To Steal a Marquess (The Sisterhood of Independent Ladies Book 2) by Maeve Greyson

Author:Maeve Greyson [Greyson, Maeve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2024-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“The Vulture is here,” Celia announced as she swept into Frannie’s dressing room. “He brought a solicitor with him too, and guess who it is?”

Frannie noted Celia’s outrage. “With that stormy look, it must be Parkerton.”

“How can that vulture afford a solicitor?” Sophie asked as she handed Daisy a somber, feathered headpiece of black with an attached black veil that would fall to Frannie’s waist. “We discovered him to be so deeply in debt, it’s a wonder he has avoided prison.”

As Daisy settled the hat and veil in place, Frannie huffed the silky fabric away from her nose. The breeziness of the gossamer cloth triggered a fiendish tickle, making her sneeze and dislodge the topper before the maid had it fully secured. “Sorry, Daisy.”

“My lady!” The maid set it back in place and added extra pins. “If you feel another sneeze while downstairs, you must scratch your nose to halt it—and remember to sniff so they believe you are weeping for your dearly departed husband.”

Frannie chose not to comment on that sage advice. Instead, she turned to address Sophie. “I would imagine Lord Vander is under the impression that he is about to inherit a solution to his dire straits.” She reached under the veil and rubbed her nose without adding the convincing subterfuge of a sniff. “Trust me, once Parkerton discovers the poor odds of his ever receiving payment, he will excuse himself as fast as he can make his exit.”

“Elias will sort it,” Celia said. Her beaming smile did not quite fit with the seriousness of the occasion. “And your duke is already here as well, glowering at Parkerton and the Vulture. I doubt very much if either of them are brave enough to challenge His Grace.”

“If I call Vander Lord Vulture and set him off, it will be the fault of both of you,” Frannie told Celia and Sophie.

Sophie erupted into a cacophony of snorting giggles. “Oh, please do call him that, Frannie,” she said. “I want to see his face.”

“Well, I do not,” Frannie said. “All I want is to get through this afternoon, so we might all look forward to our summer at Lionwraith.” After donning her long black gloves, she caught hold of Celia and Sophie’s hands. “Thank you both so much for agreeing to come. I don’t think I could have braved it alone with Mother Ardsmere. Not with her current level of petulance.”

“I hate my Elias isn’t coming,” Celia said with a sigh. “He feels he must remain in London in case the settling of the will is attacked.” She squeezed Frannie’s hand. “But Oliver and I shall enjoy the trip immensely.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Sophie said. “Without you and Celia here in London, I’ve no reason to stay and rattle around in this townhouse.”

“Well, I am thrilled you are both coming. It eases my mind immensely.” Frannie turned back to Daisy. “Might I have a sip of water? I promise not to spill on the bombazine.” Her nerves felt ragged as a frayed rope, and her mouth dry as dust.

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