The Clayworth butler looked a little surprised when Bella’s footman handed him an easel and canvas. Bella held onto her small valise that contained her paints and brushes, however.

“Lady Clayworth said,” she began to explain at the man’s confused expression.

But the butler cut her off. “Yes, yes, I’m to set you up in her ladyship’s sitting room.” Then he nodded toward the footman. Some silent communication, though Bella didn’t spend a moment thinking about what it might mean.

“Has Lord Avery arrived already?” Bella asked.

The butler struggled slightly as he tried to close the door with his hands quite full. “Not yet, my lady.” Then he juggled her rolled up canvas and managed to gesture toward the corridor. “Lady Clayworth is in the green parlor, if you’d like to wait with her until his lordship arrives.”

“Oh, that would be lovely,” she said.

“Very well,” the servant continued. “I’ll see that your things are set up for you in the meantime.”

“Thank you.” Bella smiled at him, placing her valise on the marble floor before promptly making her way down the corridor the butler had indicated.

Before she reached the parlor, however, feminine voices flowed into the corridor…

“No, no. I hope Greg’s very happy, and she does seem like a nice girl—”

Bella stopped where she stood. They were talking about Greg and her?

“—I’m just surprised, is all. He complained – loudly – every time I asked him to attend anything, Cordie. He didn’t need a wife and I should mind my own affairs. If I had a farthing for every time he—”

“Brendan never had any intention of marrying again.” Lady Clayworth’s voice. “What men intend for themselves and what they actually end up doing—”

“I watched Clayworth chase you. What do you mean he never had any intention of marrying again?”

A sigh filtered out into the corridor. “His marriage to Marina was far from a happy one, Phoeb. After he was widowed, he thought to avoid such an entanglement ever again.”

“Until he met you.”

“Something like that,” Lady Clayworth said enigmatically. “In any event, I imagine the same is true for Gregory. He was quite set in his ways until Lady Arabella breezed into his life. But that smile he wore last night, the way he looks at her…well, I have every bit of confidence that they will enjoy a long and happy life together.”

Oh, Bella’s heart twisted in her chest, part of her wishing more than a bit that Lady Clayworth’s words were true, that the smile on Greg’s lips really did mean something. She’d stayed awake for hours the night before, reliving his kiss every time she closed her eyes. It was a miracle she got any sleep at all.

“I hope you’re right, and I do feel badly for the lady considering the scene her brother caused last night. I can’t imagine Matthew ever doing anything remotely like that. ”

“Olivia’s ball will certainly be the talk all of today.”

Though not for the best of reasons. Goodness. What was to be done about Elliott? Bella still didn’t have a solution for that particular problem.

A maid started down the corridor, and Bella’s heart lodged in her throat. The last thing she wanted to be caught doing was eavesdropping on Lady Clayworth’s conversation. So she cleared her throat and stepped into the parlor. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Oh, heavens no!” Cordie Clayworth assured her from her chair, smiling brightly. “Actually, Phoebe and I were just talking about your betrothal. So please come and join us.”

“Yes, please,” Mrs. Avery added and patted the place next to her on the settee. “I hate we didn’t get a chance to speak more last night.”

Bella truly didn’t have a choice in the matter, so she crossed the room and took the seat beside Greg’s sister-in-law, feeling rather uncomfortable about the whole thing. It seemed, and perhaps she was wrong, but it seemed as though Mrs. Avery was watching her very closely, and Bella was afraid she was coming up short in the lady’s estimation. Perhaps Mrs. Avery detected that bit of oddness about her that Grandfather had mentioned. She shouldn’t let the woman’s opinion of her matter in the least, she wasn’t, after all, really going to marry Greg, but it bothered her just the same anyway.

“Arabella is a talented artist,” Cordie informed her sister-in-law.

And while it was sweet of the countess to say as much, she’d never laid eyes on anything Bella had worked on. It was very clearly the lady’s loyalty shining through her words, and that loyalty was something Bella truly appreciated, especially right in that moment. “You are kind.”

