The Wolfe Wager Read Online Free PDF Page B

dissuade Aunt Carolyn from insisting that they attend the Assemblies had met with failure. Her aunt remained resolved that Vanessa would marry before the end of the Season. Nothing less would do.
    “After all, yours is not the only reputation at stake,” Aunt Carolyn had told her the first time Vanessa had complained about her discomfort at Almack’s. “Each of your cousins was betrothed within weeks of me firing her off. What would be said if I failed with you?”
    “That I was an incurable bluestocking who would as lief see my pretty aunt receiving court-promises than abiding them myself.”
    Vanessa grimaced as she recalled her aunt’s laughter. Such honesty had served her well in Wolfe Abbey, but failed miserably in Town.
    So—once again—she sat on one side of the crowded Assembly Room while her thoughts were elsewhere. Quigley might be receiving an answer to her latest query even now. Impatience gnawed at her, but she hid it as she spoke to those who were anxious to lure her into conversation.
    Mayhaps, she told herself sternly, you might find an ally here. Surely there was someone who could help her locate her brother. While she had sat in antechambers of a minister’s office, she had watched how the gentlemen were greeted with more respect and how easily they were granted an appointment. She had called on nearly every office herself and gained nothing. If she could persuade a gentleman to ask the questions for her, she might obtain the answers she needed.
    She cautioned herself to choose her ally with care. Not just any gentleman would do, for the one she selected must be willing to pose her questions to the military and the government without asking her too many questions. She needed to find a man who was well-connected with Whitehall, but who did not want to involve himself further with her. Nor could the man be any of the ones in Aunt Carolyn’s vast circle of friends. Word of Vanessa’s continued search for the truth would then reach her aunt’s ears. Certainly among the ton there must be a man who fit her needs. If she had to be here to meet this unknown ally, then she would.
    She smiled at compliments heaped on her and replied graciously. Leale deserved the lauds for her hair that was piled à la Sappho and her white gown which was adorned with a ruffle along its decorous neckline and at its hem. She fought not to play with the ribbons dropping from the high waistline that emphasized the curves of her bodice. When she realized her velvet slippers were tapping restlessly, she halted the motion. No one must guess what she was really thinking.
    Aunt Carolyn patted her arm. “My dear, I have never seen you enjoy Almack’s so much.”
    “You were right.”
    “ I was right? About you coming to Almack’s?” Her aunt chuckled lowly. “What has caused this unexpected change of heart?”
    “You said to look at each person as if he or she might be special.” Vanessa glanced away, so her aunt would not guess how she was stretching the truth. “So I shall. Who knows whom I might meet?”
    “Who, indeed? Look who’s arrived!” She snapped her fan open and fluttered it fiercely in front of her face. “Tonight shall be interesting.”
    Vanessa looked past her aunt, expecting to see one of Aunt Carolyn’s bosom-bows. Her eyes widened as a tall man walked toward them. Although she had met him but once, she could not mistake Lord Brickendon. His shining dark hair, his confident stance, the stylish clothes he wore so well, she recalled all that as she stared at him. Swiftly she dropped her gaze before he could discover her gaping at him like a love-sick air-dreamer. Her heart pounded so loudly she feared he would hear it above the bibble-babble of the Assembly.
    “Good evening, ladies,” the viscount said with a curt nod.
    “Good evening, my lord. I—” Vanessa gasped as Lord Brickendon continued past. She blinked, astounded that he would be so rude. He had not rushed to her side, anxious to lather