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“If Mrs. Stone wishes to make a wise investment, far be it for me to discourage her.”

“What if I could offer you a job with good moneyandensure your debts are paid?”

“A job,” he spluttered.

“A commission.” She eyed him. “As an officer in the Army.”

He stilled, and his constant smug smile dropped. “A commission?”

She nodded. “Think about it. The ladies will adore you, you shall get to spend time with gentlemen, and you shall earn a good wage.”

“And this commission, where is it?”

“Yorkshire.”

“I don’t know anything or anyone in Yorkshire.”

“But, Mr. Cartwright, you are so very good at making friends. Surely you would do wonderfully in the officer’s mess.” She forced a smile that made her feel a little queasy.

“And my debts?”

“I shall ensure any debts you have accrued locally are paid off.”

His gaze narrowed. “Why would you do such a thing?”

“Because I want you far away from Mrs. Stone.” She shrugged. “There is no other reason for it.” She forced a smile. “Imagine yourself in uniform. A wealthy man once more.Mingling with the upper echelons of society. It surely has to be better than spending time here?”

Mr. Cartwright tapped a finger against his chin. Then glanced toward the gaming hell. Pursing his lips, he gave a little shrug. “Very well. Clear my debts, send me to Yorkshire as an officer. I will never see Mrs. Stone again, you have my word.” He thrust out a hand.

Angel eyed the hand.

“You negotiate like a gentleman, so I think we should have gentleman’s agreement, do you not think?”

She slipped her hand into his, and he shook it. A half-smile cut across his face, and he shook his head. “When I was told of Lady Angel Templeton, I did not think she would be like this.”

“Like what?”

“Willing to give up money for a silly old lady.”

“Perhaps, sir, it would be best if you do not listen to gossip in the future.” She lifted her chin and strode out of the building. She had won, so she would not scold him for his horrible words, even though she felt a pang for Mrs. Stone. The poor woman had trusted him, and he had cast aside her offered friendship without a second thought.

Still, Mr. Cartwright would get what he deserved. She smiled to herself. Little did he know, the man he would be serving under was a known brute and kept a dry officer’s mess. He didn’t believe in the men indulging in alcohol or any kind of scandalous behavior. She allowed herself a little chuckle. She might have to pay his debts with what little money she had left, but hopefully that would all be replaced soon enough.

If her siblings had succeeded in their tasks.

Chapter Fourteen

Reuben dismounted from his horse and tossed the reins to the stable boy. Marching toward the house, he shoved a hand through his hair. He’d come straight from his morning ride after hearing the news and was still in a state of undress, but he couldn’t wait. Damn the woman. Ignoring him, then putting herself in danger for God knows what reason.

He found his aunt and Angel standing on the lawns, their arms above their heads. In time with one another, they stretched their arms then brought them down and bent at their waists. He shook his head. What the devil were they doing? If he wasn’t so bloody furious and frustrated, he’d take the time to appreciate the sight of a bent over Angel, but all he pictured at present was her beaten and bruised and left to die in some alleyway after her nighttime adventure to the gaming hell.

Had that been what she wanted? Adventure? Because if the damned woman wanted adventure, he’d offer it to her—in a safe manner. Heck, he’d go to the depths of hell with her if that’s what she wanted.

He should pause. Take a breath. Stop and think logically for a moment. But he’d spent the past week trying to fathom what he had done to upset Angel, twisting himself inside out inan attempt to understand why she had been so angry with him, what he could have possibly done.

And then he hears the news that she’d spent the evening in a gaming hell!

Both women turned as he approached. He heard Angel instructing his aunt on whatever it was that they were doing. Aunt Jean gave him a broad grin then bent her legs and lifted her arms. Angel’s gaze narrowed briefly on him before she set her gaze determinedly away from him. He blew out a hot breath. She had no right to be angry with him, not after what she had done.