Page 89 of The Language of Love

“What do you mean?”

“After speaking to Lady Sedgwick, and then Colin, I went to White’s to beard the lion in its den.” He paused, his lips curving into the slightest of smiles. “Well?”

Annis’s throat itched, and she had to swallow back her tears, gratitude all but swamping her at this tiny show of affection—or at least a small peace offering. “It’s a Latin proverb based on the Bible—Samuel.”

He nodded. “Ah, yes. I should have guessed. In any case, I thought I’d begin untangling the mess I’d made, starting with the male half of the ton. Before I could confess, however, I learned the truth was already out.”

“It was? But how? Who could have—” she gasped. “Percy! Oh, he didn’t!”

“It seems young Percy headed directly from here to White’s yesterday. I daresay he was hoping to take me out before I could even fire a shot.” His smile grew into a fierce, feral grin. “But his plan backfired—badly. Somebody he told went to the weekly Beefsteak Club dinner—you’ve heard of it?”

“It’s that silly men’s club. But why should that matter?”

“You know the Regent is a member?”

“I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised.”

“He was there last night and heard the story.”

Annis groaned. “Oh no! Why would Percy do that? My aunt and uncle will need to move to another country.”

“I don’t think so. You see, Prinny was quoted as laughing hugely and calling the entire affair a jolly lark. This morning I received a letter inviting both me and Colin to Carlton House for the Regent’s last dinner party of the Season.”

Annis covered her mouth with both hands.

“So, it is my guess that the invitations will begin flooding in today.” He smiled as she laughed. “I stopped by Lady Sedgwick’s before coming here—hoping to put her mind at rest that at least she wasn’t to be blackballed.”

“Was she happy?”

“Indeed. It was the countess who assured me that the Prince Regent’s approval on such a matter will make not only Colin and me the most sought-after guests for the rest of the Season, but the prestige will probably extend to you and your family, as well.”

Annis chortled. “I daresay Freddie is correct. The Regent—for all that he is often the butt ofjokes—sets the tone in such matters. What else did Freddie have to say to you?”

“She is adamant that we take advantage of this social windfall and show our faces at every rout, ball, dinner, and party until the wedding.”

She grimaced. “But you hate such things.”

“Yes, well, she convinced me it was for the best.”

Annis wanted to ask why, but he didn’t give her a chance.

“I hope you don’t mind that I’ve enlisted Lady Sedgwick’s help to plan the wedding?”

“I am thrilled to hear it. I’m afraid you will discover that I have little experience in—well, in anything except teaching languages.”

“You will have your hands full assembling a wardrobe. There is not much time; you will need to have clothing made quickly.” His eyes flickered over her person, his lips twisting with displeasure at the ill-fitting castoff she wore. “As of this morning, your uncle provided you with a clothing allowance, but you may keep that for pin money. I shall provide the material for your new garments from my warehouses.”

“Warehouses?”

“Yes, I’ve accumulated a goodly amount of fabric in trade over the years, as well as a great deal of muslin from the factory my partner now owns. It is all the finest quality, much of it unavailable here.”

Annis’s head was spinning too much to argue with him about his generosity. Besides, he was probably doing it for himself as much as her; he’d hardly want to be seen in her company if she looked like a ragamuffin

“I will take you to a modiste tomorrow.”

“You will take me?”

“Yes. Is that acceptable to you?”