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T iffany paced her room, trying to decide what to share with the ladies. If Wolf could get Sprat to pay up… But she thought the likelihood of that was nearing zero. She looked in the mirror. You’ve lost all their money.

The only woman who would really be affected by the loss was Lauren. Lauren’s father was practically in the poorhouse. It was only Lauren’s dividends keeping her father and her afloat. Thank God Sprat had been paying those small amounts. Of course, he did so only to get the larger investment amounts. And most of the ladies simply reinvested the dividends, paying the money right back to Sprat, the thief. What a fool she had been.

She would ask Wolf to take her to meet Jacob Lane as soon as possible. She had some money from her latest quarterly pin payment and some dividend money set aside for emergencies. She would invest it in Armley Mill. All of it. It should make her enough to pay back all of the ladies and keep Lauren and her father from the poorhouse. However, her plans of financial security would be set back several years.

Now it was even more imperative to win the contest with the men. She would need the money.

“Miss Tiffany, you’re next.”

Milly indicated the chair Claire had just vacated in front of the dressing table mirror. As Claire rose, she said, “I wonder what Fane wants with us. My brother has called us to a meeting in the drawing room before we leave tonight. He’s actually accompanying us. I wonder what has happened?”

Tiffany didn’t know what to say. She had an idea of what the discussion to come was about, but would not believe it until she heard it with her own ears. Wolf had promised to keep her secret until their share wager was complete. He would never go back on his word. Unless you were in danger…

“Miss Tiffany?”

“I’m sorry, Milly. Did you ask me something?”

“Do you want the pearls woven through your hair or just a simple coil tonight?”

“It’s only a recital—”

“But Lord Wolfarth is escorting you. You want to look nice for him.” Milly giggled. Claire merely snorted.

Tiffany reluctantly gave in and let Milly thread the pearl string through her hair. She had to admit, the pearls glowed beautifully and lifted the color of her hair from dark auburn to golden. She gave herself a critical look. She’d never been concerned with her appearance. Not being a great beauty, she never thought it mattered. But she did want to look nice for Wolf. And Milly had achieved a miracle. For a moment, before she slipped on her glasses, Tiffany almost didn’t recognize herself.

Soon Milly was finished and a footman knocked to say Lord Marlowe was waiting for them downstairs.

Why did Tiffany feel as if she were going to the tower rather than the drawing room? If her secret was revealed…

As soon as she entered the room and looked at Marlowe, she knew Wolf had told him about their wager.

“Claire, Tiffany,” her cousin said stiffly. Luckily, Ivy and Ashleigh and their handsome, traitorous brother had yet to arrive. “Please sit.”

“What’s this about, Fane?” his sister asked.

Fane ignored Claire and asked Tiffany, “Why did you not come to me if you wanted to invest your pin money?” It was hurt, not anger, pouring off Fane. “I would have let you use my stockjobber and you would not be in this position of possibly losing everything.”

Claire gasped. “What is he talking about?” she directed at Tiffany.

“It would appear Tiffany’s been investing in shares behind my back. Her stockjobber, Mr. Sprat, is a swindler. He is trying to defraud Lord Melville and it looks as if he’s done it to others.”

Claire turned concerned eyes her way. “And you think he has you—your money and we—you won’t get it back?”

“There is that possibility. I’m sorry, Fane. I didn’t come to you, because Mr. Sprat was my father’s stockjobber and it never occurred to me not to trust him. I wanted to prove I could make my own money. I wanted to relieve you of the burden of providing for me.”

“Burden? You are family. I have never considered you a burden. Is that what you think? Have I ever made you feel as if you were unwanted?” His disappointment speared the room.

She’d insulted him. “Perhaps burden is the wrong word. All of you have made me feel so welcome. I know exactly how lucky I have been to have received your love. I’d never have got through losing my parents without you all. Your father and mother were like second parents to me. But look at it from my position. I have a skill that means I could earn my own money. If you were in my place, would you stay beholden to others?”

Fane’s mouth firmed but the look of betrayal left his eyes. “But I’m supposed to look after you financially. You have no need to earn your own money. You’ll marry, and marry well if I have anything to say about it, and look, you’ve garnered the attention of a fine man in Lord Wolfarth. You’ll have no financial concerns as his wife.”

