“Jane Austen is fantastic,” I protested. “One of the few hu—er,humorouswriters I find actually witty.”
Violetta sighed in agreement. “Her writing is so lovely.”
Melbourne shrugged. “I’d rather read more novels likeFrankensteinmyself.”
“What is it with boys and monsters?” Isabel asked, exasperated.
“Frankensteinwas written by a woman,” Violetta pointed out.
“Fine, whatever.” Isabel gestured to Cecelia. “Clearly, women can be morbid too. I’m justsayingthat this house could use a woman’s touch. A woman who could make some changes for the better.”
“You’re forgetting the duchess, I believe.”
Isabel snorted. “Clearly, she lets these boys do whatever they want. Men need a firm hand to keep them in line. They shouldn’t be filling their minds with books on magic and werewolves, but on manners, history, and science.”
Violetta frowned. “But most of the occult booksareabout history.”
“Thenbetterones.”
I snorted, earning a glare from Isabel. “You all may as well look for others to court among the crowd. Ambrose is as good as mine already. In fact, we’re going on a picnic tomorrow afternoon, just the two of us.AndI was personally instructed by two of the dance judges.”
Violetta nodded. “She’s a very good dancer.”
“Aren’t you seeking the duke’s hand as well, Violetta?” Cecelia asked.
Violetta blushed and pushed her glasses up her nose. “Me? Oh, I have no chance with Isabel involved, and you, Cecelia. You’re so pretty and intimidating. And Melbourne is so confident and handsome. And you, Lucian, even though we’ve just met, I can tell you’re an amiable gentleman and also very striking. I can’t compare to the likes of you.”
Cecelia sniffed. “You should speak better of yourself. I would choose you over Isabel any day.”
Isabel laughed. “And Ambrose would rather have Violetta than a walking corpse, I’m sure.” She leaned in. “Are you sure you’re not a vampire? Has anyone here seen her in sunlight?”
“I have,” Violetta offered, soliciting a scoff from Isabel.
I shrugged. “In my experience, people who feel the need to boast are the most insecure.”
Isabel snorted. “I’m hardly insecure.” She patted her hair. “And you’re just jealous that I wear this color better, Count Ludicrous.” She turned on her heel and stalked away.
Violetta’s eyes were wide as she reached out and squeezed my hand. “I’msosorry. It was nice to meet you.” Then she hurried after her friend.
“Wow.” Melbourne shook his head, grinning. “Isabel is in rare form tonight.” He tapped his lower lip. “Although ‘Count Ludicrous’ was pretty good.”
“I liked that as well,” Cecelia agreed, nodding. “I find her tiresome, but she does have her moments.” She fanned herself briefly before turning to Melbourne. “I need some air before the dancing begins.”
Melbourne nodded. “It is getting rather stuffy in here already. I’ll escort you.” He offered her his arm, then glanced at me. “Are you coming?”
I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’m going to scope out the competition a little longer.”
“Suit yourself.”
I watched them go before my eyes roved over the crowd once more. There were few standouts among the guests so far, and though I loathed to admit it, Isabel was among them. I watched as she inserted herself into a conversation Zachariah had started with a young man in white. What a coincidence that Ambrose was nearby. She maneuvered her way over to stand by him, laughing loudly at something Zachariah said to attract his attention. I rolled my eyes at how obvious she was. Desperate. Meanwhile, poor Violetta could only trail behind her friend with an awkward smile on her face.
“You’ve stumbled into interesting company,” a voice said at my back.
I turned to find a young man watching me. His mask was larger than most, obscuring most of his face and his hair, but his dark eyes and lovely mouth secured my attention. He filled out his brown suit nicely.
“Do you always skulk around listening to conversations?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. I grinned. “And if you do, would you mind sharing what you’ve heard?”
The man laughed. “I’m sorry to say your correspondence was the only one I’ve had the pleasure of eavesdropping on thus far.” He paused. “You’re Lucian, then? I’m a distant cousin of the duke’s family, so I promise I’m not sizing up the competition.”
