And why hadn’t she married?
Knowing her now, it was clear she was a few years older than the traditional age for a debutante, but he couldn’t imagine such a small thing would be of much hindrance when she had plenty of fine assets to attract a lord’s suit. She was quite pretty with her honey-gold hair and sharp gray eyes. Her features were fine but strong; delicate brows, elegant cheekbones, and a stubborn chin. And her compact little figure with its modest curves and understated sensuality was likely to be an effective lure to men who would wish to unleash her passions.
Roderick stopped in the middle of donning his shirt and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He shouldn’t be having such thoughts. Though she currently deigned to work in his club due to circumstances that were none of his business no matter how curious he was, she belonged to a different world.
He was a bastard and a reputed scoundrel.
She was a daughter of the beau monde, a proper lady, and an innocent.
Roderick turned from the mirror and quickly finished dressing.
To hell with it.
He strode to the bellpull. Several minutes later Bishop arrived with his perpetual jaunty grin. “What can I do for you, sir?”
“Is Mr. Lowth settled?”
“He is.”
“I need you to see what you can uncover about a particular young woman,” Roderick said. “I need her true name, her family, where she resides, and where she is likely to spend her evenings.”
The footman gave a snorting chuckle. “I was wondering when this request would come around.”
Roderick gave the young man a scowling glance. “The sooner the better, Bishop.”
With a tug on his forelock, the footman swung from the room.
Thirteen
Roderick entered the grand ballroom, casting his gaze about the room as he made his way past several groups of people.
The ball was being thrown to celebrate the thirtieth wedding anniversary of one of his long-standing financial clients. Lord Michaels had been extremely influential in Roderick’s success, often referring members of his extensive acquaintance for investment opportunities.
But more than that, Lord Michaels was a rare gentleman whom Roderick also called friend.
The graze on his arm started to throb as he strolled around the outer edge of the room, reminding him to keep his appearance brief. He kept his discomfort from being revealed in his expression, even when he heard the murmur of disapproval following his progress through the room. Despite his anger toward the society that had shown his mother such cruel bigotry, he refused to give any of these people the benefit of thinking their opinions mattered a damn to him.
“Mr. Bentley, how wonderful to see you.”
Roderick stopped and turned toward the greeting. Lady Michaels stepped gracefully past a small group of young men to give Roderick her hand.
He took it gently and bowed low before straightening again with a smile. There were a few genuine people existing in the ton. “Lady Michaels, you are as lovely as ever.”
And she was. Her cherubic face and sparkling blue eyes were surrounded by a halo of brown curls. She possessed a warm, motherly appearance that managed to put everyone she met at ease.
She chuckled at his compliment and swatted his arm with her fan. “I do love how you go on.”
“Lord Michaels is a lucky man.”
“La, it is hard to believe it has been thirty years already. I still remember our wedding day.” A sweet dreaminess entered her expression as her smile softened and her eyes warmed with emotion. Then she lifted her chin to scan the crowd around them. “Have you seen that husband of mine? I left his side only moments ago, so he should not be far.”
“No, but I just arrived.”
She turned her kindly gaze back to him and admonished, “Yes, and I know how quickly you come and go from these little parties. Do be sure to see him before you leave.”
Roderick smiled. “I shall do my best.”
The clever lady narrowed her gaze at his noncommitment. Then she smiled. “I know you shall. Now, I am afraid I must be off again. So many guests to speak with. It is truly lovely to see you, Mr. Bentley. Do say you will come to dinner again soon.”
“I shall—”
“Yes, yes,” she interrupted with a playful grin, “you shall do your best.”
Roderick’s easy smile slipped away as Lady Michaels disappeared back into the crush of guests, when he noticed another familiar face was quickly approaching to take her place.
Roderick clenched his teeth.
It was too late to consider retreat. Already too many people had noticed the impending encounter and were looking on curiously. If Roderick turned and walked away now, it would either appear as though he were a coward, or as though he meant to publicly insult his half brother.