CHAPTER SIX #3
“Someone I know, but you don’t, lost a considerable sum of money to her, and she said she would clear his debt if he agreed to be matched with a lady who had hired her to find a husband. He accepted and is happily married to the young lady.”
“That’s the second story I’ve heard about a marriage coming to be.”
“Second? Oh, she has paired up dozens of couples.”
“Good. I need her to find me a wife.” Dozens. Oliver was impressed.
“I surmised that when you mentioned Mrs. Dove-Lyon,” Hudson said. “I’ve never been to the Lyon’s Den or met the lady, but I hear she dresses in widow’s weeds and a veil. No one has ever seen her face. I’ve heard she is quite frightening and says what she means.”
Now it was Oliver’s turn to snort. “You could say that.”
“She has a reputation for hiring veterans, which I admire.”
“That explains the injured workers at the club. So the ice running through her veins doesn’t reach her heart.”
“Well, she agreed to help you, so I would say not,” Hudson chuckled. The waiter arrived with their luncheon, set their place settings, and arranged several platters and bowls on the table.
“Is there anything else, Your Grace, my lord?”
“No, thank you,” Oliver said, eyeing the dishes that smelled divine. He realized he had eaten very little of his cold breakfast and was famished. Oliver grabbed the first platter and placed several slices of roast beef on his plate, followed by roasted potatoes, green beans, and a roll.
“Does she know about your previous wives and the so-called curse?” Hudson asked between forkfuls of food.
“Yes, and she doesn’t believe I’m doomed. She was most gracious and has arranged for me to meet someone tonight.”
“Why, that is promising. However, does this lady know about the . . . curse?”
“Stop it,” Oliver said. “I’m not cursed. My next wife will not be cursed, and she will die of old age in bed at ninety.”
“I hope you’re right,” Hudson said with a frown. “You could use some good fortune in your life when it comes to women.” He wiped his mouth, tossed his napkin onto the table, and slid his plate toward the center. “I’m stuffed. Did she give you the lady’s name?”
“I wish. She has a flair for dramatics, which is why I believe it’s all hush-hush.
She wants to see how we react when we first meet.
” Oliver felt bad for the young lady who had to go to such lengths as hiring Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find her a husband.
What had happened to her? What scandal had befallen her?
Did she warrant the gossip, or was she innocent?
None of the reasons mattered to him. If he found her acceptable, he would marry her.
He wasn’t looking for a companion or love.
He needed a wife and an heir. And if he was helping her by marrying her, then all the better.
“Perhaps I will visit the Lyon’s Den tonight so I can meet this lady,” Hudson said as he finished his second glass of brandy.
“Don’t bother. We’ll be in Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s office. You will not meet her. But, perhaps you could convince your sister to host an informal dinner party, and she could invite the young lady.”
“Ah, that I can do. Julia’s always wanting to play hostess and entertain. You will be her favorite person, giving her a chance to test her hostess skills.”
“Good. After tonight, I’ll send her the details and the name of the lady in question.” Oliver pushed his plate away and groaned. “I ate too much. I’d best go.”
“Me too. I can’t wait to tell Julia the good news. Perhaps, between the two of us, we can come up with several eligible gentlemen to invite. At twenty-three she has practically given up hope of marriage. I refuse to give up on finding her a husband. She would make any gentleman happy.”
“Yes, she would,” Oliver said as he stood. “You know, I thought about asking her to marry me after my second wife died.”
“What?” Hudson sputtered.
“Yes. She and I discussed it one afternoon in your drawing room. I said I couldn’t marry her in case I was cursed. She seemed relieved. I think she offered herself because she felt sorry for me.”
“I’m glad you both came to your senses.”
“Didn’t you say I wasn’t cursed?”
“Yes, and I meant it. Because of your personalities, you would drive each other crazy,” Hudson overdramatized the shaking of his body.
“Probably, but no matter. We decided against it.”
“Phew! I expect to hear from you either tonight or first thing tomorrow. I’m dying to know who you’re being arranged with.”
“Me too. And yes, I’ll send word.” As they walked toward the door, the voices of the same five gentlemen lowered again as they passed by. Oliver nodded. “Gentlemen.”
“Your Grace,” all five said.
When they stepped outside, Hudson laughed. “What was that about?”
“When I arrived, they shut the betting book. I believe there’s a bet on me, or rather, who my future wife will be. Do me a favor—go back inside and check.”
“You really want to know?” Hudson raised a brow.
“Yes.”
“Fine,” he mumbled, turned around, and went back inside.
Oliver hurried to the mews and mounted Wind. He didn’t even want to contemplate how many hours he had left to wait for the meeting.