Whirlwind Wedding

herself caught in a scandal when nearly everyone shuns her.'

An image of a disheveled, smiling woman flashed in Austin's mind. 'Why is she shunned?'

Miles shrugged. 'Who can say how these things start? The women twitter behind their fans at her awkwardness on the dance floor and her lack of conversation. Several branded her a bluestocking after she engaged a group of lords in a discussion regarding the benefits of herbal healing. The instant one person labels her unacceptable, the rest follow.'

'Doesn't Lady Penbroke lend her niece support?'

'I haven't paid particular attention, but no doubt the worst snubs are conducted away from the countess's sharp eyes. But even her formidable support cannot singlehandedly ensure gaining the ton's favor.'

'Do you know how long she's been in England?'

Miles stroked his chin. 'I believe she arrived soon after Boxing Day, so she'd be here about six months.'

'I'd like you to find out exactly when she arrived and on what ship. I also want to know if this is her first trip to England.'

'Why don't you simply ask her?'

'I did. She claims she arrived six months ago and that this is her first visit here.'

Miles's eyes sharpened with interest. 'And you don't believe her? May I ask why?'

Forcing nonchalance into his voice, Austin said 'It's possible she may have been acquainted with William. I want to know for certain. If she was, I want to know how, when, and where they met.'

'Again, why don't you simply ask her?'

Austin suppressed the urge to rake his hands through his hair in frustration. 'I cannot say until I know more. I also want to know about her past. Why she left America. Her financial situation. Her family status. Anything you can find.'

'Perhaps you should hire a Bow Street Runner. They-'

'No.' The razor-sharp word sliced off Miles's suggestion. He'd already engaged a Runner a fortnight ago to locate the Frenchman named Gaspard-the man he'd seen with William that last time… the man Austin suspected knew something about the letter now locked in his desk. He had no wish to involve Bow Street in this matter. 'I need complete discretion from someone I trust. Now, will you make the necessary inquiries? You'll most likely need to travel to London.'

Miles studied him for several long seconds. 'This is important to you.'

An image of William rose in his mind. 'Yes.'

A silent look passed between them, a look born of years of friendship. 'I'll leave in the morning,' Miles said. 'In the meantime, I'll begin investigating immediately by feeling out some of the party guests about the lady in question.'

'An excellent idea. Needless to say, I want any and all information as soon as possible.'

'Understood.' Miles finished his brandy and stood. 'I suppose you know that Miss Matthews and Lady Penbroke are staying here for the next several weeks as your mother's guests.'

'Yes. By sending you to London, I am able to remain here and keep my eye on Miss Matthews.'

Miles quirked a brow. 'Is that what you intend to keep on her? Only your eye?'

Austin chilled his already frosty expression to a narrow-eyed iciness. 'Are you quite finished?'

Miles wisely took note of the suddenly arctic air. 'Very finished.' His expression sobered and he placed a comforting hand on Austin's shoulder. 'Don't worry, my friend. Between the two of us, we'll find out everything there is to know about Miss Elizabeth Matthews.'

After the door closed behind Miles, Austin slipped a silver key from his waistcoat pocket and unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk. He withdrew the letter he'd received two weeks ago and reread the words that were already burned in his brain.

Your brother William was a traitor to England. I have the proof, signed by his own hand. I will remain silent, but it will cost you. You will go to London by July first. You will receive further instructions there.

Chapter 3

Just before dawn the next morning, Elizabeth tiptoed from her room carrying her knapsack.

'Where are you off to so early, Elizabeth?'

Elizabeth nearly jumped out of her skin. 'Good heavens, Aunt Joanna, you startled me.' She smiled at the woman who had opened her heart and her home to her without question. 'I thought I'd walk the grounds and do some sketching. Would you care to join me?'

A horrified expression crossed her aunt's plump face. 'Thank you, dear, but no. The early morning dew would completely wilt my feathers.' She lovingly patted the long ostrich plumes protruding from her chartreuse turban. 'I'm going to read in the library until breakfast.' Aunt Joanna cocked her head to one side and Elizabeth leaned back to avoid the feathers. 'Are you feeling better?'

'I beg your pardon?'

'His grace informed me last evening that you'd retired due to the headache.'

Warmth crept up Elizabeth's neck. 'Oh! Yes, I'm feeling much improved.'

Her aunt eyed her with open curiosity. 'Obviously you had an opportunity to speak with the duke. What did you think of him?'

He is devastatingly attractive. And lonely. And he thinks I'm a liar. 'He was very… charming. Did you enjoy the party, Aunt Joanna?'

An unladylike snort erupted from between her aunt's lips. 'I was having a merry time until Lady Digby and her dreadful daughters surrounded me and I couldn't escape. Never in my life have I encountered such a gaggle of twittering fools. I'll be stunned if she manages to marry off even one of those buttertoothed harpies.' She reached out and patted Elizabeth's cheek. 'She is green with envy that my niece is so lovely. We won't have any trouble finding you a husband.'

'In case you haven't noticed, Aunt Joanna, we can barely find me a gentleman to dance with.'

Her aunt waved a dismissive hand. 'Pish posh. You're simply unknown. No doubt some gentlemen are put off because you're American, what with last century's Rebellion and this most recent series of skirmishes. But things have settled down again, so it's only a matter of time.'

'A matter of time for what?'

'Why, until some nice young man takes notice of you.'

Elizabeth refrained from pointing out that so far nearly everyone who had taken notice of her had found her lacking. Holding her bag aloft, she said, 'I've packed a snack, so I'll see you after breakfast.'

A frown puckered her aunt's brow. 'Perhaps I should ask a footman to accompany you.' Before Elizabeth could protest, her aunt rushed on, 'Oh, I suppose it's not necessary. You go along, dear, and enjoy yourself. After all, no one except us is even awake. Who on earth would you meet at this ungodly hour?'

Elizabeth strolled along, relishing the quiet that was broken only by the rustle of leaves and the ravens' caws. She chose paths at random, not particularly caring where she went, just happy to be outdoors. After a while, the forest thinned out to a wide meadow where bees hummed hovering around sweet-smelling honeysuckle. Colorful butterflies flitted over clumps of red and yellow wildflowers.

She soon reached a picturesque lake. Pale shafts of hesitant gold light peeped down between leafy tree branches, offering a dawn-kissed shady retreat. Removing her sketch pad from her knapsack, she sank down on the grass and propped her back against the trunk of a huge oak tree.

A frisky squirrel peeked at her from a nearby tree branch and she quickly sketched him. A family of timid rabbits made another subject before they hopped away to the safety of the tall grass. She drew a detailed picture of Patch, her heart pinching as she thought of her beloved dog. She'd wanted desperately to bring him to England but he was