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Sharp words landed on the tip of her tongue. Shame on you. Were he here, Albie would have challenged this gremlin over such an insult. Or made a cutting remark that would have done the job well enough. Reginald would never dare to say such a thing in her husband’s presence.

Why didn’t her new status as Albion’s wife frighten him?

“Do you know what Lord Albion will have to say about this?” Even as she spat out the words, she knew Reginald was too shrewd to have raised the subject without some covert advantage. “How dare you summon this ancient history?”

“You speak with an impudence you would be well advised to keep in check. Nigel was meant to be your brother-in-law. You brought a good man, near like a son to me, to ruin. Were it not for the favor of Miss Augusta Driscoll, he would truly be lost. Nevertheless, your cruel efforts to toy with his affection are difficult to forget. You embarrassed him and betrayed your sister.”

Diana drew a ragged breath. He’d prodded the guilt forever squirming inside of her until seeped through her veins like poison.

“I have never, nor would I ever, betray my sister.”

“You led poor Nigel to think you cared for him. And then played the prude after he acted on his feelings. But everyone agrees Lillian is the most tragic figure in this scandal. I offer her a fine station in life. And the protection of my good name.”

“I did not think you were one to be fooled by rumormongers and scandal sheets.”

“When a rumor spreads to the pages of The Post , should we not consider it verified?”

“You shall have to address that question to His Royal Highness. He has agreed to favor us with his company at Lord Mandeville’s ball. I will await such a conversation most enthusiastically.”

Scowling, Reginald tapped the snuff box and returned it to his pocket. “Granted, the wheel of fortune has turned in your favor, Lady Higgins. Perhaps I can compel you to put that fortune to a good purpose.”

“You want something more than a good word with Lil,” Diana said. “What is this about? Truly?”

“My dear, the devil himself could not fool you. I want your assistance in another matter as well. To apprehend the Phantom of Chamberly.”

Diana let out a yelp of a laugh. “How could I possibly help? More saliently, why should I want to?

“I am confident you will find a way. Particularly considering your husband’s connection. To the Prince Regent, no less. You said as much.”

“Whenever I mention the Benevolent Phantom, Albion seems supremely uninterested, if not downright annoyed. He doesn’t speak of him at all other than to recite that little poem.”

“Your husband does not strike me as the most observant fellow.” Reginald splayed his fingers as he brought his hands up to his chest, the bony knuckles protruding.

“One could never accuse you of the same. This Phantom has seemingly limitless resources. Therefore, he runs in wealthy circles. As does Lord Albion. He must have heard some rumor or another.”

“Do you not run in those same circles?”

“Not those as elevated as your husband‘s. Your husband is a friend of His Royal Highness? I have not that level of access.”

“He is not given to gossip.”

“Albion Higgins? Not given to gossip? Do you hear yourself? As you said, you are in the Prince Regent’s good graces. So much so that he would accompany you to Lord Mandeville’s ball.”

“But what do you expect me to do?”

“Keep your eyes and ears open. I have done as much and learned that the proprietor of a tavern in St. Giles occasionally hosts members of the Alliance of the Benevolent Phantom.”

St. Giles. She wondered if he was talking about the Wayfarer’s Respite. Reflecting on it, she supposed the mother and two children she had seen there could have been refugees from Chamberly. Not that she would share as much. “How did you learn such a thing?”

“Merely by paying attention. You are even better suited to do so. I ask only that you remain your charming self, and if you hear any clues as to the identity of the Benevolent Phantom, let me know.”

“Why should you care, anyway?” Diana glanced awkwardly at her waiting carriage. Isaac held the reins in hand but looked prepared to spring from the box seat and liberate her from Reginald’s company needs be. “Whoever the person may be, we should honor him. I’ve no wish to cause harm.”

“As I said before, we must stop this fellow’s risky exploits before matters between England and Rostin worsen.”

“You don’t want a repeat of what happened with Napoleon, surely? Enabling a dictator?”

“Or a repeat of the wars that ravaged Europe.”

Diana squared her shoulders. “You and I disagree on almost every point. In any case, I most ardently refuse your proposition. I’ll have nothing to do with your appalling plan regarding this honorable man.”

“My nephew was a promising young man. Until he had the misfortune of meeting you.”

“Nigel’s behavior was shameful.”

“He does not tell it that way, my lady. As you well know. Nigel told me you followed him around, lovesick. The clumsy scenes that followed were what one might expect from a woman relenting to her baser desires. In his telling.”

“That is an ugly and thoroughly unfounded accusation.” Diana had agreed to be alone with Nigel, but only because she wanted to speak further on habeas corpus and the recent ruling in Parliament. That was all.

But the truth mattered not. It would never occur to anyone that Diana’s interest in her sister’s fiancé was not somehow connected to inherent feminine weakness.

Undeterred, Reginald continued. “Nigel has in his possession a letter he claims will look bad for you. Very bad, indeed. I doubt you would want your sister to see it. Nor your husband.”

Once more, Diana drew a deep, calming breath. “You preen like a peacock. Why are you so concerned with the Duke of Rostin?”

“I suppose I shouldn’t have expected you to know,” Reginald said in an alarmingly casual tone.

“He and I are good friends. At least we were at one point. I invested in his porcelain factories. An embargo would cause my family’s finances to decline to a degree I cannot abide. And so you must understand my dilemma.”

“I understand nothing except that I shall take your empty threats to my husband forthwith.”

Heart thumping, she tried to move toward Isaac, the horses, and the carriage, its lupine sigil like a beacon in a storm. Reginald caught hold of her arm.

“We understand one another, do we not, Lady Higgins? Keep your eyes and ears open. And tell me what you learn about the Phantom. Then, on my word as a gentleman, your secrets will remain your own.”