Chapter Forty-Three

Harry's official confirmation as the twelfth Earl of Cobham sent a shock wave through the ton. Society was agog with the news that the man who had been amongst them as Henri Bonheur, Comte de Carabas, was, in fact, none other than Henry Brooke, the Lost Earl.

As if that wasn't enough, there was a persistent rumor going around that the same man was also Charles King, the mysterious owner of King Ellie hadn't seen him since she'd checked his papers were all in order and addressed them to the Lord Chancellor's office herself.

Tess had jumped at the chance to host a party, much to her husband's dismay, and invitations had been sent out to over a hundred of society's most respected and fashionable members, for attendance at a special ball to introduce the Lost Earl.

Acceptance letters had been piling up on the silver tray in the hallway of Wansford House for days.

"I don't think we've had more than a dozen people say they can't come," Daisy said excitedly, as she and Ellie compiled a final list in Tess's elegant drawing room. "It's going to be an absolute crush."

Tess beamed. "It's going to be the biggest event I've ever hosted. Poor Justin thinks we've all gone mad."

"At least Harry's paying for it all." Daisy grinned. "That should keep your husband happy. The only time he likes to spend money is when it's on you."

Tess glanced at Ellie. "Will your dress be ready in time?"

"Madame Lef è vre has promised to have it delivered by tomorrow morning."

"I can't believe you've finally ordered something so wonderful for yourself." Tess smiled. "I can't wait to see you in it."

Ellie's stomach did a little nervous flip. She'd used some of her share of Bullock's money to buy her very first dress from the fashionable couturier, a beautiful peacock-blue silk gown with velvet ribbon along the neckline and hem.

If the dress made her look and feel beautiful, then she might also be able to feign confidence and effortless ease for the evening as well. She was about to witness Harry's ultimate triumph, and it wouldn't do to appear dispirited. Even if that was how she felt inside.

"Does anyone know what Harry's planning to wear?" Daisy asked idly.

"No idea, but I can't imagine it'll be anything less than magnificent."

Ellie adjusted her spectacles. "Are you sure we've made the right decision, letting everyone think that Harry is Charles King? After all, we were the ones who started this enterprise. We've done all of the work. Don't you think it's unfair to let a man just swan in and take all the credit?"

Daisy shook her head. "We've already discussed this. And no, it's perfectly fine. I wouldn't have agreed to it otherwise, and neither would Tess."

Tess gave a fervent nod. "Agreed."

"After all, it's as advantageous for us as it is for him," Daisy continued. "We always let clients assume our employer was a man, so this really isn't that different. If anything, I predict we'll get even more business now, because of his charm and natural charisma. People just can't help believing in him."

"And it's the perfect explanation for everyone who previously met him as Henri Bonheur, or Enrico Castellini," Tess added. "He can just say he assumed those roles to work undercover for a case."

Ellie toyed with her pen. "Well, he'd better not embarrass us, now that he's the very visible figurehead of the company."

"I'm sure he won't. Now that he's been confirmed as the earl, he's unlikely to do anything that will risk his position. He came to us saying he was determined to stay on the right side of the law, and I don't think he's in any danger of going back on that now."

"But do you really think people can change?" Ellie sighed. "They say a leopard never changes his spots."

"They also say a reformed rake makes the best husband, so there's clearly room to maneuver," Daisy quipped with a laugh. "Have a little faith."

"I think it's absolutely possible for people to change," Tess said earnestly. "Just look at Justin. When I first met him, he was adamant that he would only marry because it was expected of him. He certainly didn't believe that he could fall in love. But miracles do happen, especially when we least expect them to. I have no doubt that he loves me just as deeply as I love him."

"True," Daisy sighed. "So there's still hope for both of us, Ellie, my love."

Ellie declined to comment. She couldn't decide if she was excited about tomorrow's event, or terrified. To watch from the side of the room while Harry was f ê ted and adored by a bevy of beautiful women would be almost impossible, but she had her pride. If necessary, she would prove she could act just as well as Harry. She would smile, and look happy, and generally behave as though her heart wasn't breaking.

It would be the performance of her life.