“We have gone over this a thousand times. With your past, there wasn’t much else we could do to prove to Lord Falburton that your intentions were honorable toward his daughter. And now that you are committed to assisting Miss Barton as well . . .” Mrs. Cuthbert took another sip of tea. “You should be grateful I came up with the idea of a ball.”

“One of the few things I have discovered about Lady Emily is her love for music. That should make the ball a bit less painful for her.” The only other interest of hers that he had discovered were rocks, and although he didn’t mind speaking of stones and fossils now and again, he doubted they would find a social function involving that particular passion of hers.

Mrs. Cuthbert pursed her lips together. “Do you think her situation is causing her stress?”

“I think most situations cause Lady Emily stress, including choosing which torte she would like me to fetch when we are in company.”

“We shan’t tell her of Miss Barton, then. We don’t need to add to her worries.” Mrs. Cuthbert stroked the top of a crocheted cat, her movements once again languid and unhurried. Never a good sign. “If news reaches her father, we shall have to move to a different plan.”

Everton didn’t like the sound of that. “What, exactly, did you have in mind?”

“Keep in mind there isn’t much more we can do after hosting a ball. Before long, Lord Falburton will be asking you for an engagement.”

Everton narrowed his eyes. This was where his scandals became either quite entertaining or quite uncomfortable. They usually had a man ready and waiting to swoop in and save the lady’s reputation, but Lady Emily Falburton was too young and had no gentleman in mind for herself.

Mrs. Cuthbert set her teacup down and placed both hands in her lap. She took a deep breath. “What would you think about settling down?”

Everton closed his eyes against the magnitude of colors suddenly swirling in the room. An icy hardness took hold of his throat. When he opened his eyes, the room stilled. Mrs. Cuthbert rubbed her fingers in her lap, the only indication that she was nervous. Had he heard her correctly?

“Pardon me? I’m quite certain I misheard you.”

Mrs. Cuthbert swallowed. “We have been telling Lord and Lady Falburton you are serious about their daughter, and at some point, we will need to stop—”

Everton stood. Mrs. Cuthbert knew better than to ask him that. Suggesting a marriage to Lady Emily? She was too much like Rachel. Any of the other women he scandalized would have been a better choice. Even Miss Paynter, whom he’d purused last year, would have been better. She was quiet as well, but at least she could stand up for herself.

“Mrs. Cuthbert, matrimony is out of the question.” His tone was icy. “It is the whole reason you chose me for these games you play. One more suggestion like that and you will have to find yourself another gentleman with whom you can manipulate Society.”