Page 23 of The Lyon’s Paw

“Regarding Lady Joanna.”

Slowly, Geoffrey rose until he towered over the man. “I have nothing to say to you regarding my sister, Dandridge. And I’ll do you the courtesy of warning you to stay away from her.”

“This is why we need to talk, Longford.” The man’s voice showed no trace of fear despite the fact Geoffrey was taller and outweighed him by at least a stone. “Because I am determined to persuade you to allow me to marry her.” He paused, his gaze unwavering. “One way or another.”

Wary, Geoffrey took a moment to gauge the other patrons around him. He certainly had no friends here other than the elderly Mr. Lynn, while Dandridge might know—or employ—any number of these men. He’d not been paying attention when the room had filled.

As much as he wished otherwise, it might be prudent to talk to Dandridge, take a true measure of the man, although what he already knew about him was likely accurate. He motioned to the empty seat across from him. “Let us sit, then.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Dandridge sat easily on the bench as Geoffrey returned to his. “I suspected you’d be a gentleman of intelligence.”

“Enough intellect to know a scoundrel when I see one.” It was all Geoffrey could do to sit still, and not lean over and plant the man a facer. “What makes you think I will ever give my consent to a marriage between you and my sister, Dandridge? That stunt you pulled buying up my mortgages was enough to assure me that you would be the last man I ever allow her to marry.”

It had also told Geoffrey two things about Dandridge. First, the man was extraordinarily wealthy, to have bought up twenty-thousand pounds of notes without a blink of an eye. And second, the man was deadly serious in his bid for Joanna. He was surprised Dandridge hadn’t contacted him before now.

“I have to issue you an apology for that behavior, my lord.” Not that he looked contrite in the least. “I tried to force your hand and for that I am sorry, but I knew you’d be, shall we say ‘hesitant’ to agree to my marrying the lady.” Dandridge shrugged. “I tried to take a shortcut to my happiness, and I expect it has instead set me back.” He sighed. “I must admit I did not expect you to pay off the entire sum in such an expedient manner.” A wry smile touched Dandridge’s lips. “That was rather well done, I must say. My felicitations to you and Lady Longford.”

Incensed at the scoundrel’s implication, Geoffrey was on the verge of giving in to his rage, and reaching across the table and throttling the blackguard, when he took a breath and let his anger go. The man was correct in his estimation that Geoffrey had married for the money. He couldn’t attack him for speaking the truth, no matter how much he wished to. Instead, he feigned a smile. “You will find me a resourceful and unwavering adversary, Dandridge.” Geoffrey shook his head. “Make no mistake, it is my duty to my sister, and to my family, to keep her from the likes of men such as you. On this point you must have no doubt. I will see her married to a decent gentleman as quickly as I can.” Joanna would hate not having a Season, but they might need to forego it if they could arrange a marriage for her sooner than the spring.

“And you do not see me as a decent enough gentleman for her?” Pinching his lips with thumb and forefinger, Dandridge stared at Geoffrey as though he didn’t see him, as if lost in thought. “Is there nothing I can do to change your opinion of me?”

“Dandridge, you are a comic. You should go on the stage.” Geoffrey chuckled, shaking his head. Did the man not understand the concept of decency? “You own one of the most notorious gaming houses in London, that also, if I am correct, doubles as a brothel. In addition, you own several other even more infamous gaming hells in the worst sections of London. I do not know first-hand, but I have heard all the rumors about the goings on in these establishments. Can you imagine I would allow my sister, an innocent who has been gently reared, to become associated with that unsavory world? Surely you can see that she deserves a better life than that?”

“I’d have no intention of my wife having anything whatsoever to do with my business ventures. I will buy an estate in the country where we can reside for most of the year, and a house in London when we wish to come up for the Season.” Dandridge frowned. “It would be the same life she would have with any gentleman of means.”

“And I wish the lady, whoever she is, all the luck in the world. But be assured, Dandridge, she will not be my sister.” Geoffrey made to rise, but Dandridge grasped his hand.

“What if I gave it all up?” The fevered look in Dandridge’s eyes made Geoffrey pause. The man looked tortured. “Sold The Dandy, sold the gaming hells. Invested the money in land or some other legitimate enterprises. Would that make a difference to you?”

For a fleeting moment, Geoffrey felt sorry for the man. “While that is a noble offer, Dandridge, you cannot escape your past. Your breeding and reputation will always be a part of you that cannot be changed. I am sorry, but the answer must still be no.” He shook off Dandridge’s hand and rose, more than ready to leave the ruffian behind, but there was one more thing he needed to know. “I must ask, Dandridge, did you ever meet my sister or is this infatuation born solely of longing from afar? She is not out yet, and you do not travel in our circles. How did you even come to know she existed?”

His face now devoid of feeling, Dandridge leaned back, watching Geoffrey like a cat deciding exactly when he was going to pounce. “I rather think that is information I will keep to myself for the time being, my lord. No need to give away all my best secrets. But I’m certain you’ll figure it out eventually. You seem to be a smart man.”

“Indeed.” Geoffrey relaxed his face before he scowled. He’d wanted desperately to know how this rogue had knowledge of Joanna. “I hope that estimation stands me in good stead, Dandridge. Good day.”

“Good day, my lord.”

Geoffrey had headed for the door when Dandridge’s voice called out a parting shot.

“Just remember, my lord, the best man doesn’t always win.”

Chapter Ten

“That was a lovely meal, Diana.” Aunt Frances sighed in contentment as she folded her napkin.

“I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, aunt.” Diana sipped the last of her wine, smiling around the table. Today had been such a success she truly didn’t want it to end.

She, Joanna, and Aunt Frances had arrived back at Longford House in good time for tea, having placed an order for ten gowns, some with accompanying pelisses, and had actually brought home two gowns ready to be worn. A deep rose day dress now hung in her room, ready for tomorrow’s outing to finish shopping for accessories. The blue velvet gown she’d admired so at Mrs. George’s shop now adorned Diana. Oh, but it was so satisfying to be able to wear new, stylish clothing.

Lord Longford seemed to have taken notice of her as well. He’d sat at the far end of the table gazing at her, sipping his wine and conversing alternatively with her aunt and his sister. However, he’d been staring at her every time she’d lifted her gaze to him.

Diana wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that. Oh, she was flattered, certainly that he had taken notice of her change of style. The blue velvet did become her very well. Still, she found it difficult to accept any positive response from his lordship. They’d been disagreeable for so long this new sensibility would take some getting used to.

Still, the day had been a success and she wouldn’t spoil it with bad thoughts about Lord Longford. Diana rose from the table. “Ladies, shall we retire to the drawing room?”

Joanna and Aunt Frances murmured polite ‘yesses’ as they rose and started toward the door.

“Will you join us later, my lord?” Diana asked politely. She was never certain how much he enjoyed their company.