Free A Fashionable Indulgence (Society of Gentlemen #1) by Kj Charles Page A

undeniably a Vane.” They both watched the subject of conversation. Harry was nodding, seemingly fascinated, as Laura spoke with animation. “Very pretty ways indeed.”
    That was hopeful. Mrs. Martindale was a hostess of the highest standing, connected by birth and marriage to most of the best families. A word from her could make all the difference to Harry’s career, for good or ill.
    “He is a likable fellow,” Julius agreed. “I hope nobody finds it necessary to revive the memory of his father’s disgrace.”
    Mrs. Martindale knew a hint when she heard one. “I don’t suppose many people will remember. The family is large, and it was a long time ago. Does he have a fortune?”
    “I believe his grandfather intends to settle a sum on him.”
    “No money, what a shame. Hmm. Let me see.” She considered. “Tell me this, Julius. Has Lord Richard present intentions to marry?”
    “Not to my knowledge, dear lady. He’s a man of exacting standards. Monastic, even. And only thirty-six—yes, I thought older too, but I have it from the horse’s mouth. Why?”
    “Georgiana needs at least twenty thousand a year.” There was a touch of grimness in Mrs. Martindale’s voice. “She’s expensive and flighty. I’ve often felt Lord Richard would be good for her. A sobering influence.”
    “I fear that scheme is doomed to failure, cousin. Richard is not charmed by levity.”
    “Then why’s he
your
friend?” Mrs. Martindale asked, with an air of mild triumph.
    “A palpable hit. Are you keen to marry her off?”
    “Ah, well, she’s still only eighteen. In any case, Laura should be fired off first, as the older.” Mrs. Martindale gave a little private smile.
    “You are big with news,” Julius observed. “Go on, tell me.”
    “To be quite honest, and in the strictest confidence, I’m expecting Lord Maltravers to come up to scratch.”
    That was Ash’s eldest brother, the Duke of Warminster’s heir. Julius raised a brow. “Goodness, cousin, you are to be congratulated. As is Laura.”
    “Nothing is settled, of course.” Julius interpreted that as meaning that everything was very close to being settled. “But if you wish to serve me, you might persuade Richard to attend Almack’s now and again, and dance with both Georgiana and Laura. Maltravers regards the young men there as trivial, and he would certainly regard
you
as trivial—”
    “You wound me deeply.”
    “—but if he thought Lord Richard, a man of maturity and wealth, was
also
taken by Laura, it might concentrate his mind a little, don’t you think?”
    “I imagine it might.” Maltravers had a grossly inflated sense of his own consequence; Mrs. Martindale’s plan would work as well as any. Julius had grave doubts about the success of the proposed marriage, but that was scarcely his concern.
    “Once Georgiana sees her sister with the advantages of an excellent marriage, I hope she will consider her own future with a little more common sense.” A shriek of laughter from the fishponds suggested she hoped in vain. “And, of course, if Lord Richard
does
take to her…”
    “It shall be done. I cannot deliver Richard’s hand in marriage, you understand, but his arm in the quadrille shall be at your disposal.”
    “Thank you. I would talk to Richard directly, but…”
    “He is quite the worst man for these matters,” Julius agreed. “Leave it to me, cousin. May I hope that when I bring Richard to Almack’s, the doors will also be open to Harry?”
    “I’m sure I can drop a word in dear Lady Jersey’s ear.”
    “It would be most kind. I should hate the unfortunate circumstances of his birth to detract from his excellent character.”
    Ash’s laugh rang out, clear and joyful, over the giggles of the two young ladies. Harry had evidently amused them all. Mrs. Martindale considered him as he stood, the sun glinting gold and bronze on his deep chestnut curls. “I hope his grandfather makes a settlement promptly. I dare say he’ll do