“You still possess very little information to go on.”
“But it is something!” Michael whirled away, unable to contain his restless energy any longer. “All this time, as I gathered evidence, I could not fathom why no one stood in my father’s defence. Yes, it was Lord Suthenshire who came forward with the accusation, but my father had friends in the House, did he not? Yet not a single soul thought to defend him? Lord Suthenshire was indeed influential, but no more so than my father had been, which leads me to believe that their silence was not born out of fear of him. So, why?”
Michael turned back to see his uncle looking at him with a mixture of awe and surprise. “You believe there were others involved,” he said.
Michael nodded, placing his untouched glass aside, unable to remain still any longer. “Indeed, it would answer many of my questions. And It would render everything so much clearer!”
“But the clerk did not possess any further information. And after four years, this is the first time you have received any hint that may support your suggestions. What leads you to believe you will uncover anything more?”
At that, Michael grinned. This time, the thought of the beautiful auburn-haired, green-eyed lady was more than welcome. “Pray, rest assured, Uncle,” he replied. “I know precisely how to obtain the information I seek.”
Chapter Twelve
“The time has arrived, Elaine! Are you ready?”
Elaine nodded a little too rapidly at her aunt’s question, a clear indication that she was far more nervous than ready. And if that wasn’t enough, the fact that she’d been pacing back and forth and wringing her hands together for the past twenty minutes must have given her inner turmoil away.
“What if I am terrible?” she asked, voicing aloud the question that had been playing in her mind all day. From the moment her aunt announced that Elaine would be the opening act at her musicale this evening, Elaine had thought little else, actually. Especially when she’d learned that nearly the entire ton had agreed to be in attendance. Which would most certainly include the Duke of Ryewood. Honestly, Elaine had been too nervous to ask.
Lorna took her by the shoulders, forcing Elaine to stop her pacing. She looked Elaine in the eyes as she said, “You will do wonderfully, my darling, just as you always do. I do not believe I have ever met anyone as talented at playing the pianoforte as you are.”
“You are only saying that,” Elaine immediately dismissed.
“No, I am not,” Lorna pressed, her tone surprisingly gentle. “I promise you, the moment you sit down before that pianoforte, you will forget all about these anxious emotions and simply play.”
Elaine wasn’t convinced. All she could think about was striking the wrong key while the duke stood as witness and shame for the inevitable future went washing over her.
“You’re right,” she murmured, trying to make herself feel better. “I should not be nervous. After all, I will not be the only lady performing.”
“No, you will not. And honestly, I asked you to open the musicale for a rather cunning reason.” Lorna took her by the arm and they began a slow stroll around Lorna’s ballroom, already set up and waiting for the first guest. “You see, this is all a part of my plan. You will play so beautifully that no lady would want to go after you. And all the gentlemen would be so taken by your playing to pay much heed to anyone else.”
Despite the anxiety coursing through her, Elaine managed a smile at that. “Do you honestly believe that my pianoforte playing could win a man’s heart, Aunt Lorna?”
“Who said anyone about securing one’s heart? We only need to capture the attention of a willing suitor. One that will secure your security. The duke, perhaps?”
Elaine’s heart skipped a beat. She kept her eyes trained ahead, knowing that her aunt was watching her every move. “Will he be in attendance?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“Of course. I could not invite all the eligible gentlemen in London without including the duke, could I? I’m sure he will be as enamoured by you as he was last time.”
Elaine flushed. “He may not be as taken with me as you first thought, Aunt Lorna. We have not spoken since Lady Jones’ ball three days ago. I am beginning to think he was simply taking pity on a reserved lady such as myself.”
“Then tonight is the night to show him that you are not simply a reserved lady and that you are more than capable of holding his interest.” Lorna leaned closer to whisper. “Surely you do not want to be stuck with the likes of Lord Weatherby?”
An involuntary shudder raced through Elaine’s body. “Certainly not.”
“Then let us put out our best efforts, lest we have no choice but to accept his interest. Now smile, Elaine. The guests are arriving.”
Lorna swept away from Elaine’s side, heading towards the entrance where the first guests had been admitted. Elaine watched as she welcomed them, turning their bashful expressions—perhaps at being the first to arrive—into bright smiles before they were ushered over to the refreshments table, already deep in conversation. They didn’t pay Elaine much mind but she didn’t mind it. She’d much rather go unnoticed until it was time for others to see her.
The ballroom filled up quickly. Elaine busied herself by reading over her notes for the piece she would be playing and, before she knew it, the ballroom was almost full, the hum of chatter hanging over the air. Her aunt hadn’t been exaggerating about inviting nearly every eligible gentleman in London. At this rate, the unbalanced ratio of men to women would not go unnoticed.
James appeared at her side. “Are you looking for someone?” he asked.
Elaine glanced at him, then back at the door. “Shouldn’t you be with your mother greeting the guests?”
“I do not think she wants me there. Which is just fine since I cannot think of anything worse.”
“Perhaps she would want you there if you would smile once in a while,” Elaine commented.