How did she explain that one chance meeting with Wolf had brought this courtship about? She could have gone her whole life and he may never have noticed her. As she moved toward spinsterhood, Fane would have tried to buy her a husband, and she would never put up with that. So she said nothing, just shrugged her shoulders.

Fane simply shook his head. “Hopefully you’ve learned your lesson and realize investing is really best left to men. If you wish to invest your pin money in future, come to me and I’ll suggest some investments for you. Wolf told me he’s going to approach Sprat on your behalf to get your funds back, if he can. I’m sure if Wolf can’t pressure Sprat into returning the funds, given the situation with Lord Melville, I can refund you the small amount. How much can it be if it’s simply been your pin money?”

Claire sent a concerned look her way. Tiffany wanted to scream at Fane and tell him she was quite capable of selecting her own investments and that, in fact, in twelve months he would see that when they won their wager against the men. But the fact he was asking to know the amount Sprat owed her kept her silent. How did she reveal it was close to five thousand pounds? Her money and the DD’s investments.

Instead she sent Claire a warning look and simply said, “Thank you, Fane. That is most kind of you.”

Just then Ivy, Ashleigh and Wolf arrived. Once all the greetings had been observed, Wolf cleared his throat. Tiffany simply sat scowling at him. She knew she shouldn’t be that upset, given this was a terrible situation and he’d probably had little choice, but really. He should have talked to her first, so that they could have shaped the reveal. But then he didn’t know about the DD’s…yet. She’d have to reveal all when she presented him with her purchase orders. How had she invested such a large sum when she’d had little to begin with?

“Tiffany has brought to my attention that a stockjobber—do you know what that is?” When the girls nodded, he continued. “This Mr. Sprat is insinuating our uncle, Lord Melville, has placed share orders that have not been honored. Melville swears that is not true and I and Rockwell believe him. I’ve managed to do some investigating and this man is very dangerous. So all of you must ensure you are never alone when out of the house. No more walking between our homes, even if it is only two doors down the street, without at least a footman with you, preferably two, one on each side.” He aimed this comment directly at her.

Tiffany wasn’t stupid. If her hunch was right, and Sprat had played a hand in her father’s death, either from shady share dealings or direct murder, she would not underestimate the man.

“I assume you gentlemen will be sorting this situation out quickly. We have a charity stall to run in a few days’ time.” Ashleigh’s raised eyebrows and the straight line of her mouth indicated she knew what her brother was about to say.

“The stall will have to wait. I’ve already spoken to Reverend Smith on Ivy’s behalf and explained a family emergency has occurred. I shall advise him of a more suitable date shortly.”

“But that is not your call to make,” Ivy protested before Tiffany could do the same.

“Of course it is. You ladies are my responsibility.” Wolf stared them down.

“And what about the money I need for my orphanage?”

Tiffany sucked in her breath. Ivy was pushing the limit of Wolf’s temper if his scowl was anything to go by.

“I’m happy to fund you over this period if you need. But your safety comes first.” His voice deepened. “I won’t have a repeat of Margo…”

Had Tiffany just seen Wolf’s hand shake? Ivy’s face paled and she nodded. “Of course. You know better than I of the dangers.”

“Tiffany, do you concur? You must not meet with Sprat in person, promise me that.”

The underlying fear in Wolf’s voice made her want to lean in and hug him. What had happened to Margo? Something truly awful, because the look of terror in Wolf’s eyes sent a shiver down her spine.

“I will follow your and Marlowe’s instructions to the letter. I don’t wish to end up like my parents. But I want you to promise you’ll get this man and make him pay.” Her reward was a wave of relief rolling across Wolf’s features.

“I give you my word.” There was nothing more to be said.

“Shall we depart?” Marlowe stood. “The carriages are below.”

She had disappointed and hurt Fane and she felt sick. She hated that Fane had found out this way. One day, when she was ready, she would have told him about her investing. He’d have found out in twelve months anyway when the truth of the wager was revealed.

The party made their way down the stairs. She could feel Claire’s eyes seeking out hers. She would have to call a meeting of the DD’s and confess all, but first she would speak to Wolf and meet with Jacob Lane so she could earn enough to repay all they had lost. She needed to talk with Wolf in private. Had he already spoken to Sprat to get her share certificates?

