“Then there is no cause for worry.” Gideon’s features relaxed again as he grinned. He had no patience for uncertainties too.
Satisfied with that response, Gideon faced the window again, continuing to stroke the white mask. “You are too tense, Thomas,” he drawled. “Relax. It is a wonderful evening, the end of yet another perfect Season.”
“Once more, you have outdone yourself, Your Grace.”
“You flatter me,” Gideon chuckled. “But it is yet another duty of mine to ensure that the Terrell name is always spoken with the utmost honor and respect.”
“As it will be for generations to come, Your Grace.”
“Of course, of course.” Gideon could not allow anything but. He’d had enough of his family name being dragged through the mud. After all the time and energy he had put into bringing the Terrell name and the dukedom back to a place of honor, he would be damned if a slight mishap at the most anticipated ball of the Season were to ruin everything.
Which is why everything must go perfectly.
“Ah, that reminds me.” He picked up the mask, idly wandering over to the front of his desk where he perched on the edge. Wherever he went, the mask did too. It was an extension of himself, a piece of him that he could not be without.“Mademoiselle Dubois has sent her acceptance to my letter, has she not?”
Thomas nodded. He’d hardly moved from his spot by the door, gripping sheets behind his back. “She has, Your Grace.”
“Marvelous.” Unable to help himself, a devilish smile stretched across Gideon’s face. “Then I take it you have already put ourotherplan in place.”
Thomas hesitated for such a brief moment that it almost went unnoticed by Gideon—almost. “Upon her arrival, a footman will escort her through the parlor to the ballroom. When the time is right, she will be informed of your request to meet with her, where she will then be taken back to the parlor and led up the back staircase to the balcony.”
“And the balcony doors?”
“—will be locked from the inside so that no one will be able to go through. A footman will stay nearby to ensure that no one makes the attempt.”
Though he was satisfied by how thoroughly Thomas had broken down the plan, Gideon raised a brow at him. “You do not sound pleased, Thomas.”
“It is not for me to be pleased… or not, Your Grace.”
“Oh, enough of that. You have known me since I was a child. You know I value your opinion. Now, out with it. What bothers you?”
Thomas opened his mouth again and Gideon prepared himself to hear his standard response. But instead, he said, “I do not think it is the best idea to meet with the Comtesse, Your Grace. She is the widow of the Count of Palouse. It would do nothing but destroy the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build if the two of you are caught. Worse, if it is revealed that you are the Masked—”
“Which is why we won’t be caught,” Gideon interrupted confidently. “I know I have never personally invited a lady to spend time with me during a ball, but I have corresponded with the Comtesse in the past. And I have planned everything to perfection. You said it yourself, Thomas. She is a widow. We break no laws by seeing each other.”
“What of the Countess of Blair? She will also be attending the ball.”
“Lady Blair and I have respectfully broken off ourcourtship,” Gideon said dismissively. “And she will not know what—or rather who—I have taken interest in.”
“But perhaps it would be best not to engage in such activities during the ball, Your Grace, when it is so crowded. You have always ensured to never allow your public life as the Duke of Stanhope to clash with your private life…”
Gideon smirked a little at that. He looked down at the mask in his hand, wondering if Thomas was referring to his secret life as the Masked Rogue. It certainly would not do if someone were to find out that he was the one who bore the name. However…
“We won’t be caught, Thomas, don’t worry. I am confident. And Mademoiselle Dubois is smart enough not to speak about the time we share together. It is in both of our best interests.”
Thomas released a low breath. “Very well, Your Grace. I suppose I cannot convince you.”
“And there is no need to.” Gideon grinned. “I have been hiding my endeavors from the ton ever since I inherited the dukedom. They will be none the wiser. I’ve learned over the years that they are oftentimes quite content to see exactly what you put before them and nothing else.”
“Understood, Your Grace.”
At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Gideon called for the person to enter and a footman slipped in, hardly glancing at Gideon before he bowed deeply. “Please forgive the intrusion, Your Grace. You have a visitor.”
Before Gideon had a chance to process those words, a hand pressed against the door, pushing it further open. Panic and frustration seized Gideon so firmly that he nearly cursed aloud. He tried to hide the mask but the person was already stalking in as if he was lord of the manor, bearing a broad grin.
Gideon finally exhaled when he saw who it was, not bothering to hide the mask any longer. It would have been too late anyhow. Lewis’ eyes fell on it and he raised a brow at Gideon.
“Leave us,” Gideon commanded. Thomas and the footman promptly slipped out of the chamber.
