Free A Woman Made for Pleasure by Michele Sinclair Page A

share it with. Most likely, those men were here. It did not matter that the majority of gentlemen who attended these events were vain coxcombs, foolish dandies, or elaborate popinjays. She had known only a few nonesuches, like her late Charles, who were unequalled titled peers. The Three’s fierce devotion to one another would enable them to quickly weed out those without promise and force them into accepting the ones who did.
     
     
    Tonight could not have gone any better , thought Chase as he stood by an alcove, watching the crowd. He had been successful in spreading his message. Soon he would meet with Eischel and relay his unexpected discovery. Until then, he could concentrate on his familial duties. As it was, he knew his mother was going to give him an earful for ignoring his chaperoning responsibilities so quickly.
    As soon as they arrived, he had spotted his first opportunity to begin finding the man who had murdered his father. Unfortunately, that meant abandoning his mother, his sister, and her friends before they even had a chance to remove their cloaks. He knew his behavior was odd and uncharacteristically rude, but it could not have been helped. Time was of the essence. Now that his message had been delivered, he could make up for his earlier neglect.
    Chase hid his surprise as he watched Sir Edward begin a seemingly aimless stroll toward him. Having been a student of Sir Edward’s, Chase knew he never did anything without purpose. It was clear the man wanted to speak with him, but it was also obvious that Sir Edward didn’t want anyone else to realize his intentions.
    Edward was an average man in both size and girth, with only one noteworthy feature—that he looked much younger than he was. Born to a somewhat successful merchant, Edward Lutton joined England’s war department at an early age. His pleasant but forgettable looks, as well as his ability to pick up languages, quickly enabled him to become the perfect spy.
    After years of working in the field for his country, Edward was knighted and took on the position of training others to follow in his footsteps. Two of his finest products were Reece Hamilton and Charles Wentworth. At first, Edward was reluctant to train a nobleman born to such a prominent title. But Lord Chaselton convinced him to meet his son and his friend and to tutor them personally. Edward eventually agreed. Their collaboration during the war had saved countless lives.
    Edward paused next to Chase as if he had just recognized him. “Lord Chaselton?”
    Chase inwardly smiled, but no emotion registered on his face. “Sir Edward.”
    “So that is you. It has been some time. Didn’t know you were back in London.”
    “Just recently.”
    Edward licked his lips and nodded. “Sorry to learn of your father. He was a good man.”
    “Yes, he was.”
    “Heard they call you Chase now.” Edward smiled. “Beats Erndale,” he added, referring to the title Chase used before his father had passed.
    “It does seem easier to remember,” Chase said as he downed the last of his ratafia. He took fortification where he could find it. Unfortunately, that meant enduring Lady Bassel’s favorite potent red wine.
    “Aye, that it does. So what brings you into Town? Haven’t seen you in some time.”
    So this is the reason for the visit , Chase concluded. Edward is curious as to whether I am here for war or familial business .
    Chase lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “I’ve come to escort my sister during her first Season.”
    “Escort, eh?” his tutor said in disbelief. Edward glanced around the crowd, feigning a search for Aimee. “Ah, there she is. Your sister is quite the looker. Takes after your mother, I see. I do not envy you this Season. No doubt you will be quite busy shooing away the unworthy suitors.”
    “I expect so. She seems to have already spoken to several gentlemen.”
    “Has she? Do you think she will get a response?”
    Chase raised a single eyebrow at his old