Watching the Wilde cousins, she felt that undeniable sense of longing again—a feeling that was suspended when Lord Jack returned the conversation to fairy tales and mythological lovers and ended with, “ ’Tis a pity Uncle put such radical literary ideas into Kate’s head.”
At that, Lord Cornelius looked up from his book with a sheepish expression. “I assure you, I did not encourage Katharine. She devised her hypothesis about legendary lovers all on her own. I merely provided the scholarship.”
Ash spoke up then. “I would rather not dwell on her theory when we have more pressing matters to consider, namely how to vindicate Miss Collyer’s father.”
“I presume you have some ideas about how to proceed?” Traherne asked.
“Yes,” Maura seconded. “Have you any ideas?”
“A few,” Ash said. “The goal is to make Deering retract his accusations and admit that he lied when he claimed your father played with marked cards.”
“Is that even possible?”
Ash nodded. “I believe so, but it will require careful forethought and planning. The first step should be to inform him that the stallion is now in my possession, since nothing will inflame Deering more. And I want to put him on notice that you are under my protection. I have no illusions that he will simply ignore the theft. Given his outsized pride, he may even retaliate for the brazen insult to his dignity.”
“A personal warning will have more effect,” Traherne advised.
“Agreed,” Ash said. “I plan to call on him as soon as we conclude our discussions here. It would also help to spread word of my engagement to Miss Collyer, to make Deering’s defeat as public as possible. An announcement will appear in The Star later today, but I expect there is more we can do.”
For a moment the entire family considered Ash with collective bemusement.
Then Skye nodded. “Kate and I will write to our acquaintances and ensure the most vocal gossips know about your betrothal. And Jack and Quinn can go about town today to confirm the story.”
Katharine chimed in. “It would benefit Maura to be seen publicly with you, Ash. We have several invitations to choose from this evening. And perhaps we should plan to attend the theater some time when Deering is expected. His box at Drury Lane has a view of ours, and your appearance there with Maura would rub his nose in your victory.”
“A good idea. I want him to stew while we determine how to restore Noah Collyer’s good name.”
“To be truthful,” Maura said quietly, “just now I am more worried about my stepsisters than vindicating my father. Protecting them is the most urgent problem. I fear Deering plans to use them as pawns in his battle against me. My stepmother claims he has threatened to ruin them, and I don’t doubt he could do it. It would take only a word from him to destroy their chances to ever make a suitable match.”
Katharine and Skye both hastened to reassure her.
“We will take your stepsisters under our wing and introduce them to eligible suitors from among our circle,” Skye started to say just as the Beaufort butler appeared at the open door of the library and caught Ash’s attention.
“Begging your pardon, my lord. Two young ladies have called for Miss Collyer on what they say is a matter of grave importance. A Miss Hannah Collyer and Miss Lucy Collyer.”
“Speak of the devil,” Lord Jack murmured.
“My stepsisters could be in trouble,” Maura said, filled with unease by their unexpected visit, even though they were prone to exaggeration. She didn’t like the thought of interrupting the family council, but she worried that Deering had already taken some vindictive action against the girls.
She sent Ash an apologetic look. “I am sorry to leave you, but I should speak to them about their ‘grave matter.’ ”
“Go ahead,” he urged. “We are nearly finished here.”
“If you see Deering, will you please tell him my stepsisters are under your protection also?” Maura asked Ash earnestly.
“Of course. You needn’t doubt it for one second.”
“Thank you,” she breathed, sending another contrite glance to his whole family.
The gentlemen all stood as she hurried from the room. Maura followed the butler to a small parlor, where she found Hannah and Lucy pacing the floor in agitation.
Both girls flung themselves at her, embracing her with a stranglehold while speaking simultaneously. At first she could understand little from their garbled declarations, but they were clearly upset, and eventually she realized they were apologizing profusely for their mother’s cruel actions in evicting her.
Extricating herself from their hugs, Maura tried to reassure them. “I don’t care about having to leave, truly. Are you all right? Lord Deering hasn’t harmed you, has he?”
Her younger stepsister, Lucy, dashed a tear from her eye. “Harmed us? No … at least not yet. We are fine, Maura. We just wish to tell you how outraged we are that Mama barred you from your own home!”
“Yes, it was abominable!” Hannah added just as passionately. “Especially since we are the ones who will suffer from your banishment. We don’t want to lose