Heather nodded. “It’s a suitable social arrangement.”

  Considering the fact that her father had pushed for her to be a part of this group, Eleanor would have to agree with their assessment. He would never have written to Tara about meeting her if there wasn’t some advantage in it.

  Tara took another drink then set her tea down. “Since you are now a part of this group, we want to let you know what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. We host dinner parties with prominent members of the Ton, and yes, sometimes Lord and Lady Cadwalader will be there. Your father is welcome to attend these dinner parties since we realize how important it is that the gentlemen in our lives need to invest in order to improve their wealth. When you marry, your husband will be welcome to join in on these dinner parties as well. Half the time when we get together for a social engagement, it’ll just be the four of us. At other times, we’ll have something public. In private, we can be informal. We don’t have to watch what we wear or say so much. That, of course, is different when we’re in public. When we’re in public, we’re representing the group.”

  “Everything you’ve been doing so far is perfect,” Stacey assured Eleanor. “It’s not as scary as it sounds.”

  Tara smiled. “It’s not. You’re like a different person from the lady we first met. When you came to the dinner party, I hardly recognized you. It was like you changed overnight. You were sweet and well-dressed before, but you just bloomed in front of our eyes. You’re now a lady who can be the center of attention in a ballroom.”

  “My father paid the Duchess of Ashbourne to help me overcome my tendency to be a wallflower,” Eleanor explained.

  “What a shame. I was hoping you’d say it was love that brought out the change in you,” Stacey said.

  That was right. These ladies thought Byron was her suitor and that she was playing hard to get with him. In all of her excitement, she forgot all about him.

  “I noticed all of the gentlemen who sought a dance with her at the last ball,” Tara told Stacey, “and it’s more than love that is responsible for the change.” She gave Eleanor a satisfied nod. “I’ve heard of the Duchess of Ashbourne. I thought she and her friends only arranged marriages.”

  “She does that, too, but she also instructs ladies on how to attract suitors from time to time,” Eleanor replied.

  “Do you need to attract suitors when you have one that is hoping to marry you?” Stacey asked.

  Eleanor shifted uncomfortably on the settee. She wasn’t talking about the Duke of Winnett, was she?

  “It’s not my place to pry, but I noticed the way Mr. Tumilson was watching you at the last ball,” Stacey explained. “It seems that his interest in you has gotten deeper since we had the dinner party. My husband noticed it, too. He even encouraged Mr. Tumilson to propose. My guess is that he hasn’t mentioned marriage yet since you said nothing about it.”

  Eleanor hid her relief. At least this wasn’t about the Duke of Winnett. Feeling more at ease, she said, “No, he hasn’t proposed marriage yet.”

  “He better be careful,” Tara replied. “You’re going to surrounded by suitors soon, if you’re not already.”

  It was odd that not a single missive had come from a gentleman who hoped to be her suitor when these ladies, the Duchess of Ashbourne, and her father expected them to pour into this townhouse. Was there a reason for that?

  “Maybe he’s worried he doesn’t have a chance now that she’s attracting so many gentlemen,” Heather said. “He doesn’t stand out in London. It’s hard to compete with gentlemen who have a strong reputation in the Ton.” Her gaze went to Eleanor. “I suppose it depends on what you prefer. Do you want a gentleman who knows a lot of people, or will you be content with one who blends into the background?”

  “Either way, we don’t care,” Tara hurried to add. “I’m married to someone who has impressed Lord and Lady Cadwalader. That’s mainly what we needed in order to get this group in good standing with the Ton. So really, you can marry whoever you want.”

  Eleanor did like knowing she wouldn’t have to marry someone like the Duke of Winnett to stay in this group. But she wondered if Heather knew Byron and that he was only to be her suitor because he was a Runner. He had suggested Heather introduce her to his sister. Heather was, after all, Mr. Duff’s sister. Surely, Heather must know Byron.

  Eleanor couldn’t ask Heather about it, at least not in front of the others. She supposed all she could do was play along. Considering Byron’s interest in her was a charade, none of this would matter for long anyway. Once he solved the case, she probably wouldn’t see him again unless she befriended his sister. And she couldn’t imagine seeing him much at all since he spent so much time dedicated to his job. The only reason they spent any time together now was because her father had hired him to protect her. She took a look at her cup. She couldn’t decide if she’d be relieved to have the case settled or not.

  ***

  The Duke of Winnett stormed out of the townhouse. Byron’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but he continued to hold the paper up so that no one would notice he was watching the duke.

  The footman opened the door of the carriage. The duke paused, gave a good look at the townhouse, and shook his head before he got into the carriage. Byron wished he had been in that townhouse to find out what had just happened. A person didn’t get upset like that for no reason. And that reason might be a clue.

  Byron waited until the carriage was moving before he stood up. He stayed on the other side of the street but took note of the townhouse. He would have to find out who owned this residence and what connection that person had to the duke. He folded the paper under his arm and continued to follow the carriage.

