regarding your instructions for portions of the evening, specifically the auction.”
“I can’t host it, and that’s an end to it. We’ll postpone until next year.”
“I have a wonderful idea, Lord Dane,” Miss Hodwell broke in. “A perfect solution to everyone’s problems. If the charity ball is to be held next week and it can’t be canceled without causing an uproar, Miss Oliver and I will assist with the preparations. She knows more about charitable organizing than anyone else. In addition to her work with the historical and the benevolent societies, she also volunteers her time at the Squalton Orphan Asylum. Allowus to organize your ball, and you’ll find it will be more successful than ever before. And then there is the fact that we could safely see the funds collected for the historical society back to Squalton.”
“I was under the impression that Miss Oliver was leaving London expeditiously,” Lord Dane said in a warning tone.
“I’m not leaving until the end of next week. I’d be more than happy to assist with the charity ball, your lordship.”
“Then, it’s all settled.” Miss Hodwell sat back in her chair with a satisfied expression. “Hand over that portfolio, Mr. Cleveland, we’ll have a look at your notes and ensure that all is prepared to your specifications.”
Mr. Cleveland clutched the papers to his chest, glancing at her sticky fingers. “This is highly irregular.”
“Oh very well.” Lord Dane threw up his hands. “Give them what they want, Cleveland. I’ve learned the hard way that Miss Oliver is a very determined young lady when it comes to charities. You can help host the charity ball, but then you’ll leave London directly, the very next day. Is that understood, Miss Oliver?”
“Yes, your lordship.” She’d been planning to leave that day with her friends.
“Are you sure they’re the most... suitable hosts, your lordship?” Cleveland asked.
“Give Miss Oliver the portfolio, Cleveland, and we’ll talk more about this tomorrow.”
“Very good.” Mr. Cleveland didn’t look pleasedabout it, but he handed it over as instructed and left the study.
Did Lord Dane truly not want to host the event, or was he worried about the dangerous men who’d threatened him? He had a thunderous look on his face today. She had to tell him what she’d come to tell him.