Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick Page B

in which you engaged prior to your marriage?" Joan glanced down at her hands and then nodded. "Yes." "What a horrid little man he was," Lavinia said. "Huh," Tobias said. Lavinia gave him another repressive look. He paid no attention. "No offense, madam, but I fail to see how that particular threat would have created much of a scandal," he said. "After all, the affair ended over twenty years ago." Joan stiffened. "My daughter is engaged to Colchester's heir, Mr. March. if you know anything at all about the family, you will be aware that his grandmother Lady Colchester controls much of the family fortune. She is extremely high in the instep. The least hint of scandal would be more than enough to convince her to force her grandson to call off the marriage." Tobias shrugged. "I would not have thought that such old scandal broth would have caused much of an uproar." Joan sat motionless. "I will be the judge of what is at risk here. My husband was delighted with the Colchester alliance. I will never forget the happiness in his eyes when he danced with Maryanne at her engagement ball. And as for my daughter, she is deeply in love. I will not let anything get in the way of this marriage, Mr. March. Do you comprehend me?" Lavinia rounded on Tobias before he could respond. "it is all very well for you to entertain doubts, Sir, but I will thank you to keep them to yourself. What do you know of marital alliances formed in such elevated circles? A young woman's future is at stake. Her mother has every right to take precautions." "Yes, of course." Tobias's eyes glinted with ironic amusement. "Forgive me, Mrs. Dove. Mrs. Lake is quite correct. I have not had a lot of experience with marital alliances formed in, uh, elevated circles. " To Lavinia's surprise, Joan actually smiled. "I understand," Joan murmured. I assure you, the fact that Mr. March does not move in exclusive circles will not prevent him from being able to conduct his inquiries," Lavinia said hastily. She gave Tobias a speaking look. "Will it, Sir?"
    "I generally manage to find out what I need to know," Tobias said. Lavinia turned back to Joan. "Rest assured we shall begin our inquiries immediately" "Where do you propose to start?" Joan asked, genuine curiosity in her eyes. Lavinia stood and walked to the table where Tobias had placed the waxwork death threat. She examined it closely again, noting the fine details. "This is clearly not the work of an amateur," she said slowly. "I believe we should begin by seeking advice from some workers in wax. Artists often have distinctive styles and methods. With luck we may find someone who can tell us something about the unique elements of this particular sculpture." Tobias regarded her with poorly veiled surprise. "That is not a bad notion." She clamped her teeth together., "How will you discover the names of these expert modelers in wax?" Joan asked, clearly oblivious to the byplay Lavinia drew a finger slowly along the frame of the picture. "I shall ask my niece for some advice in the matter. Emeline has been going about to a great many museums and galleries of all sorts since we returned to London. She will likely know the ones that exhibit waxwork sculptures." "Excellent." Joan rose gracefully and adjusted her gloves. "I shall leave you to it." She paused. "Unless you have some more questions for me?" "Only one." Lavinia hesitated, gathering her nerve. "I fear you Will find it presumptuous." Joan appeared dryly amused. "Really, Mrs. Lake. I cannot imagine a more presumptuous question than the one concerning why I am being blackmailed." "The thing is, my niece has received a small number of invitations, thanks to Lady Wortham. But Emeline requires some new gowns if she is to go about with Priscilla. I am wondering if you would be so kind as to supply me with the name of your modiste," She could almost feel Tobias raising his eyes to the ceiling, but he had the good sense not to speak. Joan contemplated Lavinia with a thoughtful