  Chapter Fifteen

  A week later, Eleanor’s father summoned her to the drawing room. To her surprise, the Duchess of Ashbourne was sitting in a chair. Her father waved for her to join him at the settee. Unsure of what to expect, Eleanor sat next to him. She had talked with the duchess after the last ball she’d gone to, and both the duchess and her father had seemed pleased with the way she’d handled things. She couldn’t imagine why they looked upset.

  “Is there something wrong with my daughter?” her father asked the duchess.

  The duchess shook her head. “Of course not. Lady Eleanor is a splendid lady to work with. She’s a quick learner, and she managed very well at the ball.”

  “Then why hasn’t she received a single missive from a gentleman who wishes to pay her a visit?” her father demanded.

  Eleanor’s face grew warm from embarrassment. While she’d been asking herself the same question, it made her feel like a failure to hear her father point it out.

  “I don’t know why no one has asked to visit her,” the duchess said. “There’s no reason why she shouldn’t have a couple of gentlemen requesting to come by.”

  Her father didn’t look the least bit happy with her answer, but Eleanor didn’t know what he had expected her to say. It wasn’t like the duchess could make gentlemen line up to talk to her.

  “I paid you to get her some suitors,” he said. “But you haven’t fulfilled your part of the arrangement.”

  The duchess gave him an understanding look. “No one can make a gentleman take an interest in a lady. I was paid to teach your daughter how to attract gentlemen, and I did that. Her dance card was so full that she barely had a moment to catch her breath. You were there. You saw how many gentlemen were trying to dance with her.”

  “So why aren’t any of them sending a missive to visit her?”

  She shrugged. “I can’t explain it. Every other lady I’ve instructed has had success. Perhaps you should take your daughter to another ball. I’ll watch and see if there’s something I missed last time. I’ll do this without requiring payment.”

  “What good is another ball when the last one didn’t help? I’m not satisfied with the results of your lessons. I demand you to pay me back for the money I wasted.”

  “Father, you can’t demand something like that,” Eleanor interrupted. “She did fulfill her part of the bargain. Maybe I’m too much of a wallflower to get any suitors.” Besides the Duke of Winnett. She resisted the urge to grimace. She’d rather not think of him. Turning to the duchess, she asked, “How long do gentlemen usually take to express an interest in courtship?”

  “It depends on how anxious they are to marry, but in my experience, a week is sufficient time,” she replied.

  “Ah ha!” Eleanor’s father pointed to the duchess. “Then you admit you failed. It’s been well over a week since that ball.”

  “We can’t assume this is her fault. It’s possible the fault is mine,” Eleanor argued.

  “Are you sure these gentlemen know where you live?” the duchess asked her father.

  He seemed offended by the question. “Of course, they know where I live. I’m the Duke of Dormondton. I’m of great importance in the Ton.”

  “There are a lot of people in London, Your Grace,” the duchess said. “It’s impossible to know everyone.”

  “Those who matter know who I am.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “I had no idea who you were until Mr. Tumilson brought you to my attention.”

  “And did you know who he was?”

  “No, I didn’t. But he knew who I was because of my reputation helping ladies secure husbands.”

  “Well, I’d never heard of you until he mentioned you, and I circle in highly influential crowds.”

  Eleanor bit her lower lip. She didn’t think he was as prominent as he thought he was. If he was, then why would he care what kind of gentleman she married? The only reason he wasn’t forcing her to marry the Duke of Winnett was because he wanted her to get a husband who could help him improve his social standing. While she knew it meant he was using her for gain in the Ton, she didn’t mind it if she could get a better suitor than the Duke of Winnett.

  “Perhaps we ought to try another ball, Father,” Eleanor spoke up. “The duchess has graciously offered to attend this one without requiring payment. I’ll take better care to follow her instructions this time.” Glancing at the lady, she added, “I’ll even slip where I live into the conversation so they know to send the missives to this address.” And she would only do that with gentlemen she wanted to court her. “I’ll be subtle about it. I’ll say something about the cute dog in the townhouse next door or mention the new flowers a townhouse just down the street put out on their balcony.”

  The duchess nodded. “Those would be good ways to slip where you live into the conversation. I see nothing wrong with the plan.” She directed her attention to her father. “Does that suit you?”

  Her father paused for a long moment then let out a heavy sigh. “Very well. We’ll go to another ball. I don’t mind going to them, but very little actually gets accomplished there. Too many people want to dance and have a good time.”

  Eleanor pretended she didn’t notice the slight exasperation on the duchess’ face. “That settles it then,” Eleanor said. “I’ll go to my bedchamber and practice everything I’ve learned. I’ll do my best not to disappoint you, Father.”

  She rose to her feet. As she hoped, the other two stood up. Good. The conversation was at an end. Now the duchess could go home, and her father could go back to his den. More importantly, the argument was over. Releasing her breath, she offered them both a smile and headed out of the room.

  ***

  The day before the ball, Eleanor was sorting through her wardrobe. Just what kind of color and gown attracted a gentleman who was looking for a wife? She’d overheard some ladies mention how they wanted someone handsome, rich, and high in the peerage. Her requirements weren’t that strict. All she wanted was a kind gentleman she could enjoy talking to. Yes, she wanted to be attracted to him, but there were plenty of attractive gentlemen in London to choose from. What she most needed was someone who didn’t give her that same unsettling feeling the Duke of Winnett did.

