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“I ’m quite all right, Wolf. Someone jumped me from behind and hit me over the head as I was checking my horse’s shoe on the way over here this morning. Luckily, Lord Shrewsbury was passing and came to my aid. He chased the attacker off.”

“Did you get a look at him?” Wolf paced the floor. Rockwell shook his head.

“My attacker might not be connected to Sprat. Maybe just an opportunistic robbery attempt.”

“You don’t believe that any more than I do.”

His mother was fussing over Rockwell, while the doctor cleaned his head wound. “You have to catch this horrible man. And soon.”

“It would appear we shouldn’t go riding around London on our own either. I’ll organize more Bow Street Runners.” Rockwell cursed as the doctor administered a couple of stitches.

“Do you feel like accompanying me to Capel Court? Or will you need to rest?” Wolf asked his brother. “I doubt we’ll be in danger at Capel Court. There will be too many people around. And we’ll be in the carriage there and back with four guards.” At Rockwell’s raised eyebrow, he admitted, “I promised Tiffany she could attend with me.”

“Really, Wolf,” his mother said. “Taking a young lady to the Stock Exchange…you’re asking for scandal.”

“That is why I think Rockwell should attend. Most will simply think I’m indulging the woman I’m courting.”

Rockwell spoke before Lady Wolfarth could complain again. “Can you give me an hour to freshen up? I need to change,” he said, pointing to his bloodstained shirt.

“I have to change too. Blast. My painting is still on the easel.” Wolf opened the door and called for one of the servants to retrieve his painting and store it safely away. “Mother, can you ensure Tiffany receives help to change? And tell her to meet us in the entrance hall in one hour for our trip to Capel Court.”

*

“I saw the painting,” Tiffany confessed to Claire, Ivy and Ashleigh as they sat watching Ivy’s lady’s maid, Mary, helping her change. She’d thought to keep her peek at the painting a secret, but she wanted the ladies to think of something other than all the money she’d lost them.

Ivy clapped her hands. “He let you look at it?”

She grimaced. “Not exactly. He and your mother rushed to see to Rockwell.”

“And you snuck a peek?” Ashleigh laughed.

“I had to fetch my glasses. I can’t see without them. They were by the painting.”

Claire leaned forward in her chair. “And?”

Tiffany didn’t know what to say. How did she describe what she’d seen? “He was right when he said most people won’t recognize the woman as me. The woman in the painting is…beautiful. The colors, the setting, the dress—”

Claire giggled in glee. “He thinks you’re beautiful.”

Tiffany shook her head.

“He obviously does,” Ivy added.

“I don’t think you realize how pretty you are when your hair is less severe and you leave those old lady’s glasses off.” Ashleigh walked to where Mary was now redoing Tiffany’s hair. “Let’s soften your look. Get rid of the tight bun and let the soft waves flow down that graceful long neck of yours. It will make a man think about running his lips along that tender white skin. Mary, can you do something to enhance her look?”

Mary nodded. “You have such luscious hair. It holds most styles perfectly.”

“Ashleigh, really,” her sister scolded.

“I don’t want any man kissing my neck.” Then Tiffany smiled. “Except your brother.” And she laughed.

Ivy danced round the room. “I can’t believe it. We will be sisters. I really worried about who Wolf would select as his wife. I’m just so pleased it’s you.”

“Not so fast. I’m not saying I’ll marry him, but I’m willing to consider his proposal.” Tiffany could hardly believe it either. How did she end up here with one of England’s most sought after bachelors courting her? “I just can’t fathom what spurred his sudden interest in me. Any ideas?”

All the girls talked at once, except for Ashleigh. She stayed silent. Tiffany asked her, “Do you know something we don’t?”

Before she could answer, Lady Wolfarth swept into the room. “Young ladies, you need to get some rest. It’s Lady Carthor’s ball tonight. Rockwell has agreed to escort us, as Wolf has some important estate work to complete. All of this fuss with my brother and Wolf’s painting couldn’t have come at a worse time.” With that she was gone, leaving the ladies alone once more.

“Are you attending?” Ivy asked Claire and Tiffany. Claire nodded.

