“Mrs. Parker is still representing me,” Frank Lambert said, drawing everyone’s attention.
Cordelia released what almost sounded like a snort. “Please. You, Mr. Lambert, are the very definition of nouveau riche. While you may have an abundance of funds at your disposal, what you need to understand is this—no self-respecting lady of the New York Four Hundred will give you the time of day.” She then settled an eye on Daniel Mizner. “And forgive me for my continued bluntness, Mr. Mizner, but I, along with Miss Brinley, I’m sure, do not even understand why you’re here.”
Daniel scratched his nose. “I have no idea why you’re taking that snippy tone with me, Miss Lowe. But to answer your question, I’m here because I’m hopeful that before Miss Brinley departs Newport she can point me in the direction of one of the ladies she spent time with while in Newport.” He returned his attention to Gwendolyn. “May I dare hope you have someone in mind for me, someone of high social standing and . . .”
“A substantial fortune?” Cordelia finished for him when Daniel faltered, earning a scowl from Daniel, which she addressed by giving a languid wave of her hand. “There’s no reason for feigned outrage, Mr. Mizner. You must know you have little chance of securing an alliance with a member of the upper crust. Everyone is aware you’re a habitual gambler, and it’s also known you tend to align yourself with questionable business partners. It’s no mystery you’re in Newport this Season looking for an heiress, probably because your parents have limited your access to their fortune—done, no doubt, because of those questionable characters you mingle with.”
“That’s enough, Miss Lowe,” Gwendolyn said, earning a glare from Cordelia and a small smile from Mr. Mizner.
“Thank you for that, Miss Brinley,” Daniel said. “I realized from the moment I met you that you’re a remarkable woman, only turning down my request of sponsorship because you obviously realized the difficulty you would face securing me an alliance, what with how ridiculous society ladies have turned out to be, believing rumors without any proof. With that said, can you suggest a lady or two, or perhaps even three, who might not have been privy to these horrid rumors and would give me—a gentleman with the best intentions at heart—a chance at earning their love?”
Gwendolyn resisted a sigh. Given that Daniel had made a point of telling Mrs. Parker she wouldn’t be compensated until vows were spoken, she was convinced the rumors were true and Daniel was, indeed, on the lookout for an heiress.
“I’m afraid I have no names to provide you, Mr. Mizner. I made a point of at least beginning to learn about the gentlemen we were sponsoring, and I then took that information to form educated decisions regarding which lady would suit them best. I have no insight into your character, and because of that, I’m afraid I don’t know who would suit you.”
“What about her?” Daniel said, nodding to Adelaide. “She’s been out for at least five Seasons, and I imagine she’d welcome my attention.”
“I am sitting right here,” Adelaide said, rising to her feet. “And while this may come as a shock to you, Mr. Mizner, I’m not interested in furthering an acquaintance with someone who addresses me as ‘her.’ We’ve been introduced before, and to refresh your memory, I’m the lady who unintentionally whacked you with my fan.”
When Phyllis rose to her feet as well and settled a glare on Daniel, he swallowed before he returned his attention to Gwendolyn. “Perhaps we could discuss this at a later date, and in a less hostile environment.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be engaged in matchmaking services from this point forward, Mr. Mizner, but I wish you well in the future,” Gwendolyn said.
“How unfortunate, but thank you for the well wishes.” Daniel glanced back to Phyllis, who was still glaring at him, and swallowed again. “I suppose all that’s left to do now is bid everyone a good afternoon.” Sending Gwendolyn an inclination of his head, Daniel headed for the door, paused to remind Frank Lambert they needed to set up an appointment to discuss financial investment opportunities soon, then disappeared a moment later.
“You were right when you refused to sponsor him,” Frank said, drawing Gwendolyn’s attention. “I didn’t get the impression, during the few times we spoke, that he has honorable intentions when it comes to finding a wife.”
Gwendolyn arched a brow. “And you do?”
“There’s nothing dishonorable about my objectives,” Frank returned. “I want to marry well to improve my social station, which will then allow any children I may eventually have to be raised in a world that will accept them. They’re certain to be considered outcasts if I don’t do exactly that, forced to peer through the glass leading into society and all its advantages, but refused entrance into the upper crust because their father had the audacity to make his money instead of inheriting it.”
Gwendolyn took a step closer to Frank. “And while that isn’t a dishonorable plan, I’m going to tell you what I mentioned to Walter Townsend numerous times. You need to set your standards higher. You seem to believe that settling for a society lady, who will always consider you beneath her, will set your future children up well in life.”
She shook her head. “It will do nothing of the sort, and your children will not thank you for the strife they will certainly grow up in. There’s no rule stating a man with wealth must get accepted into society. There is life outside the Four Hundred, and a wonderful life at that. What you need is a lady already in possession of her own fortune, which would allow you to know she’s not marrying you for your money but simply for you.”
“Where would I find a lady like that?” Frank demanded.
“Honestly, must I spell everything out today?” Gwendolyn jerked her head toward Catriona. “She’s right over there.”
Catriona glided across the room and settled a frown on Gwendolyn. “I know I mentioned in passing I might consider marrying again, but I didn’t mean I was looking to do that anytime soon. Frank and I barely know each other, and more importantly, I’m not overly fond of him at the moment.”
“I wasn’t suggesting the man drop to one knee and propose to you here and now,” Gwendolyn said. “And, yes, you’re not currently fond of him, but you didn’t hesitate to join him when he was turned away from Bailey’s Beach, and you allowed him to keep you company last night before you were set to perform. You never let anyone do that.”
“True, but . . .” Catriona narrowed an eye on Frank. “Before Gwendolyn begins listing reasons why she believes you and I will suit, I’m going to point out the main reason she’s wrong. You, Frank, are determined to marry a lady who’s high in the instep, something I’m certainly not, and that will never change. Besides that, you asked me last night to introduce you to ladies, even going so far as to suggest they’d be impressed because you’d spent time in my company.”
Frank rubbed a hand over his face. “I only asked you to introduce me around because you told me you were assisting Gwendolyn with matchmaking. Truth be told, I would have been content to simply remain in your company, but ladies like you don’t spend a lot of their time with men like me. I’m rough around the edges, not sophisticated, and don’t warrant a second look from beautiful women like you, which is why I had to keep telling myself not to follow you around everywhere, even though I wanted to.”