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CHAPTER SEVEN

Ambrose left his solicitor’s office the following morning and made his way to his club. He’d promised his mother he would join them for dinner, so he mused over breakfast trying to decide what would be appropriate to tell his family about the evening.

Lord Montverre spotted him and walked over to greet him. “Silvers, I see we both decided on an early start.”

“Early meeting with my man of business,” he answered. “I’m having dinner with my family tonight, so thought I’d spend the day in less demanding company.”

Monverre chuckled and ordered a meal for himself. “What do you plan on telling your parents? Other than the color of Mrs. Beauchamp’s garters, that is.”

“I am not quite sure,” Ambrose said. He studied Montverre a moment before continuing. “I am certain I was spotted at the theatre with several young ladies…”

“You were,” Montverre laughed, tossing the gossip page he’d been reading onto the table. “’Lord S seen with not one, but three different young ladies at the opera…’”

Ambrose groaned as he took the page. “My mother will hound me to madness over this.”

“And when she does, what will you tell her?”

Ambrose finished his coffee. “The other ladies I can explain, but Desdemona…”

“What about my cousin,” Montverre asked. “Or are you planning on leaving her out?”

Ambrose waited a beat before responding. “Only if you feel I should. I have nothing but great respect for her, I hope you know that.”

Montrose finished his own coffee and dropped his napkin on the table. “I’m headed to Tattersalls, but would not mind a second opinion.” He gave Ambrose a curious look.

Ambrose quickly finished the remains of his breakfast. “Tatts sounds like a great idea. I am looking for a new hunter.” He rose from the table and followed Montverre to his carriage.

Montverre gave his directions to the driver and waited until they were underway before he spoke again.

“Before you ask, the world knows Des as my cousin, my mother’s late sister-in-law’s daughter.

It’s easier that way, and explains why my family supports her.

Aunt Miriam is a family friend of my Aunt Gail. ”

Ambrose nodded. “Your family is very… unique.”

Montverre chuckled. “That is one way of putting it.” He leaned back in his seat and sighed.

“My mother and father have been honest with us from the start, which is fortunate for all of us. My mother and father brought me to meet Des shortly after she was born, saying she was my sister. I was six and my brother was four.” Montverre closed his eyes with the memory.

“She was toothless and fussy at first until I looked down into her eyes. She reached up for me and I held my hand out to her. My father told me as her brother and his heir, it was my duty to protect her, because she was so defenseless. Then she reached for my hand and grabbed my thumb, which surprised me. I must have made a face, because she started to smile, then laugh… her first laugh. And I was done. She had me with that drooling, toothless smile.”

“Her smile is quite disarming,” Ambrose mused.

“From the very start,” Montverre agreed. “Even if I cannot be her brother in public, she is my sister and I’ll protect her as a brother should.”

“I’d not expect any less,” Ambrose answered. “Any man who would attempt to harm either of my sisters would find me a dangerous enemy.”

“Good.” Montverre leaned forward then. “So you understand why I ask. You seem to be quite interested in Des. What are your intentions towards her?”

Ambrose took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

“Truthfully, I do not really know. Your sister is a fascinating woman, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to get better acquainted with her.

I swear my intentions are not disrespectful.

She is a wonderful conversationalist, and seems to enjoy my company.

I cannot speak for the future, but I consider her to be my friend.

I also find myself wondering if how badly my family would react if I started to keep company with her. ”

“Keep company, in what way?” Montverre prodded.

“I would like to escort her places. I sponsor theatre productions and have invited her to join me to see my writer’s latest production.

I toyed with the idea of taking her driving in the park, but I’m not sure if she would accept, since she works in the shop and seems to be very loyal to Madame.

” He turned his attention back to Montverre.

“Is there a reason you are being so specific?”

Montverre sighed. “Our parents are hosting a party for her birthday, and are planning on introducing her to select members of the ton. She has asked for you and your family to be invited, with the hope you’ll accept.”

Ambrose leaned his head back against the squabs. “I see.”

“Do you?” Montverre asked. “Truly, do you see? Because I would like to know when and if I’ll be helping my sister heal a broken heart.

As much as would like to see her joy dancing with the first gentleman she’s shown interest in, I do not want to have to comfort her if you are just ‘slumming’ until someone else comes along. ”

Ambrose was appalled. “I assure you, any interest I have in your sister is not because I am ‘slumming.’ You are fortunate I am willing to overlook your insult, since you’re acting in her best interests.”

“As long as we understand each other.” Montverre sat back again, hands falling back into his lap.

“She’’ll no longer be working in the shop, but rather acting as companion to Aunt Gail.

You could possibly call on her there about the carriage ride.

As for your play, I am certain Aunt Gail would allow her to attend once she finds out I will be her chaperone. ”

“Chaperone?” Ambrose repeated with a laugh.

“Chaperone,” Montverre said. “After all, my sister is a lady...”

The carriage began to slow as they approached Tattersalls, and Ambrose thought about his sisters. He would be as protective as Montverre, moreso, truth be told. He watched Montverre exit the carriage and followed him out and into the yards.