Selbourne spoke over the protests. “It’s been established that Dashing isn’t in Greece. He may have decided to start his tour elsewhere in Europe.”
Lucia nodded. Now he was making sense.
“On the other hand, he may not have gone to the Continent at all. It’s suspicious that, with a war on, Mr. Dashing would choose now to tour Europe. You yourself, sir”—he looked to her father—“as well as Ethan, told me you attempted to discourage Mr. Dashing.”
“Stubborn as a rock,” Ethan commented. “Family trait,” he added under his breath.
Selbourne raised an eyebrow at Lucia, and she glowered back. She wasn’t stubborn. Just persistent.
“So,” Francesca said, and Lucia was glad at least someone in the room was as concerned as she, “if you agree John was so intent on touring the Continent, why don’t you believe he did so?”
Selbourne crossed his arms over his chest. His broad, muscular chest, Lucia noted unwillingly.
“Dashing’s young,” Selbourne said. “He may have wanted privacy to pursue various . . . activities in Town.” He shifted, glanced at Lucia. “Is there a . . . particular lady you don’t approve of, Lord Brigham?”
Lucia frowned. Now what was the daft man talking about? She heard Francesca cough, but her father lowered his pipe, considering.
“No, ah, ladies that I know of, but I concede you have a point, Selbourne. There are any number of amusements in London to keep a boy of twenty occupied during the Season.”
“Yes, but feminine diversions or trying one’s luck at the tables or races cost money,” Ethan surmised, “and John hasn’t withdrawn any additional funds.”
“Selbourne,” Lucia said, “you may know the Continent, but I know my brother. We share everything, and he had every intention of sailing for Greece. If he had a mistress or some other vice, I would know.” The room fell deathly silent, and she felt the weight of four pairs of eyes on her. Too late, Lucia saw Francesca close her eyes and almost groaned at the shock on her father’s face.
“You must excuse my daughter, gentlemen. She’s somewhat distraught and has forgotten herself.”
Lucia threw her arms out in exasperation. “I am not distraught and have not forgotten myself, Father. I’m sorry to speak so plainly, but how can I help if I can’t be frank? I’m not a child! I know something about the world.” She almost stamped her foot but stopped herself just in time.
“Help?” Selbourne choked. “I don’t need your help, madam, or your naïve thoughts on men. If your brother is in London, I’ll find him. If not, that’s my concern as well.”
Her father pointed his pipe at her. “Listen to him, Lucy. I’ll not have you gallivanting about making a fool of yourself, following another of your wild ideas. You have a wedding in a few months, and it’s best you keep your mind on your fiancé and not give in to silly adventurous fancies.” He looked beseechingly at his son-in-law. “It’s that blasted Mrs. Radcliffe. Keep those books away from Franny, Ethan, or you’ll see the inevitable result.”
“Oh, Father,” Francesca said, looking tired and worried. “Lucia is naturally spirited. She means no harm.”
“Naturally spirited!” Lucia lost all patience. “I’m the only one here speaking any sense, and all you four can do is blanch because I uttered the word mistress.”
“By God, I hope Dandridge can leash some of that natural spirit or we’ll be the talk of the Season.” Lord Brigham shot out of his seat. “Lucy, I forbid you from becoming involved in this matter, and that’s the end of it!”
Lucia balled her fists as embarrassment turned to fury. She straightened in her chair, back rigid, head high, jaw tight, and looked out the window in silence.
Her father grumbled something under his breath, and Lucia caught “going to be the death of me,” before he turned to Selbourne again. “What are your plans, sir? What assistance may we provide?”
“I’ll question Mr. Dashing’s friends today and tomorrow. I’ll need their names, as well as his tailors, bootmakers, and other creditors.”
Her father settled in his chair and lifted his pipe. “Very good, sir. I’d anticipated as much.” He rose. “Lucy, you say you want to help. Here is your opportunity. Since you know so much of John’s personal life, stay here and assist Selbourne with the information he requires.” He walked around the desk and stood before her. “And, by God, remember to keep that temper of yours in check. We don’t need any more drama.”
Lucia watched as he motioned to Ethan and Francesca. Francesca gave Lucia a helpless glance over her shoulder before their father shooed her forward, leaving Lucia alone with Selbourne.
Lucia didn’t bother to look at Selbourne. She tapped her fingers on her arms. So now he needed her. Well, let the arrogant man do the asking for once.
But he didn’t ask, didn’t move, and she had to force her eyes to remain fixed on the window, though she registered nothing of the view. She could feel—feel—his gaze on her—hot, heavy, and hard.
And she didn’t need to look at him to see him. The image of him—leaning against the breakfast room door, lounging against the mantel—burned in her mind. Handsome as he’d been the night before, today he wore a charcoal gray coat, red waistcoat, and gray trousers, with shining black boots. And in the morning light she’d noticed the tawny highlights in his wavy hair. She remembered them from their first meeting so many years ago, but had been unable to see them in last night’s darkness. A lock of that thick hair fell boyishly over his forehead.
The gray eyes were the same. Under those dark slanted brows, his gaze was piercing, impossibly clear, giving her the impression he was looking right through her. But every time she felt a shudder of nervousness at his intensity, they seemed to warm in invitation. She clasped her hands together tightly. No wonder Selbourne had all the ladies in love with him. He could turn a simple glance into a seduction.
Finally he moved, crossing to sit in the armchair beside her. He seemed tired and—as usual— displeased. What was it about him that so attracted her? Oh, why couldn’t she have these feelings for Reginald? Why Selbourne—a rake and a scoundrel?
She hefted her chin a notch. She would just have to overcome her adverse response to Reginald. Forget all about the arrogant Selbourne. These things could be accomplished.
