Cecelia pursed her lips. “I don’t know what, but I’m sure it was Melbourne’s fault.”
Melbourne scowled at me, but he couldn’t very well announce to the whole carriage what he was. “I was having a pleasant enough time before he barged in. If anything, Lucian should be apologizing to me.”
She slapped his arm. “I can take one guess as to what you were up to that required barging in on. There are consequences for our actions, Melbourne. We’re no longer children. It’s high time you hold yourself accountable, rather than have others clean up your messes your entire life.”
“There is a social contract of conduct.” Zachariah nodded. “It’s only right that you respect others and admit your mistakes. Otherwise you’ll just continue to hurt the people you care about. Before long, you may find you have no friends left at all, and you’ll have only yourself to blame.” He leaned forward. “But be a dear and spill all of the juicy details while you apologize.”
I rolled my eyes, but held up my hands. “It was my fault for barging in on him. Melbourne was guilty of nothing more than being himself.”
“See?” Melbourne smiled triumphantly, then frowned as he realized it had been a backhanded apology. “You’re always jumping to conclusions when it comes to me, Cecelia.”
“Because you’re so naughty all the time, darling,” Zachariah sighed.
I lifted my eyes to Melbourne’s. His nose was wrinkled with distaste, but there was a gratitude in his expression for my words. And likely for not informing everybody that he was part of a secret society of vampire hunters.
“I apologize,” Cecelia told Melbourne, although she didn’t look convinced. “I shouldn’t have assumed.” She sent me a look that I interpreted as she had done what she could, and whatever bad blood remained between us was up to us to resolve.
“And I apologize for ruining your evening,” I said, nodding to Melbourne. Of course, the first moment I had alone with him, I would ruin his evening again, but in the meantime, I needed him to let his guard down around me. I could play nice until the opportunity presented itself.
Zachariah threw his head back. “No sordid details whatsoever. How dull.”
I snorted.
Before we knew it, we were winding down the drive to Hemlock Manor, and I smiled at the sight. It felt like a homecoming, even if this was but a temporary stay in what was sure to be a long immortal life.
I exited the carriage after Cecelia, pausing as I observed Flora, Ambrose, and Maxwell lingering beside the coach that had been at the head of our procession, observing another carriage stop behind the one I’d been traveling in. Violetta exited amid a sea of faces I was familiar with but hadn’t bothered memorizing names for. I really only cared to put the effort in for true competition, and none of these suitors could be deemed such. Every ball needed a suitable number of dancers, and I considered them filler to meet a quota. Three more suitors had been dismissed following the latest challenge, and with Isabel’s death, only a scant nine remained in the competition, although one of those suitors had left as a result of the hunting expedition.
There were a few handsome men and one beautiful girl left among the suitors, but as far as I’d seen, Ambrose had shown nothing but passing interest. I could very well be the frontrunner for Ambrose’s hand, but if I was, what was giving him pause? Perhaps he’d been about to make his intentions known during our dance before it had been interrupted by that lout Thomas Grange. It was also a possibility that the blessing of the duke was necessary. I wasn’t sure how he felt about me, but I couldn’t imagine he had formed a bad opinion. I should probably redouble my efforts to be friendly with him, but I doubted I would be able to see anything but the strict man who’d ruled over his sons with an iron fist. I questioned whether I could remain civil with him for long. Konstantin had been like that, shaping me into his own image, pushing me to perform terrible deeds until I was twisted into … I put a hand to my head. I had to focus. This wasn’t the time to be swept away with the past. And anyway, I was getting ahead of myself.
“It is good to be home,” Flora sighed, walking up the steps as the door opened. “I do love Foxglove Abbey, but I could do with a little less excitement.”
“But we have our third ball tomorrow,” Ambrose pointed out. “Best get your rest in while you can.”
“Oh, but we have special guests arriving tonight. It’s always something, isn’t it?” She paused at the door, squinting at Percival in the doorway. “Percival, are you alright? You look rather unwell.”
I cocked my head. The butler’s eyes were lined with dark circles, and he looked pale and tired. He waved a hand. “There’s a bug going around, I’m sorry to report. Several of the servants are out for the count, resting up in their rooms. I’m well enough to perform my duties, however.”
“If at all possible, have the underbutler take over. At least to rest before dinner. You know how we rely on you and need you in good health.”
Percival inclined his head, a pleased smile lifting his mustache.
“How is the duke?” Ambrose asked, concern etching his brow.
“He has rebounded nicely,” Percival reported, earning relief from the family members. “In fact, he seems livelier than ever. We’re ensuring no one sick is in his company.” He hesitated, eyes making their way to me unexpectedly. “However, I am sorry to report that Lady Grafton has fallen gravely ill. She barely has the strength to lift her head.”
I stiffened. Helena was sick? I’d never seen her sick. She was always so full of life and energy. A feeble version of her seemed impossible. “May I see her?”
“The doctor insisted she not be disturbed. It appears her heart is having trouble handling the stress of the sickness.”
“I’m sure a few minutes wouldn’t do any lasting harm,” Maxwell interjected. I sent him a grateful look.
“Just a brief visit,” Flora insisted, gesturing to Percival, who nodded his acquiescence before escorting me inside.
“Would you like me to join you?” Maxwell asked, keeping stride with me.
He looked so earnest. He was always so thoughtful. “I don’t need anyone to hold my hand,” I said, sparing him the slightest glance. I needed to be less indulgent with him. I was courting his brother, and I needed him to understand that my friendliness toward him wouldn’t lead to anything romantic. If he had any amorous feelings for me, it was best to douse them now. “And I’m sure you would like to see to your father.”
Maxwell paused, before nodding. “Of course. If you need me, don’t hesitate.”
