‘We are talking a great deal about public opinion,’ Cassian said.
‘Because that is what we need,’ Louisa returned. ‘Eliza’s future will be determined by public opinion: if she will be admitted to good society even as a married woman, for example.’
‘Many ladies are who have done worse,’ Leo muttered.
‘Better-born ladies who already have friends in high places. I never said it was fair,’ Louisa added.
‘Yes, but am I not a friend in a high place?’ Cassian asked. ‘Can I not direct opinion? Quite seriously, I am Severn. If I give Daizell and Miss Beaumont my countenance—’
Louisa rolled her eyes. ‘Dear Sev, you are not, with the best will in the world, an arbiter of Society: you’ve never tried to be. You would have to make a deal more of a splash than you currently do.’
‘And it is not the be-all and end-all in any case,’ Kentridge said. ‘We need to free Miss Beaumont legally and Vier has the upper hand given what he can say about her, and indeed about Mr Charnage.’ He held up a hand as both Cassian and Leo spoke. ‘I realise you think that unjust, but it is not I who needs persuading of it.’
‘No,’ Daizell said. ‘As Cassian – Severn – said, it’s public opinion. If public opinion could be turned against Vier, if hecouldbe exposed as a cheat, that would surely make it easier to fix him in the public mind as a liar, and in the courts as an unfit guardian?’
‘Absolutely,’ Kentridge said. ‘It would be ideal. Unfortunately, as I just explained in some detail, I don’t see a way to do it, which makes this tangent fruitless.’ He paused, his eyes narrowing. ‘Unless you have something in mind, Mr Charnage?’
Daizell glanced at Cassian. ‘I might.’
Chapter Eighteen
The next period was as busy as Daizell had been in a while.
Cassian’s valet turned up. Waters, a very correct and elderly man about three times his master’s age, was appalled to see the Duke looking so scruffy, more appalled to be informed that he would not be staying in the Star in Leamington with his master.
‘I told him to take my things down to Wotton House, open it up, and make all ready for the six of us,’ Cassian said. ‘He came in the ducal coach, of course, so I told him to take it down and I would drive myself.’ He sighed. ‘I feel rather unkind, and distinctly ungrateful.’
‘You should at least be grateful.’ Cassian had been very thoroughly valeted before Waters’ departure, and was admiring himself in the mirror. He deserved to. Fine clothes made the man, Daizell supposed, but Cassian’s were extraordinarily fine: superb quality, superb cut, perfectly fitted. He might look like nobody in an old coat, but properly groomed and clad, to Daizell’s eyes, he was every inch the duke.
Maybe that wasn’t entirely Daizell’s eyes. Cassian seemed a deal more natural in his ducal identity than Daizell might have expected, and a deal less unassuming while occupying it. Judging by the frequent raised eyebrows, looks of surprise, and occasional heated exchange with his cousins, this was new. Cassian had said he needed to be Cassian in order to be the Duke: maybe this was what he’d meant.
He moved behind his quiet nobleman, stroking the flanks of his coat. ‘This is marvellous. Why are you being unkind to your valet?’
‘Because Waters wants nothing more than to go home to Staplow. He’s too old to be jaunting about the country, but I would break his heart if I simply told him so. He will do better if he reaches that conclusion himself. I will move him into some sort of sinecure position where he can retire in all but name, and keep his dignity. I owe him that. I owe him a great deal. But I also need a new valet.’
‘Is that urgent?’
‘Yes,’ Cassian said, turning and slipping his arms around Daizell’s waist. ‘Crucial. We’ll have enough people to hide from; we need an ally in the house, someone whose duties involve letting me wake up with you, and ensuring nobody else sees.’
‘That sounds good if it’s possible,’ Daizell said slowly. ‘Do you have such a paragon in mind?’
‘I had an idea. I wondered what you’d think – though I don’t know if paragon is the word I’d choose—’
‘Martin? Are you serious?’
‘I’m seriously asking,’ Cassian said. ‘After all, he knows about us, which is a start. And you said he was ambitious. I am not a leader of fashion, of course, but then, he’s unlikely to get another post at all.’
‘So he might settle for a duke. I see what you’re saying, but, Cass, herobbedyou.’
‘Yes, but I understand why. We had a frank conversation while you were sleeping. He was treated shockingly. I grant he has behaved very badly himself, but – well, if I wanted you to forgive me, and I want people to overlook anything you may have done, surely I should extend grace to othersin my turn?’ He gave a slanted smile. ‘I’m even called His Grace. That seems to suggest an obligation.’
‘I doubt it’s one felt by many dukes. You realise he is a wanted man?’
‘For a theft that took place in Northumberland as Martin Nichols. I see no reason he shouldn’t be John Martin in London and Staplow, in my service, and have a new start. I can offer him that, if he wants it.’ His lovely lips curved. ‘I do owe him something, for bringing me to you.’
Daizell looked at him, so earnest, so determined to get it right, and wondered how happiness could make your heart hurt. ‘If you’re willing to harbour a felon—’
‘I’d rather you didn’t put itquitelike that.’
