Diana yawned as she plaited her hair before the mirror. “Did you see some of the debutantes’ faces when your engagement was announced?”

Helen looked up from tying the ribbons on her nightgown. “No.” She had seen only Jason.

“They and their mothers looked fit to burst,” Diana said gleefully. “Many had hopes in Peyton’s direction.”

“It’s ever such exciting news, Lady Helen,” Mary said as she put away their dresses. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, Mary. You must sleep late tomorrow. I don’t expect to see you until luncheon.”

Mary grinned, bobbed, and left the room.

“I didn’t know Peyton had a younger brother,” Diana said when she and Helen climbed into bed.

Helen blew out the candle. Breathing in the light scent of smoke, she lay down. “Yes. He’s very likeable.”

“He is even more gorgeous than Peyton. And much younger. Peyton is almost middle-aged.”

Helen grinned into the dark. “And therefore, perfect for a spinster of advanced years like me.”

“I am so happy for you, dearest,” Diana said for the umpteenth time. “I knew Peyton would not take no for an answer.”

“I am very pleased he didn’t,” Helen murmured with a rush of feeling. “But enough about me. I do hope your ball was everything you hoped for.”

“Everything and more.” Diana fell back against the pillows with a sigh. “I met so many nice gentlemen.”

“I expect the calling cards will arrive in vast numbers in a few hours,” Helen said. “And it is almost dawn. We should get some sleep.”

“I’m too excited to sleep.”

“Me too. No gentleman caught your attention? What about the marquess’ son?”

“He has lovely manners.”

“Oh? That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement. I imagine you will get to know him better during the Season.”

Diana propped her head on her hand. “I’m not interested in choosing anyone yet.”

“Why not? I’m sure one or two would make perfectly respectable husbands.”

“Some would,” Diana agreed. “But I intend to enjoy several Seasons of flirting and dancing before I marry.”

“Then I’m relieved not to have to chaperone you.” Helen turned on the pillow to face her sister. “While I agree it’s sensible to take your time, why wait years? You are always saying how love is everything.”

“And so, it is. I plan to fall desperately in love, dearest. Just like you.” Diana yawned and prodded her pillow. “But I can wait.”

“Wait for whom?” Suspicious, Helen poked her sister in the arm. “Did Peyton’s brother ask you to wait for him?”

Diana giggled. “Not in so many words.”

“Good, because he has no right—”

“But Charlie was quite the most handsome man there. And the only one who made me laugh.”

“It’s Charlie, is it?” Helen groaned. “Mama says that men who can woo a woman with humor are definitely dangerous. She is referring to Papa, of course.” She laughed, thinking of how often their parents joked with one another.

Diana settled onto her side. “I can’t wait to hear about your plans. Your wedding, the ring, Peyton’s country estate…” Her voice drifted off.

After several moments of silence, Helen bent over her. Diana was asleep.

She lay back and hugged her arms around herself and thought of Jason, his handsome face, his kisses, his humor, his kindness. Realizing that he would soon be her husband made her curl her toes. The thought of such intimacy took her breath away. He was meeting Papa tomorrow to discuss the marriage settlement. The wedding would take place at Walcott, and Mama was already making lists.

 

***

The next day, Jason made his way to Bow Street. He found Bianchi and his accomplice, Barrett, sharing a reeking cell with a man deep in his cups who was singing off key.

The Italian ran to clutch the bars as Jason approached. Bianchi’s right eye was swollen shut and his lip cut. “I shall have you arrested for assault,” he snarled. “I’m waiting for my solicitor to arrive. Then we shall see who is in the wrong. You have nothing on me. I demand my property returned. Where are my valuable artworks? They could be stolen by now.”

“A Mr. Smith, an expert on art forgery, is at present evaluating them. I believe you sold the Titian to Lady Braidwood? She has engaged her lawyers, who are most interested in the outcome, as is Gillies and several other members of the ton. I must allow that the paintings are skillfully done. I gather it’s your work, Barrett? If that is your real name?” A glimmer of pride brightened Barrett’s eyes before he sat down with his head in his hands.

Bianchi scowled, winced, and put a hand gingerly to his lip.

“And what might we call you?” Jason persisted. “It can’t be Bianchi. He remains in Florence, residing in the villa that you described in such loving detail.” He stared into the imposter’s furious face. For once the loquacious man made no response.

“I’m afraid you will remain here until you come up before the magistrate,” Jason said with great satisfaction. “Regrettably, the accommodation and the food might not meet with your standards.”

Jason rode home on horseback, after exercising his chestnut gelding, Icarus, in the park for an hour. He enjoyed being outdoors, although it failed to live up to the fresh country air. He, Charlie, and Lizzie were to have dinner with the Kinseys that evening. Before then, he would need a stern word with Charlie. He and Helen would be the only ones flirting tonight.

As he entered the stable yard and dismounted, his thoughts returned to his sister. Lizzie was a more delicate matter. Would she slip back into the doldrums again? He could not allow it and must try to draw her out. He threw the reins to the stable boy and strode to the house. He would ask Helen to help him.

Jason soon realized his wish for a speedy wedding would have proved difficult for Lady Kinsey to organize. The date was set for six weeks hence, after Kinsey’s brother, Lord Nicholas’ wedding took place. Jason knew how to employ the time. He would squire Helen around Town during the Season. She deserved to be courted, and he wanted her to enjoy all that she had missed over the years. When their betrothal had been announced at the ball, the expressions on a few of the guests’ faces were explicit. Would the old gossip be regurgitated? He and Helen would show the ton how happy and perfectly suited they were. If that failed to convince some, he would deal with it. And not necessarily politely.