“I might rest tonight since Wolf is not attending,” Tiffany said. “I am feeling quite drained and I still have to talk with Mr. Lane this afternoon. I can use the night to plan how to recoup our losses. Then I’ll be ready to talk with the ladies tomorrow.”

Claire sighed and looked at Ivy and Ashleigh. “Can I go with you and Rockwell? I too don’t feel like going, but I promised Farah I would. She needs help hiding from Lord Franklin. Her brother really is a bully insisting she encourage the man.”

Tiffany felt guilty at leaving Claire to help Farah on her own. What she couldn’t reveal was that Lady Wolfarth’s disclosure that Wolf would be at home while everyone else was out had given her an idea to see just how compatible they were. It would also give her time to find the answers she needed. She would visit him tonight.

“I hope your meeting with Mr. Lane goes well,” Ashleigh said. “Who knows, Wolf might even be able to get your share certificates. Surely the company you invested in has a ledger of who holds what shares. It would tell us if any were bought in your name.”

“I could hug you, Ashleigh. Of course, they must do. At least I’ll know where we stand. I have my list of what I ordered to be bought,” she said, pointing to her reticule. “Mr. Lane will be able to tell me, I’m sure.”

“How are you going to speak with Mr. Lane alone?” Ivy said. “I don’t think it’s a good idea that my brothers hear your business dealings. They may begin to put two and two together.”

Ivy had every right to worry about that. “I think I shall ask to place my orders with one of Mr. Lane’s clerks. I know what shares I wish to buy and I’ll suggest I do that while Rockwell and Wolf talk to Lane about Sprat.”

The ladies all nodded. “Good idea. How are we going to ensure Mr. Lane doesn’t inform my brother of your purchases?” Ashleigh asked.

“I’ll just have to ask them to give me their word not to share my purchase requests with anyone, including Lord Wolfarth, and hope they honor their word.” That made the ladies’ shoulders slump. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything else.”

“Let’s hope that Wolf and the other men are too busy dealing with Sprat to look too closely at what you are doing.” With that Claire stood and said, “Come on. The men can drop me home on the way to Capel Court. I should rest too as I’m sure Farah and I will be escaping certain individuals in the ballroom all night.”

*

The carriage ride to Capel Court was quiet. There were four Runners on the outside of the carriage. Rockwell had leaned his head back on the squab and, with his eyes closed, looked as if he was asleep. She hoped he was all right after his attack.

She could see the line of tension in Wolf’s jaw and some of that transferred to her. His hand settled on her jiggling knee, stilling it.

After half an hour Tiffany couldn’t stand the silence any further. She spoke quietly so as not to wake Rockwell, who was gently snoring. “Mr. Lane should be able to check the company share ledgers to see if I have any shares in my name.”

“I’ve already asked him to do so. We will know the answer when we get there.” Wolf’s tone told her he doubted the news would be good.

“Have the Bow Street Runners found any signs of where Sprat is hiding?”

“No. He seems to have disappeared into the mist. Mr. Lane sent me a missive stating more and more of Sprat’s clients are turning up at the Stock Exchange looking for him. I suspect Sprat has amassed quite the fortune and is leaving a trail of distraught investors behind him.”

She didn’t feel so stupid now. “But these men would have not paid in advance like I did. How have they been affected?”

“The share certificates he sent them, or held for them, were forgeries.” Wolf shifted in his seat. “It’s made me evaluate the whole investing process. I trust Mr. Lane, but from now on, I shall check each share purchase on the company’s register to see that the purchase was made in my name and I am the record of interest for those shares.”

That would be a lot of work. She suddenly understood the weight of his responsibility. Every Wolfarth in the extended family relied on his judgment and expertise. The shame of losing the DD’s money would be nothing compared to losing the money to fund his estates and houses, which supported so many people.

She looked at him and the stress lines around his eyes. If she married him, she could help shoulder some of that burden. She could offer him something more than children and another financial responsibility. She liked the idea of being able to contribute. How would she offer her skills, and would he accept them? Men were usually so full of pride.

“The one good thing about these men stepping forward is that everyone will likely believe Melville’s denials now. So, really, this has turned to a matter of simply finding and prosecuting Sprat.”

