Page 12 of Enchanted by the Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #93)
“Mrs. Vaughn knows nothing about her brother-in-law’s situation nor that, as the widow of her deceased husband, she should have possibly inherited her husband’s share of whatever wealth their parents left them when they died. This would include keeping her husband’s possessions when he perished.”
Lucius scowled, still fixated on the idea that she might become Valentine’s bride even though he didn’t want to marry her—or anyone.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon cleared her throat, reminding him to focus.
He said, “With no title involved, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find the truth of the matter.
Again, she could easily hire an attorney.
” He halted his words thinking of Cassandra’s association with his own friends now married to her friends.
“I assume that it is Mrs. Vaughn’s goal to become a respected member of Society and this is your main objective…
to see the lady settled as well as her other friends.
” The words echoed in his head. Respectable member… settled. Settled. Respectable. Settled…
“Just so,” the widow murmured. Lucius watched as she returned to her chair with her sherry—the room tilted sideways. She really was like a Black Widow spider, sticking to surfaces no matter which way they went. Good Lord, he needed to sober up.
Once seated, she slightly lifted her veil to slip her glass underneath the lace before placing the delicate glass on to the small table between the chairs.
“She could still just hire an attorney to handle this for her,” Lucius repeated wondering what the reason was for the widow to call him into her office. Other than paying the debt, of course.
Apparently, she could read minds. Astounding but truly, not surprising.
At least anymore. Because she said, “But that would hardly pay your debt to me, now would it, Lord Blackthorn?” She gave a light laugh.
“I think you could do the job just as well, my lord. It would mean she wouldn’t have to hire an attorney and risk being exposed to Society, or her late husband’s brother.
And it certainly would relieve you of the debt. ”
Without warning, Lucius suddenly felt sober.
He returned to his chair and sank into his seat.
Since he knew very little about Cassandra, he realized, she could have created her own last name to hide her identity.
Rather like his current mistress, whose name—though appealing—reeked of something contrived.
“Who exactly is the man whose past I should be investigating?”
“Mr. Barlow Vaughn.”
A frown formed across his brow. The name meant nothing to him since they had never crossed paths before, at least as far as he was aware.
“I’m not acquainted with the man. I still don’t see how I can help.” He shrugged. His head swam a bit but not as badly as it had earlier.
The widow inclined her head regally. “I’m certain you’ll think of something, my lord.
After all, you are well received in the best of houses and have many connections both with your friends and with your family that you can use.
Above all, I have faith you can right the wrong that has been done to the lady. ”
A sudden—coherent!—thought occurred to him. “If your plans are for her to marry Lord Carrington, why not enlist his aid? After all, he is to be her future husband?” Why did the thought of Valentine and Cassandra leave a sour taste in his mouth?
“Lord Carrington has his own debts to settle with me, and are none of your concern. Do we have a deal, my lord?”
Lucius reminded himself of his warnings to his brother about getting indebted to the widow by getting snared in one of her webs.
“Let’s clarify our arrangement. I investigate Mr. Vaughn to ensure he wasn’t entitled to his younger brother’s fortune and property thus restoring anything due Mrs. Vaughn as the widow of her deceased husband.
After that, my debt to you is settled. That’s it?
” he asked to ensure there was no additional, hidden agenda he might have missed.
“It’s really that simple, my lord. Figure out the mystery of Mrs. Vaughn’s past, discreetly of course, and your own future will be free to live as you see fit to enjoy your bachelorhood,” Mrs. Dove-Lyon replied, reaching again for her sherry.
“No other strings attached.”
“Exactly.”
That was a simple request. Even with the remnants of drugs addling his thoughts, he could see there were no risks. “Then we have a deal,” Lucius said, agreeing to her terms.
“Good! Now that our business is finalized, I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening and I will see you at my masquerade ball next week.”
With his meeting with the Black Widow of Whitehall over, Lucius stood, bowed, and left the room.
He was not surprised to raise his eyes toward the women’s balcony to find Cassandra Vaughn at the edge.
Without another word to anyone, or even the slight acknowledgement or greeting to her, he left the Lyon’s Den, wondering how in the hell he was going to investigate a man he knew nothing about.