Page 84 of How to Fall for a Scoundrel
He opened his mouth as if intending to say something, then shook his head and changed his mind. “Of course. I’ll tell Carson to ready the horses.”
When he left the room she said goodbye to Hugo, but he was waiting for her when she stepped out into the hallway. Before she could say anything, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a crushing hug.
“Thank you,” he breathed, pressing his nose into her hair. “You’ve given me back my name, my future. Everything.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead and his voice dropped to a husky groan. “I wish you could stay and help me celebrate. I want to show youexactlyhow grateful I am.”
Ellie swallowed a sudden lump in her throat even as her body urged her to throw caution to the wind. “I wish I could, too, but I have to go.”
She wouldnotcry. If this was goodbye, the last time they were alone together, then she would take it like a strong, sophisticated woman. She would not wail and make a fuss. Heartbreak wasn’t fatal.
She pulled out of his arms and stepped back as the rattle of the carriage sounded outside. “I’m glad tonight was a success. I’ll let you know what Tess says. Good night.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Harry’s official confirmation as the twelfth Earl of Cobham sent a shock wave through theton.Society was agog with the news that the man who had been amongst them as Henri Bonheur, Comte de Carabas, was, in fact, none other than Henry Brooke, the Lost Earl.
As if that wasn’t enough, there was a persistent rumor going around that the same man was also Charles King, the mysterious owner of King & Co. investigative agency.
Despite being the ones who’dstartedthat particular rumor, with Harry’s permission, Ellie, Tess, and Daisy all strenuously denied it whenever they were asked, which naturally did nothing but fan the flames of speculation.
The man in question, however, was being remarkably elusive. He’d kept a frustratingly low profile for the past two weeks; Ellie hadn’t seen him since she’d checked his papers were all in order and addressed them to the Lord Chancellor’s office herself.
Tess had jumped at the chance to host a party, much to her husband’s dismay, and invitations had been sent out to over a hundred of society’s most respected andfashionable members, for attendance at a special ball to introduce the Lost Earl.
Acceptance letters had been piling up on the silver tray in the hallway of Wansford House for days.
“I don’t think we’ve had more than a dozen people say they can’t come,” Daisy said excitedly, as she and Ellie compiled a final list in Tess’s elegant drawing room. “It’s going to be an absolute crush.”
Tess beamed. “It’s going to be the biggest event I’ve ever hosted. Poor Justin thinks we’ve all gone mad.”
“At least Harry’s paying for it all.” Daisy grinned. “That should keep your husband happy. The only time he likes to spend money is when it’s on you.”
Tess glanced at Ellie. “Will your dress be ready in time?”
“Madame Lefèvre has promised to have it delivered by tomorrow morning.”
“I can’t believe you’ve finally ordered something so wonderful for yourself.” Tess smiled. “I can’t wait to see you in it.”
Ellie’s stomach did a little nervous flip. She’d used some of her share of Bullock’s money to buy her very first dress from the fashionable couturier, a beautiful peacock-blue silk gown with velvet ribbon along the neckline and hem.
If the dress made her look and feel beautiful, then she might also be able to feign confidence and effortless ease for the evening as well. She was about to witness Harry’s ultimate triumph, and it wouldn’t do to appear dispirited. Even if that was how she felt inside.
“Does anyone know what Harry’s planning to wear?” Daisy asked idly.
“No idea, but I can’t imagine it’ll be anything less than magnificent.”
Ellie adjusted her spectacles. “Are you sure we’ve made the right decision, letting everyone think that Harry is Charles King? After all,wewere the ones who started this enterprise. We’ve done all of the work. Don’t you think it’s unfair to let a man just swan in and take all the credit?”
Daisy shook her head. “We’ve already discussed this. And no, it’s perfectly fine. I wouldn’t have agreed to it otherwise, and neither would Tess.”
Tess gave a fervent nod. “Agreed.”
“After all, it’s as advantageous for us as it is for him,” Daisy continued. “We always let clients assume our employer was a man, so this really isn’t that different. If anything, I predict we’ll get even more business now, because of his charm and natural charisma. People just can’t help believing in him.”
“And it’s the perfect explanation for everyone who previously met him as Henri Bonheur, or Enrico Castellini,” Tess added. “He can just say he assumed those roles to work undercover for a case.”
Ellie toyed with her pen. “Well, he’d better not embarrass us, now that he’s the very visible figurehead of the company.”
“I’m sure he won’t. Now that he’s been confirmed as the earl, he’s unlikely to do anything that will risk his position. He came to us saying he was determined to stay on the right side of the law, and I don’t think he’s in any danger of going back on that now.”