“What about horses?” Violetta asked as she joined us, Isabel at her side.
“Nothing,” I said, gesturing to Cecelia. “We were just talking about last night. How we can … move on and do better next time.”
Violetta nodded solemnly, touching Cecelia’s shoulder. “We should always try to better ourselves. It’s so brave of you to admit your shortcomings.”
Cecelia looked affronted, and she actually glared at me. “You should think more highly of your friends, Lucian.” Then she stomped off into one of the alcoves.
I winced.
“I never should have doubted you,” Isabel told me, shaking her head incredulously. “I’m impressed. I’m also going to watch my back around you.”
Violetta frowned, eyes narrowing at me. “You were playing with her.”
I hesitated, taking another sip of my drink. “I needn’t have bothered. I think the poor dear was really thrown by the circumstances and hasn’t quite recovered.”
Isabel sniffed. “I think you and I both know that whatever it takes to come out on top is worth the effort.” She clinked my glass with hers. “But remember our deal, Lucian. It’s everyone for themselves from here on out.”
I held her gaze. “Don’t forget that you owe me.”
She brightened. “Ah, yes, about that. You seemed interested in the girl I saw Emmett with.”
I straightened, heart skipping, although I didn’t want to show just how valuable the information had been. “What of it?”
“Well, maybe I can repay you with a secret.”
I took a step closer, holding my breath. “A secret? Color me intrigued.”
She glanced at Violetta, then leaned in to whisper at my ear. “The girl is here. I saw her just a few minutes ago.”
I jerked back, startled. “Truly?”
“Shush,” Isabel hissed, frowning as Violetta rolled her eyes and backed away a few steps to give us privacy. She licked her lips and proceeded in a low voice. “I can point her out to you when I see her next. Will that do?”
I tried for a nonchalant shrug. “I suppose it will. I do enjoy gossip.” I cocked my head. “Perhaps you could answer something else for me as well. That would make us even.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Very well. What is it?”
“Have you seen a symbol before, of a red moth?”
Isabel cocked her head. “A red moth? Why, no.”
“I have,” Violetta blurted, taking a step closer and throwing a look back over her shoulder, as if to ensure we weren’t being overheard.
My eyes snapped to hers. “You have? Where?”
Isabel frowned, pressing Violetta’s hand. “You don’t have to say anything more if you don’t want to.”
“It’s alright. I want to help.” Violetta covered Isabel’s hand with her other as she turned to me. “It was emblazoned on one of Melbourne’s coats. I thought it odd. What does it mean, anyway?”
“What is this all about?” Isabel asked.
“I don’t know,” I said, heart hammering. Melbourne. That was what Cecelia had meant in her list. I recalled how I’d put the same question about the moth to the two of them, and Melbourne had said he thought it seemed familiar, but didn’t recall from where. That also meant that Cecelia had held her tongue, for his sake, but more importantly, that Melbourne was connected to the vampire hunters. I’d finally found an in to the information I needed. “Only something I’d heard,” I said vaguely. “Some secret club.”
Violetta didn’t look convinced, but Isabel seemed content to let the matter drop. “If you want to join some boys’ club, that’s your business, but I imagine any club that welcomes Melbourne would be of ill repute. I would reconsider.” She sniffed. “I’ll signal you to dance when I see the girl next. I’ll point her out to you then, and then my debt is paid in full.”
“Very good.”
I watched Isabel and Violetta depart, then turned to look wistfully out at the night beyond the windows. It was already stuffy in here, especially with the pianist fumbling so often. She was becoming more competent as her confidence built, but at this rate, it would take all night to resemble anything like art.