Tiffany’s stomach clenched. “Prosecuting him for what? Swindles or murder? I want—no, need—to know if he had anything to do with my parents’ deaths. Was it his men that killed them? I’ve never known the truth.”

He squeezed her knee. “It won’t bring them back.”

She let the tears well. “I just need to know. The idea that I’ve used my parents’ killer as my stockjobber… It eats me up inside.”

“And if he did kill them, won’t that make it worse?” As her tears fell in earnest, Wolf pulled her onto his lap and hugged her tight. “He fooled everyone. Men wiser and older than you. How were you to know that such evil exists in the world? You bear no blame for Sprat’s actions. And I promise you, when I find him I will get the truth from him regarding your parents.”

“Thank you. I will hold you to that promise.”

The carriage turned into Bartholomew Avenue and began to slow. “We are almost at Capel Court.”

Tiffany scrambled off Wolf’s lap and used her handkerchief to wipe her tears. Rockwell stirred awake. “Gosh, that didn’t take long.”

“You’ve been asleep for the whole hour’s drive,” drawled Wolf. “But given your injury, I’ll not tease.”

Mr. Lane had been expecting them, and they entered his offices to find refreshments waiting. Tiffany tried not to let her hands shake as she sipped her tea. “There is not good news on your share certificates. I’m sorry, but we could find only one company holding shares in your name. They are worth only a few pounds.”

It was as if the ceiling had fallen in on her, and she struggled to breathe. Her tea sloshed over the edge and dripped onto her glove. Wolf reached and took the cup out of her hands.

“I will help cover your losses, Tiffany. I won’t let that man rob you.”

She smiled through welling tears. “That is most kind, Wolf. Thank you. However, if Mr. Lane will help me, I fully intend to recoup all I have lost.”

“It would be my honor to assist you,” Mr. Lane said, looking at Wolf.

She rose to her feet. “If that is the case, may I have the services of one of your clerks? I have some shares I wish to purchase. I have the money,” she said, moving to open her reticule.

Mr. Lane also stood. “There is no need for you to pay today. I’m happy to take your orders. If you’ll come with me, I’ll see if Chester is free. He can document your choices, unless you’d like me to look at your stock selections first.”

“No need, thank you. I am quite sure of my picks. I’ll leave you to talk with Lord Wolfarth about Mr. Sprat.” With that she walked out to the reception area and was introduced to Chester, a young man who’d worked for Mr. Lane for five years. Once the introductions were done, she told him what she wanted to buy and how much.

“Your choices have a bit of risk associated with them,” he said. “I’ve tried to tell Mr. Lane to look at Armley Mill. However, your investment in the Scottish railway… I’d be remiss if I didn’t say it’s extremely high risk.”

“This is what I wish to buy. And no, I don’t want this discussed with Lord Wolfarth. This is my money and my choice. Can you ensure my privacy please?”

Chester drew himself up. “My word is my bond. I don’t discuss my clients’ purchases with anyone unless they wish me to.”

“Does that include Mr. Lane?”

“I have to show Mr. Lane what I have done and for whom. But I will ensure I stress the need for your privacy. I’m sure Mr. Lane would never speak to Lord Wolfarth unless he spoke to you first.”

That would have to be enough. What more could Tiffany do? Her only other option was to use Fane’s stockjobber, but she was sure the man would tell Fane everything given she was his ward, and that was too close for comfort. Wolf, on the other hand, wanted to keep in her good graces, so he would likely respect her privacy.

“Thank you, Chester. I would like monthly updates and I’d like to reinvest any dividends back into each share.”

Chester raised his eyebrows. “I would advise spreading your risk by investing in something else.”

“Thank you for your concern. But I have a strategy and I intend to follow it for a few months.”

“As you wish. I was the one who tried to find your shares from the list you provided, and I must say I was very impressed. If the shares had been bought for you, you would have managed to build a considerable sum that most professional stockjobbers would not manage to match. I shall respect your decisions.”

Tiffany blushed and would have let pride swamp her if not for the fact she’d let a man swindle her of such wealth. “It didn’t do me much good, did it? But I have learned my lesson.”

