7
Having arrived at the Earl of Marsdale’s home some twenty minutes ago, Adrian kept to the periphery of the glittering ballroom while chatting with his sister, his host, and the Duke of Eldrige.
It was his first public outing since the death of his father, a return to Society not just for him but for Evie too.An occasion that marked the celebration of Marsdale’s thirtieth birthday.
Adrian hadn’t wanted to miss it.
Marsdale – Edward Pryce – was a longtime friend of his due to their mothers having grown up together.As such, they always ignored formalities when in private.He was the only man in whose company Adrian was comfortable enough to fully relax.Unfortunately, this didn’t include the sharing of secrets.Edward would never approve of the things Adrian had done.He was much too proper.
So Adrian made sure to keep the more personal aspects of his life carefully hidden.Of course, there was no doubt in his mind that Edward, like so many others, suspected him of working outside the law.But admitting it outright was bound to threaten their friendship – a risk Adrian had no desire to take.
He sighed inwardly, relieved that this evening marked a new beginning without fear or shame.This was what he wanted.A chance to start over.
His days spent running around shady alleyways and hunting down those who crossed his father were over.No need to look back when a much brighter future awaited him and Evie.
“According to what I read, the fellow had some sort of mental collapse in the middle of the street.”Eldridge’s comment caught Adrian’s attention, distracting him from his thoughts.
Of slightly shorter build than Adrian, with thick brown hair and a gaze that seemed to reach the depth of one’s soul, the duke was among a small handful of men his father had spoken favorably of.
The rest of those entitled cretins will push their dearest friend off a cliff if it serves their purpose.Eldridge, on the other hand, is a man of substance upon whom even a stranger may confidently rely.
Adrian had never discovered what the good duke might have done to earn such respect.Papa had merely said he could trust him if needed.How much, had not been made clear.
“He punched a man who tried to assist him.”Eldridge rocked back on his heels.“Blocked the traffic on Piccadilly for nearly an hour before the constables came to remove him.”
“London does have some rather exciting moments,” Edward said before taking a sip of champagne.
Eldridge dipped his chin.“I’m not sure the good Samaritan would agree.”
Adrian grinned.He’d missed the lively banter one found at social gatherings.Not that he hadn’t enjoyed his regular talks with Edward these past few months, but it was different when there were other people present.Especially with Adrian’s own wit in scarce supply lately.
Finding humor in anything had been a challenge.He’d had too much to think of – too many worries and concerns for himself, for Evie, and the future of their lineage.Turning his back on his legacy did not come without some degree of uncertainty or risk.
He’d have to find new ways in which to fill his coffers.Those farther down the chain of command – men who’d served his father with unfailing loyalty – had already voiced their displeasure with his intention.
Might one of them choose to break rank and turn on him?
Trust had been at the heart of everything he and his forefathers had undertaken.If rumor had it that he’d gone soft, that no repercussion would follow from his side, would one of his employees try to sell him out?
He was confident enough in the measures he’d always taken to protect his secrets that such a course would pose a challenge for even those closest to him.With nothing damning ever put in writing, it would be a struggle to prove his involvement in any of the illegal activities he’d engaged in while serving his father.
But it wasn’t impossible, he reminded himself while chuckling in response to another witty comment spoken by Edward.
He was just about to reply when the next guests were announced.
A hush fell over the room at the mention of the Irvines.They entered with somber expressions, their attire suggesting they still mourned the death of their daughter.
Adrian found their attendance surprising, given the fact that their daughter was murdered just seven months earlier.But then he noted the young lady who accompanied them – another daughter of debutante age.
“It must be terribly hard for them, having to step out in public so soon after...”The duke shook his head with visible sadness.
“An unfortunate necessity,” Evie said, her voice filled with sympathy.“If they wish to see Miss Cassandra married, they must ensure that she’s seen.”
Adrian glanced at his sister.He’d had a similar notion pertaining to her.At eighteen years of age, she should be looking for her life partner.Hopefully this would be easier for her to do now that Papa was gone.He’d always had a knack for scaring off eligible suitors with his mere presence.
All except one…
He considered Edward and wondered for the hundredth time why he’d never asked for permission to court Evie.Although this was one thing they’d never openly discussed, Adrian knew his friend cared deeply for her and that she returned the sentiment, despite their difference in age.