Claire walked next to her and, without looking at her, took Tiffany’s hand in hers and squeezed. She whispered, “It will be all right. It’s only money.”

She wanted to turn and embrace Claire for her kindness. Ivy and Ashleigh hadn’t looked at her since Wolf had revealed the situation. Both had invested quite considerable sums, both for Ivy’s orphanage. Ivy must be so worried. She was thankful they hadn’t come at her in front of the men, for then Wolf and Fane would know she hadn’t just lost her own money—she’d lost everyone’s.

However, the weight of their disappointment cloaked her. To be responsible for such a loss for each woman in the group—when she’d pridefully boasted how much she’d made—was mortifying. But her profit would have been on paper only, as she doubted Sprat had ever bought any shares in her name. How would they ever forgive her?

And she couldn’t talk to them in front of the men for fear of alerting them to the ladies and their wager with them. Tiffany needed to win their wager now more than ever, as she’d need the winnings to repay everyone.

It was a very subdued trip to Lady Combes’s recital. As soon as they arrived, the ladies excused themselves and headed to the retiring room. Tiffany’s stomach rollicked as she walked to face the music.

They excused the maid and ensured no other ladies were present. Tiffany spoke first, tears welling. “I’m so sorry. I swear I’ll earn all your money back. This time I’ll use a reputable stockjobber.”

Ivy pulled her into her arms. “Please don’t cry. You don’t want red-rimmed eyes when you sit next to Wolf tonight. There is only one person to blame for this and it’s not you.”

“That’s right,” said Ashleigh. “It’s bloody Sprat. Men. Honestly, if women ruled the world it would be a much nicer place.”

Claire scoffed. “Women rule the world? I doubt that will ever happen. Not in our lifetime anyway. I’ll call a meeting with the DD tomorrow. If some of the ladies are here tonight, tell them to be at my house after midday. I’ll send notes to the others in the morning.”

“I have a plan to earn the money back,” Tiffany said. “I have two shares that are likely to out-perform the rest this year, and I doubt the men will have invested in them.” Except Wolf. He might, because she’d alerted him to Armley Mill. She pushed that thought away. “Wolf has offered me his stockjobber, and I’m hoping I can hide the fact we are the challengers by investing only in these two shares. I’m hoping you’ll let me wait until after the challenge is won to pay you back, as I’ll need what little I have set aside to fund the challenge.”

“I can always give you more money,” Ashleigh said.

“Absolutely not. You wanted the financial freedom as much as I did because of your—situation. I will earn it all back. Just watch me.”

Their plan set for a DD meeting tomorrow, Tiffany made her way back to the music room. By then she’d have met with Mr. Lane and could place her share purchase.

She stood in the doorway and sought out the man she should be furious with, but deep in her heart she understood it was merely concern for her that saw him betray her secret. The fear in his eyes when he’d talked about keeping the ladies safe had been obvious. And he mentioned Margo. What had happened to her? How had she died?

The need to know sent her mind into a whirl. It must have been awful if even Ashleigh and Ivy hadn’t been told. How could she find out? If she wanted to understand Wolf and, in particular, why he wanted to marry her, she needed answers from his past. Why was he happy to marry a woman he didn’t love when it was obvious he’d been deeply in love with Margo? Tiffany wasn’t beautiful. She was a woman most of society ignored. Why her?

If she knew the answers to these questions, she might ascertain if she’d ever be able to win Wolf’s heart. If she couldn’t, then he was not the man for her, no matter how much her heart wanted him to be. She couldn’t make someone love her. Love had to be freely given.

Just then his eyes found hers across the room, and the smile curving his lips appeared genuine and only for her. Her heart did a little flip, as it always did when he gave her his full attention. He rose to his feet and, as if she were walking on air, she made her way to his side.

He took her hand and bowed low, placing his lips on her gloves. How she wished his lips touched bare skin instead.

“No longer angry with me?” His words were soft, so only she could hear over the conversations going on around them.

“I’m too sensible not to recognize you had no choice.” He waited while she took her seat. “I was wondering if you would escort me to meet with your Mr. Lane tomorrow. I’d like to place some share purchase orders. I’d also like to be there when you meet with Mr. Lane to discuss Sprat.”