Cordie beamed in response. “In fact, she is going to paint Gregory’s portrait. Isn’t that lovely?”

“Indeed,” Mrs. Avery agreed. “What a wonderful talent to possess.” She smiled, not unkindly, at Bella. Perhaps she’d misread the lady’s scrutiny a moment ago. Mrs. Avery did seem sincere in her expression.

“Lissy says you’re a wonderful horsewoman,” Bella said.

“Raised in a saddle.” Mrs. Avery’s smile widened. “Do you ride?”

“Some,” Bella replied. Though she didn’t imagine anyone would call her an excellent horsewoman. That was more Prissa’s domain than hers.

“Well, we shall have to go for a ride in the park this week, then,” Mrs. Avery continued. “I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to congratulate you last night, Lady Arabella. I truly am so happy for you and Greg. He is my absolute favorite brother-in-law, you know?”

“I will not repeat that to Brendan,” Cordie laughed. “As he’s always been so fond of you, Phoebe.”

Mrs. Avery did blush a bit, looking slightly embarrassed all of a sudden. “You know I adore your husband, Cordie. But Gregory…well, Tristan and I never would have found our way to each other if not for him. And that is a debt neither of us can ever repay.” Then she turned her attention on Bella once more. “I have spent the Season thus far failing in each and every one of my matchmaking attempts on his behalf.”

Greg had mentioned that the previous evening right before he’d admitted that he never planned to marry. Bella forced a smile to her face, unsure how she was supposed to respond to such a statement from her would-be sister-in-law.

“It’s too bad you didn’t know Arabella before now, then,” Cordie said, preventing Bella from having to come up with some sort of response to that statement. “She could have saved you so much time and effort.”

“Indeed.” Mrs. Avery nodded. “Love at first sight is what he told Tristan. And while that doesn’t sound like the Gregory I know in the least, it is very romantic, isn’t it?”

It would be romantic if it was true. And Bella found herself wishing once more that it was true. Throughout the last season, she hadn’t spent any time thinking about what sort of man she would marry, if she ever married; but since meeting Greg, since he’d come to her rescue and joined her in this subterfuge, since that kiss…If she ever did marry, it would be rather difficult for any fellow to ever measure up to him.

“Once upon a time, Greg was quite different than the man you know, Phoebe.”

Goodness. What had he been like once upon a time?

“Besides” Cordie continued with a shrug, “everyone responds to falling in love differently, I think. In fact, when one finds their perfect match, any old assumptions about what one has always wanted don’t necessarily mean anything anymore.” Then she nodded toward Bella. “Back before I married Clayworth, I had my heart set on an entirely different fellow. My husband’s complete opposite, in fact. The two of them truly are as different as night and day.”

“Oh?” Bella asked softly, not at all certain what else to say to that. She didn’t know either lady terribly well, not really, even if Cordie Clayworth had come to her aid. And to have them sharing such confidences with her, did make her the slightest bit uncomfortable, especially as she couldn’t be completely honest about her own situation, not with Mrs. Avery in the parlor.

“Luckily, I saw the error in my judgment,” Cordie continued. “With that said, the other fellow is still a very dear friend.”

Mrs. Avery made an irritated sound. “Speaking of that fellow…You should have heard Tristan and Gregory last night, complaining about him. They always wait until you’re not around and when I’m outnumbered before they start such discussions.”

Haversham? That must be the fellow Mrs. Avery meant as she’d said almost the same thing the night before. Cordie Clayworth had once upon a time had her heart set on the wicked Marquess of Haversham? Goodness! Bella thought all proper ladies avoided him like the veritable plague, especially if they valued their own good name.

Cordie shrugged. “I somehow think Marc prefers it that way.”

“For people to disparage him on a regular basis?”

The countess nodded. “It never seems to bother him, at least.”

“Ah, here you are.” Greg stood just inside the threshold along with Lady Staveley at his side.

