"That's Sara," Ross said ruefully. "Honorable to a fault. She would bend over backward to give the devil a fair hearing. If you have good reasons why she shouldn't marry him, it would be better to tell her directly so she can decide for herself."
It had never occurred to Peregrine to tell the simple truth, but after his initial surprise, he considered the possibility before discarding it. "I don't think that would work. Weldon's crimes are too appalling, too vicious—there is an English word. Heinous, I think?— too heinous for an honorable person to believe. I have been gathering proof, but so far, most of what I have is abstract, a matter of complex financial records rather than a true picture of the suffering he has caused. Not enough, I fear, to persuade your cousin to break her betrothal."
"You're probably right." His friend frowned. "Is Weldon really so dreadful? I find him disturbing, but it's hard to believe he is quite the monster you describe."
"He is worse than you can imagine, and you have seen much more of the world than Lady Sara," Peregrine said bluntly. "Even you, who have some cause to trust my word, have trouble accepting that Weldon is evil. Since that is so, how can I convince an honest innocent like your cousin?"
"I take your point, though it would be easier to believe if you were more specific about what Weldon has done," Ross observed. "However, you obviously don't want to say more, and I assume you have your reasons. But about Sara—you said you have not given up hope."
Peregrine looked into his friend's eyes and began to lie. "I may soon have an incontrovertible piece of evidence. If so, I would like to present it to Lady Sara in the presence of you, her father, and Weldon. That way, Weldon can speak in his own behalf, and you and Haddonfield will be there to ensure that he does not try to coerce her. Will you help me?"
The other man gave a long, measuring look. "That seems fair. If it comes to that, I'll do whatever I can to help."
Peregrine raised his glass in a half salute. "To Lady Sara's best interests and future happiness." Then he downed the rest of the brandy. He was not interested in the pallid English concept of "fairness." What he wanted was to see Old Testament justice visited on Charles Weldon.
One way or another, he would separate Sara from her betrothed—even if the price was Ross's friendship and Sara's reputation.
Chapter 10
"You dance very well, Lady Weldon."
As they swung in time to the music, Sara laughed up at her partner. "I'm not Lady Weldon yet, Charles, but soon. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Very much." Her betrothed smiled back. He was splendidly handsome in formal evening dress, the touch of silver at his temples adding to his distinguished appearance. "It's very gracious of your cousin to give this ball for us."
"Most of the credit must go to Aunt Marguerite," Sara said. Briefly her gaze went to the tall, golden-haired figure of the Duchess of Windermere, who stood on the far side of the glittering ballroom and viewed the results of her work with calm satisfaction. Though over fifty, in the soft chandelier light she still had the beauty that had captivated a duke. Sara felt a familiar pang of regret that her own mother, who had so resembled Aunt Marguerite, was not here to see her daughter marry.
The duchess saw Sara's glance and sent a smile, which Sara returned affectionately before the figures of the waltz turned her away. "Even though Aunt Marguerite voluntarily renounced the fashionable world to stay with her husband in Norfolk, she does like reemerging occasionally to prove that no one can entertain quite as elegantly as she."
"She does it very well," Charles agreed, clearly relishing the idea of being related to the duchess by marriage. "But you will be even better."
"If you want me to be a grand hostess, I'll do my best." Sara was pleased at how well she and Charles had been getting along in the last weeks. The tension at the beginning of the summer had melted away after she had stopped seeing Peregrine.
The music ended and partners separated. Weldon said, "What lucky man is your next partner?"
"You are très galant tonight, Charles," she said teasingly. "As it happens, I want no partner for this dance. I knew that by this time I would be ready to catch my breath and visit with Great-Aunt Sylvia. I haven't seen her for months."
Charles gave a mock shudder. "I will let you do that on your own. I've always found the dowager countess to be most alarming. I'll join you later for the supper dance."
"Until then." Sara smiled before turning toward the card room, where her great-aunt was likely to be found.