Sebastian flashed a wide grin at him even as his eyes sparkled a little with what shockingly looked like happy tears. Then he cleared his throat. “Willowby and his wife are here. He approached me a few moments ago and said he wished to speak to you about Chilton. And to Esme if she is up to the task. Where is she, anyway?”
“She intended to hide out in my chamber today. At least that’s what she told me. But I wouldn’t put it past her to sneak around and spy on the festivities.”
“I wish she could have joined us. Shall I introduce you to the duke and duchess?”
“Please,” Finn said.
Sebastian moved them through the crowd, responding with smiles to the felicitations given from every corner. At last they reached two people standing beside the refreshment table. Finn had known of the Duke of Willowby, of course. They were close enough in age that he’d seen him at balls and the like. But they’d never formally met, he didn’t think. After all, the man had been missing from Society for a long time. Rather like Esme, actually, though he had apparently been working for the Crown during those years.
Still, he wondered if the two might connect over what it was like to walk away from all they’d known.
“Your Graces, may I present the Earl of Delacourt, my new wife’s brother. Delacourt, the Duke and Duchess of Willowby.”
Finn inclined his head out of deference to the duke and gave a larger bow to the duchess. They were a handsome couple, no one could deny that.
“Delacourt,” Willowby said. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. It’s odd how one can circle another for years and not ever truly meet.”
“Indeed, I was thinking the same thing,” Finn said. He shifted slightly, trying to stay focused on small talk when what he wanted to do was dive immediately into how Esme could be protected. “Thank you for coming. It’s a happy day.”
“Yes, the couple seem more than content,” Willowby said. “You and Ramsbury have been friends a long time, I think. It must be wonderful to have him as a true brother.”
“It is,” Finn glanced at Sebastian. “Though I prefer not to say that too loudly, as any compliment gives him the worst swollen head and he’ll be insufferable for days.”
Sebastian laughed, as did the others, but then the duchess nudged her husband. “Lucas, the poor man looks as though hemight burst. He’s trying to be polite, but certainly you must put him out of his misery.”
Willowby gave her a half-smile. “My wonderful wife is correct. I don’t want to drag out any discomfort you might be feeling. I’ve been told by Ramsbury that you are dealing with…a delicate situation. One that likely isn’t best to be discussed in open company such as this. Is there someplace more private we could meet?”
Finn thought of Esme, pacing the carpet in the countess suite upstairs. The idea of bringing her through the entire house, risking her being seen, wasn’t a pleasant one.
“I have an unorthodox suggestion for a meeting place.” He leaned in and said to Sebastian, “Give me a few moments to speak to Esme, then will you bring them to my chamber? We’ll meet in the antechamber there.”
“Of course,” Sebastian said. “And then I’ll leave you to it, Marianne and I can keep the guests entertained so no one looks for you.”
He squeezed his friend’s arm before he bowed to the couple. “Ramsbury will show you shortly. Excuse me.”
He hurried from the room and climbed the stairs two at a time. He had scarcely taken a step into his chamber when Esme burst from the countess side of the suite and rushed to him.
“Is everything well?” she asked, her eyes wide.
He nodded and caught her hands. “It is. Have you been worried?”
“It seems all I do is worry now,” she said with a humorless laugh. “All my hair shall fall out at this rate.”
“That would be a sad day, for I love your hair. But you’d be just as beautiful bald, I think,” he said gently. “Sebastian’s friends the Willowbys are here. They want to discuss everything with us and I thought up here would be the safest, if you’re open to it.”
She drew a shuddering breath and then nodded. “Yes. Yes, it must be done.”
“Good, they’ll be here momentarily,” he said, and then caught her hand and drew her to him. “I wish you could have been there today, standing at my side after I gave my sister away.”
“I’m sure she was lovely,” Esme said as she rested her head on his chest. He smoothed his hand over her hair and for a moment there was peace in the chaos. But it ended when there was a knock on the door.
“There they are,” he said, and briefly kissed her before he took her hand in both of his and they faced the door together. “Come in.”
He felt her tense as their little peaceful oasis was invaded by strangers. She forced a smile though and went to Sebastian, her hands extended. “Congratulations, my lord. And please give Marianne,Lady Ramsbury, my very happiest wishes.”
Sebastian took her hands and squeezed. “Thank you, my dear. Now I’ll leave the introductions to Delacourt and go stand watch on our other guests. No one shall trouble you.”
He slipped away and then they were alone.
