Page 47 of A Bride for the Devilish Duke

“To restore his name and reputation by marrying into a respectable family,” she told him vaguely.

“Well, keep that part secret, Emma,” he chuckled, tapping his nose, “were it to reach the scandal sheets, it would render the entire enterprise moot. The Regent would not be impressed. I hear that the Regent has a personal stake in the Redmane title. The former Duke was a senior member of the Court and a personal friend of the Prince.”

Emma considered this as a group of ladies and gentlemen, laughing and talking loudly, swept past them toward a cottage that now housed a shop selling cakes.

“It does not matter,” she sighed, “I am going along with it for my own reasons. To help Papa and the girls and free us all from Silas Sutherland.”

Charles nodded soberly. “A Duke's money would certainly come inuseful…”

There was something fervent in his voice that made Emma's ears prick up.

“Charles, are you quite certain there is nothing that you need to tell me? If a scandal ensues, it could cause problems for the Duke, and therefore, for all of us.”

Her brother’s brows pinched in thought. He seemed on the verge of speaking, but then another voice rose above the general hubbub.

“Charles! What a coincidence, we were just looking for you!” said Isaac Fitzgerald.

Charles paled as though all the blood in his body had just flowed out of a hole in his shoe. He took a backward step as Isaac emerged from an oncoming crowd.

“Isaac, you'll have to excuse me. I have an appointment, rather urgent,” Charles stammered, taking further steps, pulling his arm free of Emma's grip.

“Where are you residing while you're in town?” Jacob asked, materializing behind Charles and causing him to spin around.

“Erm... that is to say... my lodgings are… Finsbury Square.”

“Truly?I understand you've been seen in Whitechapel a lot recently,” Isaac replied.

“In thegambling dens,” Jacob narrowed.

Emma felt her heart sink as she watched her brother squirm.

“My brother does not gamble. What business is it you have with him?” she asked, returning to Charles' side and taking his arm.

“Does Charles Montrose gamble? As well ask if the French eat cheese!” Jacob snorted. “Good day to you Lady Emmeline Montrose, congratulations on your impending marriage. I wonder how long it will last?”

“Leave my sister out of this, Jacob,” Charles snapped, trying to put himself between Emma and the other man.

“I shall be speaking to my fiancée about the financial aspects of our marriage,” Emma narrowed her gaze, “rest assured thatany business dealings you have with the Montrose family will be discussed too. Andaddressed.”

She met the eyes of both men, trying to communicate without being specific and hoping they took her meaning.

“We look forward to dealing with aMontrosewho honors their obligations,” Isaac muttered.

The two men took their leave and Emma rounded on Charles.

“Gambling, Charles? How much do you owe?”

She could no longer keep the ire from her voice given the lengths she had gone already to help Charles out of self-inflicted situations. But before he could answer, Emma saw Damien over his shoulder. He had not yet seen her but was walking towards her along a path that would take him right past where she and Charles currently stood.

“Charles, I must go. But please visit number three Curzon Street, that is where we are residing. We can finish this discussion later this evening.”

Charles followed her eyes and saw Damien on horseback. He winked at his sister.

“Have no fear, Emma. Head off that way, towards the Deer Pound. I will intercept the Duke and delay him.

Without another word or a backward glance, he set off towards Damien at a brisk trot.

Bless you, dear brother, you do not understand my motives but you see my need. I cannot be cornered by Damien. He will force me to be measured by the modiste and I cannot bear that thought! When will I ever be as I was again?