Chapter 4
KENDRICK
The Mayfair Chronicle
Lady X
It seems the Legends are up to their old tricks again. Most recently, Lord K was rumored to be on the verge of marrying his mistress. But now he’s moved on to loftier conquests. The on-dit has him courting the diamond of the season.
I swore as I dropped the broadsheet, which of course had Fairfax picking it up immediately to scan the article.
He chuckled. “You certainly have been a busy boy. The rest of us are going to have to start picking up the slack. We can’t have your antics taking up all the column space.”
I pointed at him. “It’s your fault that I’m in this situation.”
Fairfax’s smirk widened. “I told you not to take that bet.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re coming with me tonight.”
“To speak to Weston?”
I shook my head. “I’ve already spoken to him.”
Fairfax settled back in the armchair. “What did he say?”
“He didn’t really have much to say. But I did meet his sister.”
“The jewel that you won,” Fairfax said with a nod.
I wanted to punch him but managed to restrain myself. “I don’t know how Moreland puts up with you.”
Fairfax grinned. “I am a constant source of delight. Now, help me to improve my game.”
King’s was busy this afternoon, but Fairfax stood and made his way to the one billiard table reserved for the Legends.
With Moreland on his wedding trip, Fairfax was determined to make use of the time to better his game.
Moreland routinely trounced him, and while Fairfax liked to pretend he wasn’t bothered, he clearly was.
I watched as Fairfax lined up the balls in random order.
Or it seemed like a random order, but as I watched him move through the motions of trying to pocket the balls, I realized he was replicating shots he’d missed during his most recent games.
He still missed most of them now, but since Moreland would be gone for the next month at least, he had ample time to practice.
“So, where are we going?” Fairfax said as he reset the balls to run through the shots a second time.
I waited until he was just about to strike before saying, “The Henderson ball.”
He missed, of course, and swore. “Are you out of your mind? I’m not going there. Would we even be welcome?”
The question was rhetorical, of course. We were welcome everywhere.
“If I’m going to be courting my diamond, you’re going to be at my side.”
Fairfax shook his head. “I still have two years before I turn 30. My mother has agreed not to press me about marrying until then, and I’m not going to frequent one of the primary marriage-mart events.”
I smiled. “At least it’s not Almack’s. Yet.”
Fairfax flung his billiard cue onto the table. “No, absolutely not. You’re going to have to find someone else to accompany you to these events. Have you lost your senses? Now that Moreland is married, everyone’s going to think we’re all looking for brides if we’re seen at the Henderson affair.”
I shrugged. He was correct. If we showed up at the ball tonight, people would wonder whether we were planning to follow Moreland’s example. But I’d be damned if I’d allow myself to be the sole object of that speculation.
Fairfax’s eyes narrowed. “Please tell me you’re not looking for a bride.”
I laughed at the comical look of horror on his face. “Of course not.”
Fairfax leaned against the billiard table. “Then why are we going to the Henderson ball?”
I smirked. “So you’re coming with me?”
Fairfax scowled. “We both know you’re going to force me, so I might as well come willingly.”
He knew me well. But I wouldn’t let myself feel guilty. I was in this situation because of him, after all. If I had to suffer, so did he. I recounted the conversation I’d had yesterday with Miss Edwards and explained her proposal.
Fairfax shook his head. “I don’t know if this is wise. The last time one of us was asked to ruin a woman’s reputation, he ended up marrying her.”
It was impossible to forget that Moreland had married Rexford’s sister. He’d been asked to ruin her in appearance only so that Rexford’s father wouldn’t force her to marry one of the worst men possible. But somewhere along the way, Moreland had developed feelings for her.
“That was an unusual situation. The two of them had to spend a great deal of time together under one roof. With all that heightened emotion and Moreland’s sense of honor kicking in…
” I shrugged. “She somehow slipped through his defenses. This situation is completely different. One, possibly two balls.”
Fairfax shook his head. “If her dowry is as large as you say, do you really think that will be enough to keep the other suitors away?”
I shrugged. “There aren’t many who would be foolish enough to cross us.”
Fairfax narrowed his eyes again. “And if Weston comes up with the money he owes you? Would you give up your diamond?”
I met his gaze squarely. “As long as I have my money, they can have her.”
Fairfax nodded. “Good. It’s bad enough that one of us has fallen. We don’t need to sacrifice anyone else to the marriage noose. We should see if any of the others want to come with us.”
I frowned. “We don’t need to make this a spectacle.”
Fairfax grinned. “Of course we do. If you’re going to put on a show for the ton, the rest of us should be given the opportunity to attend the performance.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“Aren’t we all?”
Fairfax headed toward the door, and I was forced to follow.