“I wish you had not had to learn such a lesson. I can tell you many of the men here would like to find Sprat for you.”

“I think you and I are going to work very well together. I look forward to bringing you more purchase orders. I shall alert my bank to pay for the shares once I receive the purchase order note.”

“Lord Wolfarth thought you might like to put your purchases on his account.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’d like to keep my account separate. Will that be a problem?” She wondered if they would deal with her only if her payments were through Wolf.

“As you wish. I’ll open an account and we will bill you monthly.”

The door opened and Wolf entered. “Is everything to your satisfaction?”

She rose and held out her hand to Chester. “Thank you. I look forward to working with you.”

“And I you, Miss Deveraux,” said Chester, beaming.

Rockwell and Wolf appeared subdued as they made their way back to the carriage. “I gather it wasn’t good news from Mr. Lane,” she said.

“Sprat is in the wind and he’s taken money from many investors, some of whom might lose everything,” Rockwell said. “It’s given everyone a scare. Many lords are in their stockjobbers’ offices asking for proof of purchase etcetera. It’s given the Exchange a very bad reputation. The board of the Exchange is looking at introducing new processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again.” Rockwell entered the carriage after them and added, “I’m going to find him. I’m going to find him and wring his bloody neck. And now I have a clue to where he might have gone.”

Tiffany gasped. “Really?”

“Yes,” Wolf said. “From one of the clerks that used to work with Sprat. He left eighteen months back to work for another stockjobber. He heard one of Sprat’s clerks mention Ireland—Cork, to be precise. Rockwell will organize sending the Bow Street Runners across.”

“If they find him,” Rockwell said, “I’ll be on the first boat across the Irish sea.”

“If he’s left London, are we still in danger?”

“Good question, Tiffany. It never pays to be too careful. The ladies will have to continue to have guards for a while longer.”

That meant they would have to call off the stall as the men had demanded. But Ivy needed money if she was to help her newly patronaged orphanage. “Since the risk appears to be lower, could the stall at the church not go ahead if we had enough men? Ivy really needs the money and you know she won’t take charity from you. She wants to do this on her own.”

When he said nothing, she continued, “I don’t see why not, if they are well guarded. I’d be happy to oversee it. Ivy has worked so hard to organize the day.”

Wolf considered her for a moment. “As long as you follow Rockwell’s instructions to the letter, and no wandering off to slip into Mrs. Buchanan’s soiree.”

Tiffany had forgotten all about the soiree Valora wished to attend. All she really wanted was to help Ivy raise money from the stall since Tiffany had lost everything else. “I think the ladies understand the danger, both in terms of Sprat and their reputations should they go to the soiree. We really do just want to raise the money at the stall.”

“If Rockwell is willing to work with Ivy then I have no objections.”

“Thank you,” she said, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Wolf’s smile was her reward, even while Rockwell chuckled.

A funny look swept Wolf’s face. “Why is it so important to you that Ivy has this stall?” He knew. She could tell. Rockwell looked up too. “Have you been investing money for Ivy? Is it not only your money Sprat has absconded with?” He spoke softly, but she could see tension in his jaw. “It is, isn’t it? That is why your purchase notes amounted to so much money.”

“I did invest a small sum for her but that is all.” That was the truth. Some of the other ladies had given her far more. Please don’t ask, please don’t ask… Thankfully, Rockwell interrupted by saying, “Did I mention that those Armley Mill shares are in demand? I see an order was placed today for quite a few. You don’t happen to know anything about that, do you, Tiffany?”

“I may have bought some, yes. I think they are a good long-term share to hold,” she uttered rather defensively.

Rockwell nodded. “I agree. I hold some. I’m wondering about buying more.” He smiled at Wolf. “Lucky for you, Park Mill’s share price is also holding strong, but I’m not sure for how much longer.” He winked at Tiffany, while Wolf growled.

Did Rockwell know about their wager? She looked at Wolf but he said nothing. She wasn’t going to push in case he asked her more about her investments.

