Read Online Jade Lee - [Bridal Favors 03] by What the Bride Wore - Free Book Online Page A

the Thief of the Ton.”
    “Yes dear, we know—” said Wendy, but Helaine waved her to silence.
    “If I throw a ball—in a week’s time, I think—then everyone will want to attend. I’ve only been back a day, and already we’re flooded with cards.” She pointed to the list of ladies who owed the shop. “Why, I believe Lady Edith has called on us twice.”
    Irene nodded, understanding starting to flicker. “Everyone will want to attend.”
    “Exactly. It will be the talk of the town.”
    Wendy blew out a slow whistle. “You’re going to restrict the guest list, aren’t you?”
    “Nonsense! There will be no restrictions. Only a butler at the doorway with a certain list in his hands.” She lifted the list of unpaid bills. “Anyone on this list won’t be allowed to attend. That’s all.”
    Irene nodded. “But can you put a ball together that fast? You’ve only just returned.”
    Wendy added her concern. “And can you get the word out that fast? A threat does no good if no one knows about it.”
    Helaine’s eyes took on a martial gleam. “I can, and I will. You’ll see.” Then she pinned Irene with a dark glare. “And you’re coming to the ball too.” She shot Wendy a glare. “Both of you.”
    Irene and Wendy started sputtering their objections. Irene didn’t even have a ballgown. The last time she’d attended anything had been before her marriage to Nate. But Helaine refused to hear one word. She simply folded her arms across her chest and waited until her friends grew silent.
    “Then it’s settled. You’re coming. And not dressed in black,” she added with an extra glare at Irene.
    “Helaine—”
    Her friend ignored her, raising her voice to the upper stairs where her mother’s rooms were. “Mama!” she called. “Mama, I need your help. We’re going to throw a ball.”
    The squeal of delight ended any objection. Helaine’s mother had suffered a great deal in her life. No one would take a treat away from her. Even if the treat was a ball.
    “Well,” said Irene as she turned to Wendy. “I guess I need a gown.”
    “Guess we all do, though heaven only knows how I’ll get them sewed in time.”
    Irene set down her reticule and rolled up her sleeves. “Well, come on then. Tell me what I can do to help.”
    And so it was done. Irene was going to a ball.
    ***
    Grant found Lord Redhill at his club. Grant wasn’t a member of White’s anymore. At one time he had been, though only briefly. He’d lasted about five weeks before he’d lost a bet on a pair of rats—or was it a cricket match between actual crickets?—and he’d had to let the membership lapse. No money to pay his tab, and so he’d been asked not to return. The only reason they let him in now was because he sent his card in to Robert who gestured him inside.
    Robert ordered him a drink—a tepid tea—then leaned back to smile warmly. “I was just going over your last report. Amazing job you’ve done. Never would have thought you could turn that mill around. Not this well at least, but you’ve done it. I’m impressed, Grant. And I’d never thought I’d say that to you.”
    Grant acknowledged the statement with a shrug. He could be proud of himself too. He had been all set to be proud of himself. Until he’d found out his brother had built a damned canal that had doubled the price of the land he needed to buy back. Now he was scrambling to do the one thing he’d thought he’d never have to do: marry for money.
    Maybe the widow has money, suggested his madness. She’s certainly got assets!
    “The mill’s making solid money,” he said, ignoring the lecherous giggles of his madness. “And the new manager seems to be holding up.”
    “So have you found me so I can sign the papers?” Robert leaned forward. “I have to say, I don’t like you selling your share right now. Doesn’t make good business sense.”
    Grant flashed a rather sick smile. “It doesn’t, Robert. Which is why I’m not going to do it. I