He didn’t answer her immediately. He sat looking at her as if trying to see inside her head. Finally, he said, “You would be safe with me, and I did promise you access to Mr. Lane. We shall go to Capel Court immediately after the painting session so that we can see Lane before the afternoon share trading session. Does that suit you?”

Bother. She hadn’t thought this through. She’d also wanted to talk to Lady Wolfarth after the painting session. She was the one person who would know his past. The question was, would his mother share her son’s story with her? Tiffany thought Lady Wolfarth might reveal a few family secrets, as she seemed very keen on this match.

“That would be suitable.”

“Will you share the names of the stocks you may purchase with me?”

She smiled at him, aware that he was teasing her. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re only interested in me for my share advice.” He laughed along with her. “I’ve already given you one share tip—Armley Mill.”

“Yes, but have you heard about the challenge?” She tried not to let her face betray anything. “Someone has challenged myself and a few of the ton peers to a twelve month investment wager. Each of the men challenged will be investing one thousand pounds, and the winner is the person who achieves the highest return on their individual investment. I did think the woman who will become my wife would help me win such a wager.”

“Between your investment skills and Mr. Lane’s, you’re quite capable of winning that sort of wager. You certainly don’t need me.”

“I like that you didn’t disagree you’d become my wife.” With the other guests still chatting and milling around, Wolf leaned closer and slowly put his hand on her knee. Tiffany could feel the strength of his touch right through his glove and her gown, and she shivered. This dream of a marriage with Wolf filled her with longing for it all to be real. His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “I think I do need you. And not just for your investing skills.”

She wanted to push his hand away. No, you don’t. Instead, she got her muddled brain working. He’d expect that revelation about the wager to pique her curiosity. “Do you have any idea who would issue such a challenge? Or why?”

“I did for one moment think it was Sprat, but the bet was placed at White’s. How would he get access?”

Tiffany shifted her leg as she couldn’t stay still a moment longer. To her disappointment, his hand withdrew from her person. “He could have got someone to place it for him.” The ladies had done that. They’d convinced Serena’s new husband, Lord Julian Montague—or rather, Serena had seduced him into agreeing—to place the wager on their behalf. Tiffany just hoped Julian would keep their secret. She was pretty sure he’d do anything to keep his new wife happy. Especially now that Serena was with child.

Was she a terrible person for sending Wolf’s thoughts on the challenger’s identity on a wild goose chase? For once, Sprat wasn’t the villain in this piece.

“I hadn’t considered that. Maybe one of the lords he’s blackmailing. I shall share those thoughts with the men. We really need to ensure we win, if it is Sprat.”

“Not if he’s found guilty of fraud and murder.” The last thing she’d meant to do was stir the men up so they took the wager even more seriously. She wanted to win.

“True. I don’t think it is Sprat. He’d not want so much attention on himself given the frauds he’s perpetrating. I really have no idea who it might be.”

“Who are we talking about?” Farah asked as she took her seat next to Tiffany.

“Wolf was trying to determine who the man was who placed the investment wager. Have you heard about it? I’ve only just found out.” Tiffany almost winked. To her surprise, Rockwell took the seat on the other side of Farah.

“Maybe a man whom one of us has caused heartbreak to,” said Rockwell with a raised eyebrow at Wolf. “Fane has stepped on a few toes recently.”

“I’d suggest that any of you could have stepped on toes. You’re all favorites with the ladies,” Claire stated, seating herself on the other side of Rockwell. “Who is angry at you now, Fane?” she added, as her bother also sat.

“No one. I make it a principle never to anger anyone. It’s a waste of emotions.”

Tiffany smiled at her cousin. Everyone here was well aware Fane had angered quite a few women. He was known to discard lovers as often as he did waistcoats. “Wolf has told me about the investment wager and we were discussing who the challenger might be. Rockwell thought it might be a man associated with a woman you may have seduced.” Had Fane just sunk lower in his chair?

“I’m sure I don’t have any idea to what you are referring.” His response made everyone laugh.

Soon the music began, and Tiffany’s stomach calmed and her shoulders relaxed. Tomorrow she’d begin again. She would not let the DD down for a second time. And she’d never let Sprat win. She would avenge her father.