Tristan lashed the reins, not waiting to be asked any more questions, and took off toward Amelia and Dominic’s London estate.
Tristan pushed through the crowds of masked and finely costumed nobles gathered around the bonfires in the garden, looking for his friends and Ophelia once he arrived at the party. He grit his teeth in annoyance, for once hating the idea of disguises.
“Tristan!” He heard a familiar voice shout through the music and hum of conversation.
He swung his head toward the sound, and found his friends unmasked and gathered in a tight circle close to the white and black checkered dance floor. He made a beeline for them, trying his best not to shove at those surrounding him.
“Where have you been old boy? We have been waiting all night for you,” Alistair said as Tristan approached them.
“Where is Ophelia?” He demanded, ignoring his friend’s question. “Is she here?”
His sister’s worried expression was all the answer he needed, and his hammering heart somehow began to slam even harder in his chest.
“What happened?” He demanded.
“She was here with Abraham only a few moments ago,” Theo replied, taking a quick glance around them. “One minute she was dancing him, the next they were gone.”
Theo stepped toward him and gripped his arm.
“Tristan something is wrong with that man. Ophelia was acting most unlike herself tonight,” she went on, then let out a sound of annoyance as she shook her head. “I still cannot believe she agreed to marry him!”
Tristan’s hammering heart dropped suddenly to his stomach, and his world began to spin.
“She didwhat?”
Theo gave him a confused look.
“You did not read about it in the papers?” Theo asked, searching his eyes, “The announcement was released a few days ago.”
Tristan shook his head. He’d been either catching up on sleep or contemplating what to do with theDevil’s Masquerade.Without Ophelia there, the allure of it had vanished.
“She cannot…she could not-But they were barely even courting!” Tristan stammered, losing whatever composure he had left.
“We know,” Theo said quietly. “It took us by surprise as well. And Ophelia’s answers toward our questions tonight did nothing to appease our worry.”
Tristan pressed his eyes shut, willing himself to overcome the sudden sense of loss and panic. Even if Opheliadidlove another, he could not allow her to be with someone so dangerous. He’d find her, tell her the truth of his feelings, and whatever she chose, he’d force himself to accept it. After all he’d hidden from her, he deserved no less.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked up to see Alistair giving him a steadying look.
“Let us start from the beginning,” his brother-in-law urged, “You came racing in here like a wolf on the hunt then demanded where Ophelia was. Why?”
Tristan ran a shaking hand through his hair then shook his head.
“I received a letter from Christopher,” he said tersely. “Perley is Abraham. I knew he was pursuing her but I did not know they had become engaged. I thought she would be here! She needs to know!”
His words came out clipped and scattered, but his friends seemed to need no other further explanation that that.
“Hugo, come with me,” Dominic barked, “Let us check the carriages. See if we can spot Weavington’s. We’ll keep it thereif we do. Everett, check the house. Tristan, Alistair, comb the gardens. Ladies, have the orchestra stop playing and get our guests inside, see if Ophelia and Abraham are among them. If they are, do not make a scene. Just get Ophelia upstairs and away from him.”
Tristan moved to follow Abraham as their group dispersed, but then he felt a tug at his arm. He turned around and found Theo still standing there, her eyes filled with fear.
“Why Ophelia?” She asked. “Why would he go after her? Is it because she worked as a painter at the Masquerade? Is that why he is blackmailing her?”
Tristan drew in a deep breath, praying for calm, and shook his head.
“No, I am sure that is not the reason,” he answered. “I have another idea as to why he chose her but we need find Ophelia first. This man is dangerous and we have to get her away from him.”
“When this is over you will tell me everything,” Theo demanded, rage taking over the fear in her eyes. “No more secrets!”
