Page 29 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous (Matchmaking Mischief Makers #2)
C aroline paced before the drawing room fireplace in her brother’s house, her mind racing. “And this mysterious woman in blue? Once you ran her to ground, she admitted it? Just like that?”
Amelia reclined on the chaise, watching her sister-in-law with amused patience. “Not ‘just like that.’ I had to employ considerable tact and a small measure of… persuasion.”
“Persuasion?” Caroline stopped pacing, her eyes widening. Amelia was so good, and transparent, she couldn’t imagine her doing anything underhand.
“Nothing improper, I assure you. Merely a suggestion that Mr. Barnaby might not be as stalwart as Miss Barrett believes him to be. That he might, in fact, be preparing to depart for the Continent should the schemes in which she is a key player be discovered, leaving her to face the consequences of her falsehoods alone.” Amelia’s tone was light, but her eyes held a calculating gleam.
Caroline gasped. “Is that true? What do you know about Barnaby’s role in this?”
“Only that—after speaking to Miss Barrett—I give you far more credence than I did before that something havey-cavey is going on, and that Henry is being maligned for reasons as yet unknown.”
“So do you believe me now about Venetia being kidnapped—?”
Amelia held up her hand to stop her. “I believe that everything you say, while entirely possible, should never be discussed in public if either you, or she, are to hold your heads up high.” She made a noise of disapproval, her hands resting protectively over her slightly rounded belly.
“I’m not saying that is right. I’m just cautioning you to be discreet until the evidence is irrefutable.
Now, back to Barnaby and why he should wish to blacken Henry’s name.
You suggest a possible connection with Lord Windermere, to whom no whiff of scandal has, as yet, been attached.
So, you must, again, keep silent until someone else points a finger.
” She shrugged, then added, “And maybe Barnaby will take the bait and manage what I do not believe you or Venetia are capable. Barnaby, and men of his sort, rarely stand firm when confronted. In any case, my polite questioning had the desired effect. This actress , Miss Barrett, became quite agitated and admitted that Barnaby had approached her at the theater where she is performing The Taming of the Shrew . She was to come to the ball, play the part of a jilted lover and create a public scene to smear Henry.”
“And did she say what reason Barnaby had given her?” Caroline could barely contain her agitation. She moved to the window, watching as a carriage rattled past on the street below.
“Only that he promised her five pounds for her performance and assured her it was merely a jest between friends.” Amelia’s expression grew serious as Caroline swung round. “However, I believe she knows more than she’s saying.”
Caroline resumed her pacing. “It’s all connected somehow.
We know that. Barnaby’s accusations about Henry’s financial improprieties, this false princess, Lord Windermere’s persistent interest in Venetia, Mrs. Pike’s complicity…
but what’s the link?” She pressed her fingers to her temples, as if the physical pressure might bring clarity to her thoughts.
“Perhaps it’s money.” Amelia adjusted a cushion behind her. “It usually is, in cases like these.”
“But Venetia has none. That’s why her aunt was so desperate to marry her off.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow. “People’s financial situations can be more complex than they appear.”
Caroline stopped abruptly. “So… you are beginning to think what I’ve been suggesting all this time?”
“I certainly believe far more of what you have been saying.” Amelia rose gracefully, smoothing her gown.
“But now, as you said yourself, we have to find a motive. In any case, I’ve done as you asked.
I found your mysterious lady and confirmed she’s no foreign princess.
Now—” She hesitated. “You’ll be at the Masquerade Ball tomorrow night? ”
Caroline nodded fiercely. “I need to be wherever Lord Windermere and Barnaby are if I’m to discover what’s… rotten in the state of Denmark.”
Amelia’s burst of laughter transformed her grim expression. “My dear Caroline, your mother would be impressed with your knowledge of Shakespeare.”
Caroline shook her head sadly. “My mother is only interested in my making the most advantageous match. Just like Aunt Pike, only at least I have you and Frederick to look to my interests.” She sighed, her responsibility weighing ever more heavily upon her. “Poor Venetia has only me to protect her.”