Oh! Bella’s heart sped up at the sight of him—his dark brown jacket, emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders, his buff trousers unable to hide his muscular thighs, and his uncomplicated cravat that spoke of a man who cared nothing about fashion.

Greg’s green gaze landed on her, and her breath caught in her throat. Goodness, he was so devastatingly handsome. And when he cast her the smallest smile like they shared a secret, warmth washed over her, as did the memory of their kiss.

“Caroline!” Cordie pushed out of her chair to greet her new arrivals. “I’m so glad to see you.”

“Me as well.” Lady Staveley nodded in agreement. “I wish we’d had a chance to speak last night.”

“Well, actually,” Mrs. Avery began, pressing back to her feet, “I am to meet Mama to go shopping this afternoon. She will be in a temper if I’m late again.”

“Please don’t rush away on my account,” Lady Staveley said, her brow furrowing just so.

But Mrs. Avery shook her head. “Oh, never think such a thing. You know how my mother is.”

“Indeed.” Lady Staveley agreed with a nod. “Do pass on my love to Evelyn when you see her.”

Mrs. Avery started from the room and let Greg press a kiss to her cheek. “I assume all went well this morning?” she asked him, staring quite pointedly up at him.

What was that about, Bella wondered?

“Perfectly well,” Greg said with a nod, then he turned his attention back to Bella. “Higgins said everything is set up in the sitting room if you’re ready.”

Everything. Her paints and canvas. “Yes, yes,” she said, lifting off the settee as well.

Then Mrs. Avery wished everyone a happy rest of their day before quitting the room.

Greg reached his hand out to Bella, and said to his sister, “And we will leave the two of you to gossip ‘til your hearts content.”

Cordie laughed. “And just what makes you so certain we’re going to gossip, Gregory Avery?”

“Only the fact that I’ve known you your whole life.”

“Well, there is that,” his sister conceded. Then she grinned once more at Bella. “Make certain you get his superior smug look down just perfectly when you paint him. It won’t look like him otherwise.”

Superior and smug? Bella placed her hand in Greg’s and warmth rushed through her. “I think you must see him differently than I do.”

“See?” Greg did then cast his sister an actual smug expression. “Is it any wonder I prefer Bella’s company to anyone else’s?”

His sister laughed again. “Well, I can’t wait to see the final portrait when it’s done.”

“You shall be the first,” Bella began, but when Greg cleared his throat, she amended, “or the second to see it once it’s finished.”

Then she let Greg tug her into the corridor, and she glanced up at him. Such kind green eyes, a perfect aristocratic nose, and the barest hint of a dimple near his left cheek. She couldn’t wait to capture him on her canvas.

* * *

As soon as Greg and Bella left the parlor, Cordie grinned at Caroline, Viscountess Staveley. “Do join me.” She gestured to the nearby settee. “I’ll ring for tea.”

The viscountess, a famed matchmaker and very dear friend, smiled in return as she settled into a spot. “For someone taking a break from society, Cordie, you have been quite busy.”

Nothing passed Caroline’s notice. “Indeed. Julian keeps me on my toes,” she agreed as she pulled the bellpull.

“Not what I meant at all.” Caroline speared Cordie with her ever-knowing hazel eyes, and Cordie was more than certain that Caroline had figured her out rather quickly. It was a good thing the viscountess was such a trusted friend.

Higgins cleared his throat from the threshold, drawing Cordie’s attention away from herguest. “Oh, yes, Higgins, please bring a spot of tea and biscuits.”

“Right away, my lady,” her butler replied before disappearing down the corridor.

Then Cordie dropped back into her chair, opposite Caroline.

“Now,” her friend began, “I don’t imagine you had anything to do with that surprising announcement Kelfield made last night.”

Yes, Caroline had already figured Cordie out. Her perceptiveness was something to be admired. “I did ask Kelfield to make that announcement,” she said, enjoying herself more than a bit.

A bright smile lit Caroline’s face. “I am quite aware that you’ve been hoping Avery would find the perfect girl for himself. And something tells me he had a little help in finding Lady Arabella. So do tell me what you’ve been up to, you clever girl.

