She may love that man, but he could infuriate her like no other.
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
The charity ball was held in the Raven townhouse ballroom. It was always a large production with all the most influential members of society who wanted to mingle with wealthy merchants. Rose and Eden would sing and play the piano, and Gus and Somer would perform magic tricks. Daniel Dillinger had formed a small band and would perform because his wife had offered his services without telling him.
Warwick, along with several other members of the family, were coerced into helping with decorations and doing the final arrangements for the event.
“Warwick, you have to convince Samantha to throw knives at you. The ladies will love it.”
“No, Eden. What if she misses?”
“She never misses, and if she does, then Lilly will heal you.”
“There is always a first time.”
“I’m not having her throw at you exactly. You will hold out items and she will aim at those.”
“No.”
“Will you sing with us then?”
“No.”
He was helping set up the stage that they put in place each year.
“You would raise a great deal of money. All the young ladies would dip into their reticules and hand over their pin money if you stand up there and show them how clever you are.”
“I have said no for the last five years and still you try. I will not sing or be target practice for Samantha.”
“Samantha could perform with you. She has a sweet voice, and Rose and I will play piano.”
“Oh yes, that would be lovely,” Rose said. “And then you could do the knife throwing after.”
“I agree!” Cam called from down below where he was supposed to be sorting through a box of props for performances and not eating. Which of course he was.
“You have no say in this.” Warwick glared at him.
“I am doing my bit to support James’s charity event by writing large articles in my paper.”
Warwick rolled his eyes, and Cam smirked at him.
“So, is that a yes to you performing?” Eden asked Warwick.
“No is still my answer.”
Warwick looked at the faces of all those closest to where he stood. Ash, Gus, and the twins. They were staring at him with similar expressions.
“What?”
“Nothing,” the twins said as one.
“I think you are the only member of this family who has yet to perform in the charity ball,” Eden said.
“Now, we all know that is a lie,” Warwick said. “A whopping one. Your husband for one and our eldest brother have yet to perform. Then there is Max—”
“Yes, yes,” Eden cut him off. “Perhaps I was wrong.”
Warwick staggered back clutching his chest. “Did you just say you were wrong?”
