He lifted a shoulder. “Socializing. Is that not what one is supposed to do at these things?”
Spencer narrowed his eyes as he shook his head. “You must think I am daft. I have been stuck in this room for hours talking to every single person here. You were with me at one point, then you disappeared. If you weresocializing, it was not of the proper kind.”
Green eyes, light auburn hair, and a brush of freckles across alabaster cheeks flashed before his eyes and Alex licked his lips as his sorceress haunted him.
“I assure you, Wutherton, everything I have participated in tonight was above board and no innocence has been threatened.”
Spencer still scrutinized his friend as he gave a gruff, “Hmph.”
Alexander chuckled. “Believe what you will. I have been nothing but a perfect gentleman. If anything, I thinkIwas propositioned.”
Now it was Spencer’s turn to laugh. “Ha! As if someone here,” he gestured to the highbrow aristocracy parading around in front of them, “would be so forward.”
Just then Lady Quinton twirled in front of them in her trousers, with her white linen shirt tucked in and her white periwig shifting off her head.
“Good evening, boys. I see why you lot love your trousers. Look at all the movement one can do!” She teetered off to join the merriment on the dance floor, leaving the Dukes to stare in amusement.
Alexander and Spencer exchanged a look before they laughed heartily.
“You are the one who decided to throw a masquerade ball. You know how people are when they are finally given the freedom to express themselves,” Alexander jested as Spencer shook his head.
Once again, he was transported back to the library. Miss Dowell seemed like someone who never hid who she was, whether she was dressed in plain clothing or attired for an evening with royalty. Something told him she would be as outspoken and inquisitive no matter her surroundings.
“Not my idea, old boy, my wife’s. I love her with all of my heart, but I could do without all the fanfare. If it were up to me… well, we would be having a more private celebration.”
Alexander nearly spit out his drink. “My God, man,” he said laughing as he dabbed at his lips. “She is already pregnant, give the woman a break!”
Spencer shrugged. “Between the pregnancy and my sister, there is a lot going on in our house. There is nothing wrong with spending some alone time with one’s wife.” Spencer wriggled his eyebrows.
“How is your sister?” Alexander asked. Spencer’s sister was half-blind and had a child of her own. Her life had not been an easy one.
Spencer sighed. “She is getting along quite well.” Spencer’s eyes drifted out across the dance floor. “Speaking of sisters, were you able to get Rosalind to join us?”
Alexander’s shoulders dropped as he rubbed his brow and thought about Rosalind who sat quietly in their London house as if she were hoping that no one would notice her existence and the walls would slowly swallow her up.
“You know the answer to that,” he finally replied.
Spencer patted his friend on the back. “Still does not want anything to do with anyone?”
Alexander had tried everything to get her out of the house and socialize but she refused. In fact, it seemed, the more he pried, the further she regressed into her mind.
“I honestly do not know what to do.” He looked down on the drink in his hands. “I see her retreating further into herself every day and it is frustrating.”
Spencer thought for a moment. “Perhaps she needs someone to come to her?”
Alexander looked back up at his longtime friend with an inquisitive stare.
“Perhaps you are going about this all wrong,” Spencer continued. “You have been trying to get her to go out. What if someone came in? And I know firsthand howlovelyyour company is, but it would help if it was a young woman, someone around her age. Not her brother.”
Alexander looked to the side of the ballroom where he caught Miss Dowell talking with Spencer’s wife, Anna. She happened to glance in his direction at the same time and their eyes met. He saw the surprise in her eyes before she turned back to Anna. An idea began to take hold on how he could help Rosalind. He just needed to get a certain sorceress on board.
Alexander smiled. “Excellent idea, Wutherton. I think you may be right.”
Spencer took a step back in mock surprise. “What is this? The Duke of Hawthorne has accepted that someone else could be right?”
Alexander rolled his eyes. “May I remind you that your wife is pregnant and it would be a shame for the child to be fatherless.”
He set down his drink and turned towards the door.
