Free Lady Beware by Jo Beverley

unorganized approval. And Van says many military men will support him.”
    Thea had to attempt some sort of warning. “But what if Lord Darien has some ulterior motive? Some ill intent?”
    â€œBecause of a schoolboy quarrel?” her mother asked.
    â€œHurts can linger.”
    â€œNot through ten years of war,” the duchess said. “What do we know to Darien’s discredit? Not his family, himself.”
    He assaults women when he catches them alone.
    â€œMad Dog?” Maria suggested.
    â€œDarien showed absolutely no trace of insanity or rabies.”
    Thea stared. “You met him, Mama?”
    â€œOf course I did, dear. Would I not seek out our deliverer? Caught him at the door and cried over him, I confess, which drove him out into the night. Very handsome,” she said, taking a piece of candied ginger and biting off a bit. “Not in the usual way, but oh, those dark eyes, and such vigor . Quite devastating.” She licked her lips.
    She was doubtless only licking away some sugar, but Thea felt as if she should give her mother a sharp lecture on wisdom and decorum.
    She must have showed something, for her mother’s eyes twinkled. “Age doesn’t blind us to a tasty gallant, does it, Maria?”
    â€œObviously not, as I married one. But I must point out that you have twenty years on me, Sarah.”
    â€œDo I really? I suppose I must.” The duchess took consolation in more ginger. “Perhaps the simplest solution is to find him the right bride. One of impeccable reputation, like you, Maria. No more opera anythings.”
    â€œAn English lady of good birth?” Maria mused. “With an impeccable reputation, but not in a situation to be too choosy.” She turned. “Thea—”
    â€œNot me!” Thea protested, straightening with a start.
    â€œOf course not,” Maria said, laughing. “You can be as choosy as you wish. I was only going to ask you for suggestions. You know the younger ladies.”
    â€œWouldn’t a sensible widow be better?” the duchess asked.
    â€œAs I was?”
    â€œYou saw a tasty morsel and gobbled him up, Maria. Sense didn’t come into it. I don’t suppose Vandeimen minded, but Darien might not want an older bride. Still, someone languishing unwed at, say, twenty-four or-five? Perhaps someone who’s given up coming to Town in the season….”
    â€œYou’re running ahead as usual, Sarah,” Maria said. “Before promoting any match, before doing much at all, we must be certain that Lord Darien is suitable for polite society. We know little of him and he is a Cave.”
    â€œBut Dare…”
    â€œOne act does not an angel make, and if we endorse him, our reputations will be tied to his.”
    â€œWhat of Vandeimen, then?” the duchess challenged. “You said he wanted to help Darien.”
    â€œVan vouches for him in general, but even he admits that army values are different. Extremes that are acceptable among men at war are not comfortable in the drawing room.”
    â€œHe helped Dare,” the duchess said mutinously, “and we must be kind in return.”
    Thea took a piece of sweet ginger for herself. Mara’s warning had been valid. Lord Darien was now one of her mother’s causes and she’d hear no argument against him.
    â€œEven without that,” her mother went on, “Darien would deserve our kindness as a veteran of the war. We’ve seen how hard it is for some young men to settle into peace. Only consider your husband, Maria. A hero, but well on the way to ruin before you took him in hand. You can’t deny it.”
    â€œI would never attempt to. It’s possible Darien is a similar case.”
    â€œOr is no case at all. I’m sorry to put it this way, Maria, but Darien has not, to my knowledge, fallen into deep drinking and gaming.”
    â€œBut as I pointed out, Sarah, we do not know enough