  A knock came at her door. She stopped rummaging through her armoire and went to answer it.

  “You have two visitors, Lady Eleanor,” the maid said. “Viscountess Powell and Mrs. Duff would like to see you. Should I tell them you’ll see them or ask for them to come back later?”

  Viscountess Powell? That was Heather! “I’ll see them.”

  She hurried down the hall. If she recalled right, Mrs. Duff was Byron’s sister. She had wondered if she was still going to meet his sister. She hadn’t seen Byron since that day she saw him following the Duke of Winnett. Her father had spoken with him twice since that day. She didn’t know why it bothered her that Byron hadn’t bothered to ask to speak with her. Her father had told her that the meetings had been brief and inconsequential. So it shouldn’t matter to her if Byron wanted to see her or not. And yet, it did. She couldn’t explain why, but she missed talking with him. It was ironic she should want to talk to him when one considered how much he used to annoy her.

  She reached the drawing room just as the butler was bringing in the tea and crumpets.

  Heather waved for her to sit in the chair. “I can’t believe the same gentleman who is courting you happens to be my sister-in-law’s brother. I thought Mr. Tumilson was familiar, but I couldn’t figure out why.”

  Byron’s sister smiled as the butler left the room. “Byron stays busy with his job. He’s always running off to do something. I’ve only managed to get him to attend a dinner party once. Unfortunately, that didn’t turn out well.”

  “Why?” Heather asked before she picked up her cup and drank from it.

  “Charles didn’t like him when he first met him,” Byron’s sister said. “To be fair to Charles, the feeling was mutual. My brother didn’t like him, either. But they resolved their differences and like each other now.” Her gaze went to Eleanor. “I’m Eris, by the way. I’m here because Byron thought we’d make good friends. He said he originally wanted you to come to my townhouse but then thought I should come here instead. He didn’t explain why, though. It would have been fine with me if you came to my townhouse.”

  Eleanor figured it was best not to tell her about her father. It wouldn’t matter if the lady knew the details anyway. Instead, she said, “I’m Eleanor.” Then she bit into a crumpet.

  “You two might be more than friends if your brother gets his way,” Heather told Eris. “He fancies Eleanor.”

  Eris’ eyes widened in surprise. “He does?”

  Heather nodded. “He’s an attentive suitor. He watches her whenever they’re in the same room, and he makes sure he has two dances with her at the balls. Everyone else in Ladies of Grace noticed it, too. I’ve never seen any lady make a gentleman vie for her attention the way she does. I feel a bit sorry for him.” Heather glanced her way. “It’s not up to me to tell you who to marry, but I do hope you’ll put the poor man out of his misery and choose him. You two make a good couple.”

  Heather wouldn’t be saying that if she knew he was a Runner. Heather, like the other members of the group, assumed he was wealthy. She glanced at Eris. Eris wasn’t going to say anything about his financial standing, was she?

  “Byron keeps a lot of things private,” Eris said. “He doesn’t tell me much about what he does.”

  “But he did want you to meet her,” Heather pointed out. “I think it’s a sign he’s about to propose.”

  “Yes, it could be.” Eris’ gaze went to Eleanor. “He’s never asked me to meet a lady before. That must mean you’re someone special.”

  “Considering how private he is, I’d say so.” Heather tapped the bottom of her cup for a moment then asked Eleanor, “I don’t suppose you’d tell us your answer if he were to propose?”

  Eleanor’s face grew hot. Oh dear. Just how should she answer that question? She couldn’t marry him. He was a Runner. Her father would never approve.

  She shook that thought off. What was she thinking? He wasn’t interested in her that way. He was only pretending to be interested in her. It was part of the job he had been hired to do. Apparently, not even Eris knew Byron was working for her father. Byron really did keep a lot of secrets.

  Heather giggled. “It’s a yes, Eris. She wants to marry him. She’s just too shy to come out and say it since he hasn’t proposed yet.”

  At this point, Eleanor wished she could run out of the room. She was sure everyone at Ladies of Grace would assume the same. Well, they were all in for a shock when they realized she was going to marry someone else instead.

  “There’s no need to embarrass her,” Eris told Heather. “Let’s talk about something else.”

  “All right.” Heather turned back to Eleanor. “I love your new gowns and jewelry. The ones you had before were fine, but these are just lovely. Where did you get them?”

  Silently thanking Eris for the change in topic, Eleanor began to answer the question.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Byron groaned as he got ready for another ball. He shouldn’t let the duke get to him. He’d worked with plenty of demanding people in the past. They hadn’t bothered him. So why was Eleanor’s father different?

  It couldn’t be the difference in his and the duke’s social stations. Byron had worked with nobility before, though he had been far more discreet in his job. He had never had to dance with someone’s daughter or go to dinner parties before. But dancing and dinner parties weren’t difficult. He knew the dance steps, and he was familiar with the things expected of him at dinner parties.

  No, there was something else that bothered him, something that prodded at him from the corner of his mind. He was almost afraid to give it attention. He might not like figuring it out. In his experience, some things were better left in the shadows. Not all secrets should be exposed.