It was nearing dusk when they reached Mayfair and the men escorted Tiffany home. Wolf saw her safely in the door. “I will expect you tomorrow at ten for the final sitting. I should be able to finish the painting from memory after that. I won’t be at the ball tonight. I have work to do regarding my estates. Rockwell will be there in my stead.”

“I’m not going either. I…I’m a tad tired from my situation.” And she wasn’t only talking about the loss of her money. Her biggest fear was that Wolf was seducing her and she had no idea why. She was worried because it was working. What if she was made to look a fool? What if she lost her heart to Wolf and he kept his locked away?

Wolf took her gloved hand and pressed a swift kiss to her knuckles. “Until tomorrow then.”

She stood watching him until he entered his carriage and they drove on.

“You’re smitten.”

She swung round, embarrassed to be caught mooning after Wolf by Claire of all people. Claire, who thought love a fantasy. She stood on the stairs, looking down in judgment upon her. “He’s quite a man.”

Tiffany started up the stairs. “I must admit he’s impressed me over the past week of his pursuit. He’s been quite the gentleman.”

“You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”

They continued upstairs to Claire’s bedchamber where she was getting ready for the ball. “I just wish I understood why he is suddenly so keen to wed.”

Tiffany flopped on the bed. “You mean keen to marry me .”

Claire stopped Milly from pulling her gown over her head. “That is not at all what I mean. I’m more confused about the fact that there was no sign he was evaluating any of us for the role of his countess, and then suddenly, he’s all over one of us. Whether it was you or someone else, I’d still wonder why.”

“If only I could spend more time alone with him, I’d get answers.”

Claire laughed. “Isn’t that what you’re going to do tonight? I’m not stupid. As soon as it was known Wolf would not attend, you were not attending. We both know how to sneak into Wolfarth House to secretly visit Ivy and Ashleigh. I’m sure that is how Ashleigh escaped and fell into scandal and yet Wolf hasn’t closed the secret passage up. He doesn’t know about it. So don’t go telling him tonight.”

Tiffany sat up. “You don’t think I’m silly for going to him?”

“I’d think you were rather silly if you didn’t. I wouldn’t marry a man filled with secrets. And I’d want to know why he picked me. I’d never let any man force me into marriage. It would be my choice alone.”

Tiffany laid back down on the bed and sighed. “I feel the same. If I can’t have what my parents had, I don’t want to wed. To be married like some of the ladies of the ton , no love, bored with the man you share your life with… It would be torture.”

“Far better to remain a spinster.”

She saw only one flaw in that plan. “I want children. Don’t you?” she asked Claire.

Claire nodded. “But I wouldn’t bring children into a house without love. Look at Farah’s childhood. It’s a wonder she’s turned out so nice. But she is almost scared of her own shadow. She’s letting that brother of hers dictate her life.”

“I will help her if I can. You will keep Lord Franklin away from her tonight? I’m scared he’ll propose and she’ll be too scared to say no. Then she’s trapped—for the rest of her life.”

Claire nodded. “It looks as if we both have assignments for tonight.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention. Wolf says we can go ahead with the charity stall. The men think Sprat has fled to Ireland. We will still have to have men guarding us but at least Ivy will get her money.”

“That’s fantastic. Just don’t tell Valora or she’ll start on again about attending Mrs. Buchanan’s soiree. This infatuation with my brother will be her undoing. The ton will only forgive so much because of her beauty. I thought she’d have learned that from Ashleigh’s fall from grace.”

Milly popped her head in the room. “Your bath is ready, Miss. Tiffany. And Lady Claire, I need to finish doing your hair.”

“I’ll leave you to get ready.”

Claire grabbed her arm as she made to walk past her. “Be careful. If you’re caught alone with Wolf you’ll have no choice. Society won’t be forgiving to a bluestocking orphan, even if you are under Fane’s protection.”

She pressed a kiss to Claire’s cheek. “I love how you look after me. I’m so lucky to have you, cousin.” Tiffany walked to her bathing chamber and began to plan what she would ask Wolf. Fear and excitement prickled her skin as she let the scented water cover her. If she liked what he had to say, she would agree to his proposal. However, if she thought he’d keep his heart locked away, or if he was still in love with the ghost of Margo, she would walk away, no matter that her heart would be broken.