“Oh, darling. I thought you would never ask.”
EPILOGUE
Themusicandlaughterfilled the opulent ballroom, drifting up to Dalton from the dance floor like incense rising to the heavens. London’s elite moved in graceful patterns across the polished parquet floor, the light from the crystal chandeliers sparkling on the king’s ransom of jewelry adorning them.
None of that mattered to him.
From his position by the entrance, at the top of the grand staircase leading down to the ballroom, he had the perfect vantage point to not only greet every guest who arrived at the ball, as any gracious host would do, but also to oversee his domain and everyone in it. This was not simply a ball, but a battlefield, and as such, he surveyed the scene below not with the eyes of a host, but with the intense scrutiny of a general preparing for battle.
At his side, his sister, poised and serene, acted as his hostess, greeting everyone warmly and ensuring their guests were charmed and properly entertained. She was a gem, andhe appreciated her more than he could ever express. Her competence freed his mind to focus not on the ball’s success, but on the man he meant to unmask.
The next guests to arrive warranted his entire attention, so Dalton pulled his gaze from the ballroom to fix it on the newly arrived couple. Not only because they were key elements in the trap he was setting today, but they were also the closest thing he had to friends. Alice and Nathaniel were greeting his sister on the receiving line.
He extended his hand to Nathaniel. The quiet joy that seemed to radiate from his friend caused a pang in his chest. He didn’t have the time or the inclination to examine the emotion, but it looked a lot like envy, so he pushed it down. Down with all the other emotions he had been suppressing for so long, it was now second nature.
“Greystone, it’s good to see you, and in such a fine fettle.” He turned to Alice, one of the best agents he had ever had. They both were. He was going to miss them. But he couldn’t begrudge them that they had retired. Not when they seemed to glow with happiness.
“Alice, you look radiant. It’s plain to see marriage suits you,” he said, kissing his former employee’s hand.
“Thank you, Dalton. We are happy,” Alice murmured, shooting a side glance to Nathaniel as if her eyes couldn’t stay away from him for too long.
Nathaniel took a step forward to speak in a low voice meant for his ears only.
“Your summons were…vague. I don’t know what you are planning, but I warn you, Alice is not to be upset or put in any sort of dangerous situation. She’s in a delicate condition.”
Dalton felt a genuine smile tug at his lips. “My congratulations to you both,” he said warmly, his voice pitched just as lowas Nathaniel to avoid being overheard. “And it was hardly a summons. More like an invitation.”
At Nathaniel’s scoff, he added, “I promise you, whatever happens tonight, Alice will not be put in danger.”
“I am not a wilting violet, Nathaniel. You don’t need to coddle me.” Turning to him, she asked, “What is it you need from us, Dalton?”
“Nothing dangerous or complicated, I assure you. I only need you to observe. One guest in particular. Then report your impression. There are guards all around the ballroom ready to step in should the need arise, although I don’t expect any confrontation.”
Nathaniel nodded, seeming unconvinced, but he put his arm around his wife’s waist and led her into the ballroom.
A short time later, the final actor in the play arrived. At last, the pieces of his plan were neatly falling into place.
It wasn’t until the ball was in full swing, most couples dancing, the orchestra drowning the underlying din of conversation, that he seized the opportunity to corner his quarry. But first, he sought Alice and Nathaniel and guided them to a discreet antechamber overlooking the veranda running the entire length of the ballroom. From there, they could see without being seen, hear without drawing attention.
Dalton’s heart beat just a touch faster as he approached his cousin, who was standing by the tall doors that opened to the veranda.
“Alfred. It’s good to see you.”
“Dalton,” his cousin replied with an easy nod. “It’s good to see you as well.”
“Care to join me for a smoke on the veranda?” His voice betrayed none of his suspicions as he withdrew a pair of cigars he had placed in his pocket just for this reason, and offered one to his cousin.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Alfred said, grabbing the cigar with a smile. “You always stock the best Havanas. Partagas?” he asked, raising the still unlit cigar to his nose as he exited the ballroom.
He knew his cousin favored that brand for its strong, full-bodied flavor, but for him, who didn’t really care for cigars, a smoother blend was preferable. “Hoyo de Monterrey. A new brand, but I think you’ll find its quality and smoothness impeccable.”
He grabbed a taper from one of the chandeliers near the door before exiting.
“How is your mother? I have not heard from my dear aunt in some time,” he asked casually as he lit his cousin’s cigar with the taper, leading him along the veranda to the position he intended.
“Complaining as always, though she thrives on it,” his cousin replied smoothly, taking the first draw from his cigar. “She sends her regards.”
“And you? You’ve been scarce of late.”
