“But I have certainly learned my lesson. I promise to take your advice this season,” Graham gave his friend an amused half-smile, mirth showing in his eyes, and waved his hand as if to wipe away the current subject. “Actually, the favor I ask is almost just a continuation of the last. I would like you to accompany my sister and me to call on Lady Alaina and her family tomorrow.”
“Why would you need me to do that? I am not a suitable chaperone, and it sounds like you have some agreement with your sister to help you in that manner, considering you are bringing her along. I would again just be the odd one out.” Christopher really just wanted to take a day to wipe Lady Alaina’s eyes from his memory so he could be the support his friend needed to make a match.
“Nonsense! You and my sister could provide company for one another. Besides, after my cousin Percy caused a ruckus at my country estate over the holiday season, my sister’s husband has been loath to have her out and about without additional escorts while he is in the country. I feel like between the two of us, we can quell his concern without drawing too much attention.” Graham seemed distracted for the moment, looking at his glass of half-finished brandy.
“What did your cousin do exactly? I do not think you ever filled me in on the details, just that he has made it clear that he is happy to be next in line for the dukedom, but annoyed to not betheduke.” Christopher had been trying to get these details from his friend running up to the start of the season, since of course this was one of the main reasons to be taking a wife. Graham needed to produce an heir to the dukedom, or many of them, to ensure his family’s holdings did not fall into his squandering cousin’s hands. Christopher had met Perceval Wallace, or Baron Wallace, on a few occasions while they had all been at Oxford together. His cousin was a year or so older than Graham, but being the heir to a second son of a duke meant he was always second best, or at least felt it. Percy’s father had been given a generous living, even for a second son, but made nothing of it, and died early, leaving Percy with his many gambling debts and a household in shambles. Percy had made it clear that he was jealous of the ease that Graham found in life, but Christopher was surprised at how malignant the jealousy had become over the years. It had been nearly a decade since they had all graduated, and Percy seemed to be doing well in society from all appearances.
Graham took a deep breath and sighed. “It was Christmastime, and as you know, we usually host a grand party at our country estate, with a small family gathering prior to the event to allow for ample time to catch up. My mother is not one to leave family off the list and let the gossipmongers speculate on the state of affairs for the family, so I acquiesced to inviting everyone, and that included Percy, who acted most horridly.”
“But it is not unusual that Percy is unpleasant. That happens every year,” Christopher interjected.
“Well, you would feel differently if you had been there. It was different from other years, more…”
The sound of a clearing throat interrupted Graham, and both men turned to see who had intruded on their conversation.
“Charles!” exclaimed Christopher. He rose from his chair to clasp his own cousin in a hug.
Graham paused for a moment before he too rose to greet his friend’s cousin. “Charles, fancy meeting you here.” The duke’s voice was flat.
The newcomer, an equally tall but lankier version of Christopher, returned their greetings. “Christopher, your grace, it is nice to see you both.”
A silence hung in the air, but Christopher was quick to fill it, motioning for his cousin to take a seat in the remaining chair in their corner. “Charles, I did not realize you were in town for the season. You should have sent word.”
“Well, dear cousin, I could say the same,” Charles teased. “I am surprised to see you here for the season, and out in society it seems. I wonder if you have found it time to take a wife.”
At this, Graham piped up. “Well, he is not really looking for himself; I am in need of his cynicism as I venture into the game of matrimony.”
“But what he fails to mention is that even if I offer advice, he would not take it,” Christopher rejoined, shooting his friend a pointed look.
“Of course I would. I need your guidance. Who else would tell me I should be wary of the most beautiful and charming lady at the ball?”
“Like I said, you know nothing of her family!”
“It is just because she dared talk to you,” Graham countered. “And she mentioned your injury. I forgot to ask, did you have to tell her how you got it?”
Charles cut in. “Wait, wait, whose family? And I was wondering what happened to your eye, but I thought it rude to mention.”
“See?” Christopher remarked, thankful to prove his point. “Charles thinks it uncouth.”
“You need to let it go,” Graham replied. “She was probably just concerned. I found Lady Alaina quite charming.”
“Lady Alaina?” Charles asked, trying to keep up with the conversation.
“Daughter to the Earl of Norwich,” Christopher answered quickly. “But Graham is smitten and nothing I say will deter him, so we can change the subject. How are things with you this season, Charles?”
Charles seemed surprised to have the conversation turn to him so quickly. “I am in town on business. Seems that even when you have people to manage things for you, every so often a shipment or two of goods requires my personal attention.”
“Ah, yes,” Graham interrupted. “Christopher had mentioned you were making a good turn at becoming a successful merchant. What is it that you trade?”
“Mostly spices and silks,” Charles answered, adjusting his cravat as he settled into the chair a bit more. A server came by with an empty glass for Charles.
“No trouble, I hope?” Christopher inquired.
Charles cleared his throat and squirmed in his seat, but answered smoothly. “No issues that are out of bounds of normal business, I assure you.”
Christopher was thankful for the turn in conversation. He hoped it would steer clear of Lady Alaina for the rest of the evening, for he could not trust his mind to stay as honorable as his intentions. Grabbing the decanter, he filled their three glasses before drinking a healthy portion of the burning liquid. If he were lucky, enough brandy would dull any further mention of the ball.
Somewhere in White’s the clock chimed two o’clock in the morning. Charles rubbed his eyes, trying to focus on the sloshing brown liquid once more. Several hours after arriving, he found himself decidedly alone. Charles quickly threw back what remained in his glass and made to rise from his chair, but a voice stopped him.
