Page 13 of Cocky August Rake
No one knew.
And this morning, according to the Brazen Belle, his ship had returned to London.
Rose wished it had not.
She wished Lord Reginald had remained at sea and left them alone.
But if there was one good thing about his return, it was that the waiting might finally end. With any luck, they’d learn that their fears had been for nothing, and The Domus would continue much as it always had.
And if luck failed them—
Well.
They would simply have to make some of their own.
Rose stood from her vanity and smoothed her skirts.
Right.
Tea first.
Then they would decide how best to handle their wandering lord.
The large morning room off the kitchen was bright with sunlight when Rose entered. Light streamed through the tall windows and caught upon the gilt frames, polished furniture, and pale cream walls.
Marianne and Violet had gathered around the tea tray at one end of the table, a copy of the Brazen Belle spread open between them.
Lord Reginald’s name appeared in bold near the top.
The moment Rose entered, both women looked up.
“I see you’ve heard,” she said.
“The whole of London has heard,” Violet replied. “Or will have by dinner.”
Marianne leaned across the table, eyes bright with curiosity. “Do you suppose he truly came back for a woman?”
“He’s rumored to have been courting Malum’s sister-in-law,” Violet said.
“So why leave at all?” Marianne added.
Rose poured herself a cup of tea. “Perhaps he returned because his ship requires repairs. As the article says.”
Violet watched her. “That is a very dull answer.”
“It is also the most likely.”
At that moment, Nell, the courtesans’ matronly manager walked in the room, closing the door behind her with a sharp snap. “Ah, so you’ve seen it too. Mr. Huxley received word this morning. Lord Reginald intends to inspect the books today.”
“Today?”
“At noon.”
Rose glanced toward the clock.
They had less than ten minutes.
Marianne straightened in her chair. Violet’s teasing expression vanished.
