Chapter 14 #3
“You have neglected to consider that your friends may not agree to stake you out like a helpless lamb in order to draw a vicious wolf into a trap.”
“I am far from helpless, Lord Leete,” came the tart reply.
“Your abilities are unquestioned,” intervened Rafael. “What my cousin means is, gentlemanly scruples, however misguided, prevent us from putting you at risk.”
“Maybe we should allow Harriet to finish explaining what she has in mind before we rush to a decision,” suggested Theo.
“I can’t in good conscience allow Lord Matherton to threaten anyone else,” said Kyra. “He is the opposite of our gentlemen companions. He has absolutely no scruples, and no honor. I don’t think you comprehend how truly chilling that is.”
“My point is, that we will use that coldly calculating attitude as our greatest weapon against him,” answered Harriet. “There will be no danger to me, save for the fact that I will want a hot bath to scrub away the taint of his sordid presence.”
“Do explain what you have in mind,” urged Theo.
Rafael shot a mute appeal to his cousin. But to his surprise, Jack merely crossed his arms and waited.
“Theo’s aunt is having a supper party the day after tomorrow for some of her neighbors and their London guests who’ve come down for the ball.
We’ve already made sure that Lord Matherton and his hosts are invited.
It will be easy to mention my new turn in fortune.
I don’t doubt that he will seek to strike up an acquaintance. I, in turn, will encourage it.”
“He’s seen that we are friends,” pointed out Kyra. “And you weren’t overly friendly to him this morning.”
“That will play in our favor,” answered Harriet. “A man of his vanity believes he is irresistible to women. That his charm can melt my reserve is something that he will take for granted.”
Because of his war experiences, Rafael thought himself well-versed in human nature, but apparently the political world taught its own worldly lessons.
As if sensing his thoughts, Jack said, “I hesitate to ask how you know the foibles of such reprobate rogues.”
“A diplomat’s daughter meets all sorts of men,” replied Harriet simply. “Many of them aren’t very admirable.”
“Let us grant that you will have no trouble attracting Matherton’s interest. Then what?” asked Rafael as he glanced at Kyra. “He’s pressing to have the engagement announced at the ball, which makes me suspect he needs to have some promise of future good fortune to keep his creditors at bay.”
“There are a number of local entertainments planned for the coming week leading up to the ball. I plan to allow him to get me alone at one of these, and then . . . ” Harriet paused for breath, “the three of you will happen to hear my cries of distress, and come find me sobbing hysterically and accusing Matherton of having trying to force himself on me when he found me alone. That it is a lie won’t matter.
My bodice will be torn, and with the three of you as unimpeachable witnesses that I was trying to fight him off, he will be disgraced and shunned by Polite Society.
Which will make his threats against Kyra harmless.
No one will listen to his vitriol anymore. ”
There was a short silence as the three ladies all looked to Jack and him for a reaction.
This would, decided Rafael, require a very tactful reply. The plan was bold, clever—and far too dangerous to allow. But the concept must be quashed with more than sarcastic laughter to avoid . . .
“It is,” announced Jack gravely, “a very well thought-out plan. You have sensed the enemy’s weaknesses and exploited them. There are however, some tactical elements which need consideration.”
Harriet edged forward in her seat.
“Both Rafe and I have learned through our military experience that one may draw up a perfect strategy, but things rarely go according to plan. For example, how you intend to coordinate Matherton’s finding you alone and our being close enough to hear your cries.”
“I . . .” Harriet hesitated,
“It is no easy matter to arrange,” pointed out Jack. “And there is always the chance that if you stir his interest, he may choose to press his advances on you unexpectedly, assuming you will welcome them. What then?”
“I should fight him off,” replied Harriet. “I have been taught some very effective measures for fending off unwanted male attention.”
“Have you ever tried them under duress?”
She flushed. “No.”
“Theory is all very well,” explained Jack. “However, they are not as easy to perform against a bigger, stronger opponent when you are under attack.”
After a moment or two, Theo broke the uncomfortable silence with a tentative question. “Have you gentlemen any alternative to Harriet’s plan?”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” replied Rafael calmly.
He looked to Kyra and waited for her to meet his eyes.
“I, too, applaud the boldness and bravery of you ladies. But in this instance, I ask that you trust me to handle Matherton. I promise you, by the time the clock chimes midnight on the eve of the ball, he will not be a threat to any of you ladies.”