It was Quin’s turn to frown and give an innocent expression. “I’m not the one for her.”
“Ah, there it is.” Morgan lifted his glass in salute. “You don’t see it yet, fine. But you will…and I’ll be watching and be the first to offer my congratulations and ‘I told you so.’ I only hope you’re not too late.”
“Thank you for your helpful insight,” Quin replied with sarcasm. “But I wouldn’t hold too high of expectations.”
“I won’t, but I’ll surely enjoy it nonetheless,” Morgan boasted. “Now, I’ll take my leave. I need to finish a few things before I head back to London. Joan has a ball this Friday she wishes to attend.”
“How is that going?”
“Good… At least as well as can be expected. We’ll see as the season progresses. You might have to act as my second if any unsavory character offers for her and won’t be hinted away. I’m too pretty for prison, and I’m hot-tempered enough to accept a challenge.”
Quin chuckled. “If it comes to pistols at dawn, I’ll be sure to tie you to a chair.”
“It might take more than a chair.”
“I’ll do what I must.”
“Besides, pistols at dawn are so overdone. I hope I’d have better taste in taking extreme action than that… Knife in the heart, you know, something spectacular.”
“You’ve been working for the War Office too long. You’ve become bloodthirsty.”
“No, my tolerance for pretense has disappeared.” Morgan rolled his eyes. “Like what I’m dealing with now.” He shot his friend a glare. “Regardless, I doubt it will come to that. I’m sure I’ll see you in London.”
“Yes, I’ll leave here Wednesday, so I’ll be back in town a few days from now. My mother wrote with details of the next few events she will be hosting and requested my presence. I can’t delay now.”
Morgan joked, “Best of luck with that.”
“Thank you. Though I think you’re in need of more luck than I…” Quin offered.
“That’s fair. Well then, until later, chap.”
“Good day, Morgan.”
As soon as Morgan left, Quin withdrew the letter from his mother he had been reading before his friend arrived. Within a moment, he found the place where he’d left off.
His mind spun as he read then reread the words.
I wanted you to know before you returned that I’ve taken Catherine Greatheart under my wing. She will be in attendance for the upcoming events, and I need you to keep an eye on her as we’ve invited several gentlemen who are of interest. While all the men we’ve selected are of sterling reputation, I don’t wish to be naive. If you have any knowledge of these men’s reputations,
please let me know promptly.
Quin paused, his contemplation shifting to the fire in the hearth, unseeing. This was a surprise, to say the least. Never would he have expected this kind of involvement from his mother.
He turned back to the letter, studying the names listed.
Two names were friends of his; one had an old and established title and an impeccable reputation. It was the last name that gave him pause.
It was his.
He read it again, trying to figure out what his mother was doing. His name was the last name that should be listed. Catherine had been betrothed to his brother, for heaven’s sake.
If she showed any interest in him, it would be assumed she was only after the title. While Quin knew better, society would see a mercenary intention. She hadn’t acquired the title with his brother, so she was going after him next.
It made him sick to think of it, for people to see her that way—so heartless, and completely inaccurate.
He set the letter down, thinking over the implications. And as he thought it over, he realized that he’d never once considered the other names.
But disregarded them immediately.