“I had assumed that Lord Weston would have forbidden you to see Lord Carlisle again after that delicious scene this afternoon.”

“It’s hardly delicious when one’s husband’s life is in danger, Charlotte. And he did forbid me, but that’s of no matter now, because I simply must save him. Look, this came a few hours ago.”

She handed Charlotte the letter she had received.

“Oh, my,” Charlotte said, a worried frown wrinkling her brow as she took in the few lines. “You’re not going to do it, are you? Meet with him secretly? Tonight?”

“It says he has important information vital to our quest, Charlotte.”

“Well, as to that, you weren’t very forthcoming with him about your quest, you know.”

“That’s because Noble believes him to be behind the attack. I had to throw him off the scent by implying we believed it was someone else who planned such a heinous crime.”

“But I thought you believed that.”

“I do, but Noble doesn’t, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, dear cousin, it’s the importance of keeping an open mind. No, my duty is quite clear. I must meet with Lord Carlisle, and not only ascertain what vital information he has, but also—not that it will do any good—beg him to consider apologizing to Noble and thus halting the duel.”

“And if he won’t?”

Gillian sighed. “I shall take steps to ensure they won’t meet tomorrow. I don’t wish to—they’re rather drastic steps—but I have Noble to think about.”

“Why do I have a feeling your Noble won’t be happy with you thinking about him in such a manner?”

Gillian waved off the question. “You must come with me once the meeting spot is named and be my witness.”

“Have you been contacted yet?”

“No, but the note didn’t say when I would be contacted, just that someone would let me know when and where I was to meet him.”

“I will come with you, Gilly, but I think you should reconsider your actions. Lord Weston—oh, Gilly, there he is!”

“Noble?”

“No, the divine viscount. Isn’t he delicious?”

“Quite fashionable,” Gillian said, viewing the dandified viscount with a giggle. “Those curls must have taken him forever to achieve.”

“Mmm, but it’s worth the effort.” Charlotte started to move off toward her mother and the viscount.

“Don’t forget, you promised you’d come with me!”

Charlotte waved a hand in acknowledgment and went to meet the sprig of fashion.

Gillian mingled, chatted, and even danced a few country dances before she received the instructions she awaited. A footman approached, bowed, and handed her a slip of paper. She read it quickly; then, with a glance through the rooms to make sure Noble had not yet shown up, she went to find Charlotte.

“Well, blast,” she muttered when she found her. Charlotte was involved in a lengthy looking dance and was sure to be busy for some time. Gillian glanced at the note again.

Third room on the left, second floor. I’ll wait ten minutes, then leave. Come alone. Well, she certainly wasn’t enough of a ninny to go alone to a stranger’s bedchamber with a man who was not her husband, but she did not wish to miss this chance to learn what Lord Carlisle knew, and to beg him to apologize to Noble. She waited until Charlotte was standing during a quiet moment in the set, and passed the note to her. Charlotte read it, nodded, and slipped the paper into her glove.