Her poking about in others’ private matters would save their family, not that she could state that point. Not that she could state any point with him crushing her bones as he was. “Can’t. Breathe.”
He released her.
She tapped him on the shoulder. “I make no promises. And please,do nottalk to Mr. Blake? Please?”
He grunted and left her alone. She understood that grunt. It meant, fine. For now. She’d take that.For nowwas better thanI’m off to pummel him into the earth this very moment.What’s more,for nowafforded enough time for the entire thing to blow over, for the guests to forget this silly scandal had ever occurred, and for Maggie to put her plan to save her family in motion.
No wardrobe. No waistcoats. And no Mr. Blake.
Just a tiny bit of blackmail.
Chapter 4
Tobias opened his bedroom door to find the wardrobe righted, his scattered clothing replaced, and his sister and brother-in-law kissing near the window. No surprise there. They often took too much of an interest in Tobias’s dealings and did more kissing than was considered socially acceptable. Of course they’d come to check on him, and of course they’d be in the middle of an embrace. He cleared his throat to break them apart.
They should have had the decency to look ashamed at having been caught. They did not. They wore distinctly different expressions. Henrietta looked worried. Grayson looked annoyed.
Tobias’s sister placed her hands on her hips. “Tell us everything.”
“Hen,” Tobias said, “Gray. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
Grayson leaned against the window frame. “We heard about the incident.”
“Really? I didn’t see you two in the hallway peeking in. Though to be fair, almost everyone else currently in residence found themselves in attendance for my and Lady Maggie’s social demise, so I may not have been able to see you in the crush. Tell me, did it make good entertainment?”
“So, it’s true.” Henrietta clutched a hand to her heart. “You’ve compromised Lord Waneborough’s daughter.”
“It looks as if I have. To be fair, I barely knew she existed before I found her in my room, rummaging in the wardrobe. It was not at all premeditated.”
“You found her here?” Henrietta said.
“She was looking through your things?” Grayson scratched his ear.
Tobias opened the wardrobe and pulled out the black waistcoat she’d been holding when he’d discovered her earlier, stars in her eyes, admiration writ all over her face. “I know it sounds bad, but she did not premeditate this mess, either. She was, apparently, curious about my clothing. Not me.” And wasn’t that just how Tobias wanted it? If everyone looked at what he wore, no one would see him, and he could do as he pleased. But somehow … he turned his gaze back to the colorful embroidery on black he held lightly in his fingers. Somehow, she’d seen him anyway, seen himthroughhis clothing. He shook his head.
Henrietta stepped forward. “You’ve met with her father. There’s to be no duel, I hope.”
“No. Surprisingly there was no talk of dueling.” Only of fate and love and ruination through lack of education. He chuckled. “Lord Waneborough and his wife are even odder than I initially perceived.”
“Do not speak ill of them,” Henrietta warned. “Lady Waneborough’s views may be considered peculiar to some, but she’s been kind to me and to the others here. She has a keen eye for design and color, too. I’d be honored if she patronized my shop.”
And the older woman would likely give Henrietta just that honor. Pride seared Tobias’s heart. His sister knew just what to do to improve her dress shop, to increase its chances for success. She’d managed their father, who’d not wanted her to run her own shop, found a building, hired seamstresses, and found clientele in the upper echelons of society. She won the ton’s admiration and patronage with stoutness of spirit, kindness, and unique gowns. He needed someone like his sister for his own business venture. But there was no one like Henrietta. Too bad he couldn’t partner with her. The idea lit a spark in him. He opened his mouth to suggest a partnership.
Then he snapped his mouth shut. He couldn’t risk it. If he partnered with Henrietta, their father would surely find out. And he’d prefer to be crushed by a falling wardrobe than let his father know he planned to follow in his footsteps and become a textiles king. Tobias smiled lazily. “Rule number one. Do not insult those who buy your wares. Noted.” He patted his chest and hips. “Now where is my notebook to write such sage advice down?”
Henrietta furrowed her brow.
Grayson pushed a hand through his hair. “And you’re sure there’s to be no duel? I will second you, but in these circumstances …”
“I know.” The last time he’d fought a duel had been in Henrietta’s honor. Every time he’d fought a duel, all three times, had been in his sister’s defense. He’d never thought to be on the other side of the issue, defiling a woman’s honor instead of protecting it. “I’d not blame her father had he challenged me. I would have deloped and let his bullet fall where it may.” Even if it fell right into his chest.
“But if what you say is true, you didn’t do anything, Tobias.” Henrietta twisted a shawl wrapped around her shoulders in agitation.
“Not to worry, sis. No challenge has been issued and no one is being forced to do anything they do not desire to do. Though, the marchioness seems to think her daughter and I are fated to wed.” He laughed his best light-hearted chuckle.
Grayson laughed, too, a grim, dour sort of sound. “That’s one way to look at it. A compromised woman’s only fate is marriage or ruination.”
Henrietta tapped her husband’s arm. “Usually as correct a statement as any, but I don’t think so in this case, Grayson. Lady Maggie has a veritable army of suitors. Artists, many of them. Several of them, no doubt, will not care about today’s events. I think you’re safe, Tobias, especially if marrying Lady Maggie can gain them her father’s patronage for their art.”