I’m not Phoebe. I won’t interfere in the least. I just want to revel in your genius from afar.”

“High praise, indeed.” Cordie laughed. After all, she had herself been in awe of Caroline’s matchmaking abilities over the years.

“And completely well-warranted.” Caroline’s eyes twinkled with levity. “Now out with it. What have you been up to, Cordie? That announcement last night certainly came as quite the surprise.”

There was really no harm in telling Caroline, was there? The matchmaking viscountess was trustworthy and had proven that in spades when she’d come to Cordie and Brendan’s aid a few years back. And now that Cordie thought about it, Caroline might have a pointer or two to offer should the need arise. There was certainly room for a co-conspirator in her plot. “Yes, well, as you said, I am fairly certain Lady Arabella is the perfect girl for my brother.”

“He seems to agree since he’s asked her to marry him.”

Cordie winced slightly. “Well,” she began. “would you believe their betrothal nothing but a ruse for her grandfather’s benefit?”

At that, Caroline’s hazel eyes widened in appreciation.

“At least so far,” Cordie added quickly.

“A ruse?”

Cordie shrugged. “She needed a temporary fiancé and Greg was cajoled into playing the part.”

“Indeed?” Caroline laughed with a slight shake of her head. “However did you get Avery to agree to play along with that? Neither of my brothers were ever that accommodating? Rather stubborn brutes, the pair of them.”

Greg was certainly a stubborn brute himself. Cordie giggled at the thought of anyone thinking Greg was accommodating. Then she said, “He’s doing it under the guise of repaying a debt to Brendan. But he’s my brother, Caroline, and I know he never would have agreed to play along if he hadn’t been intrigued with Bella from the very start.”

“Which he doesn’t think you know,” Caroline added with a smile.

“Of course not!” Cordie continued. “Gregory Avery would never share his inner thoughts with anyone. Quite a frustrating aspect to his personality, but there it is.”

“And you’re hoping that by the time this little ruse is over Lord Avery will be ready to make a pretend betrothal a real one and that he’ll be ready to share his inner thoughts with Lady Arabella?”

“I do.” Cordie nodded. And she truly hoped she was right. She couldn’t remember seeing Greg smile as he had done ever since Bella had entered his life. “And I’d like to see him somewhat resemble the man he used to be. The roguish, carefree one that he was once upon a time.” She shrugged. “I so want him to be happy, Caroline. It’s well past time that he was.”

At that moment, Higgins entered the parlor with a silver tea service that he placed on the small table beside Cordie.

“Thank you,” she said to her butler and then pushed out of her seat to play hostess.

As Higgins departed the parlor, Cordie poured a cup of tea for her friend. “Cream and two sugars?”

“Yes, thank you.” Caroline nodded. Then she frowned as though she was contemplating the entire situation, and she asked, “How long do you have for this ruse of yours?”

“A fortnight at the minimum,” Cordie replied, splashing a bit of cream into Caroline’s tea. Then she handed the cup and saucer to her friend. “We have until the Count of Hellsburg arrives in Town and then returns to Prussia, hopefully without Arabella at his side,” Cordie explained as she quickly fixed her own cup of tea.

“And in that time, you think Avery can be brought up to scratch?”

“I am hopeful.”

“And what about Lord Gillingham?” Caroline asked. “He seems to be a wild card in all of this, especially if his behavior last night is any indication.”

Indeed. It was difficult to plan events that might get abruptly cancelled due to Gillingham’s actions. Cordie wasn’t certain what to do about Bella’s brother. “She is painting Greg,” she said. “Gillingham won’t be around for any of those sittings.”

“True,” Caroline agreed with a nod. “Though anything can happen in public. I am headed to Bethany Carteret’s ball his evening. I’ll be happy to keep an eye on them for you.”

Cordie shook her head. “Greg has sworn off all societal functions now that he’s happily betrothed.”

A laugh escaped Caroline. “Heavens, Cordie, he is just as difficult as my brothers.”