Page 32 of The Duke's Rules Of Engagement
“It sounds like they might be right,” Jo admitted.
“They are,” Lilly said fervently. “He will make the best father someday.”
Jo had told Lilly a bit about the conversation she’d had with Charles at the soiree, specifically about his desperation to find a wife who could help him financially. While that news hadn’t mended Lilly’s broken heart, it had made her instantly forgive Charles for ending their courtship. He hadn’t been inconstant, and he hadn’t betrayed her. He was breaking it off due to his loyalty to his family. His need to ensure the safety and security of his sisters.
There was almost nothing else Jo herself would have forgiven, but as unfair and horrible as it all was, she could forgive Charles this. Still, she yearned for Charles and Lilly’s happiness. A way to keep his family safeandbring them together.
And she might have just discovered it.
Jo had known that the four eldest Cherrington sisters had been out in society for a few years, but aside from Martha, she’d never met them, nor had she interviewed them as they hadn’t been potential matches with any of her previous clients. “Have they received any offers?” she asked Lilly. “Are any of them engaged?”
“No.”
“But why is that? If they’re as lovely as you say they are—”
“I believe there have been a few offers between the four of them, but you know how it is in this town, Jo. They aren’t great beauties, and they have nothing significant to offer in terms of their dowries. Thetonhas overlooked them for the most part.Quiteunfairly, too, if you ask me.”
“Is something wrong with their appearance?”
“Not at all! They are quite pretty, all of them. Just…not great beauties.”
“You mean, not like you?” Jo teased.
Lilly’s mouth fell open. “I didn’t say that!”
Dear Lilly. So persistently modest. “But youarea great beauty. You know that, don’t you?”
Lilly bumped her shoulder against Jo’s. “Stop.”
Jo grinned at her friend, letting her excitement brim over. It was time to tell Lilly what she was thinking. Jo cupped Lilly’s hand between her own and squeezed. “I might have an idea.”
Lilly turned to her. “What?”
“I think I might have found the perfect match for one of the Cherrington sisters. It’s one of my clients.”
Lilly gasped. “Really? Ooh, is it Mr. Pellegrini?”
“No, not Mr. Pellegrini.”
“Who then?” But Lilly knew—Jo could see it in the widening of her eyes.
She confirmed it anyway.
“The Duke of Crestmont.”
Chapter Nine
On the surface, the Cherrington sisters made ideal candidates for the Duke of Crestmont. They were the granddaughters of the previous Earl of Wydwick and nieces to the current earl. The four eldest had been presented at court, and they had all been given ladies’ educations. Charles had ensured they were all fully prepared to become wives of thebeau monde.
The outward criteria were all there. Perfect.
Jo would need to meet with them first, of course, but she’d spent the past day quivering with excitement. If one of them turned out to be a good match for the duke… Well, one of Charles’s sisters would be a duchess. That would pull his family straight out of financial ruin and firmly back into society’s good graces. All his problems would be solved.
Best of all, he’d be free to marry Lilly.
Maybe Jo was being too optimistic. She tried to temper her excitement, but it was difficult. First, one of the sisters would have to fit into the Duke of Crestmont’s definition of a perfect duchess. The morning after Jo had the idea of matching the duke to one of the Cherrington sisters, Lilly had sent a letter to the eldest sister, Mary, and the lady had responded, saying she’d be happy to visit with Jo and Lilly that afternoon.
Now they sat in the parlor, Lilly on the sofa with Mary beside her, her hands clasped demurely in her lap, with Jo on the chair across from them. Bess brought in some tea and biscuits, and Lilly poured while Jo asked Mary about herself.
