“Excuse me, Lord Raceworth, Sir Randolph. Good evening to you both.”
Susannah looked around to see a tall, tan-skinned man with ink-black hair flowing outrageously long, over his shoulders and down his back. His face was clean-shaven except for a very thin black mustache cresting his upper lip and connecting down to his chin, forming a chin-strap look. His features were sharp and his jaw line angular, giving him an aristocratic appearance.
The man was extremely attractive in an eerie, exotic sort of way. Without being told, she knew this man was the infamous Captain Spyglass.
He wore impeccable formal evening attire, but what made him stand out were the small gold loops he wore in each ear. On the middle finger of his left hand was a shockingly large pearl ring that was surrounded by rubies. Hanging below his intricately tied neckcloth was a Maltese cross fashioned with pearls. Perhaps what she had heard about his pearl obsession was true. The only other man Susannah had ever seen adorned with so many jewels was the king, the one time she had been presented to him.
“Captain Spyglass,” both Race and Sir Randolph said with no friendliness in their voices.
He looked at Susannah with appreciation in his eyes and bowed courteously.
Susannah felt Race stiffen beside her. It was clear Race did not like this man and he did not want to have to introduce them, but after a long pause Race relented and made the proper introductions.
Captain Spyglass kissed her hand and said, “Your Grace, as your humble servant, may I tell you how lovely you are tonight? That amethyst you are wearing is magnificent.”
“Thank you,” Susannah said.
Race moved closer to Susannah and said, “You must excuse us, but we were heading to the dance floor.”
“But there is no music as of now,” he said with a smile.
“There will be,” Race said, keeping a steady gaze on the man.
The Captain nodded and said, “A moment before you go, please, my lord. I would very much like to visit you again to talk about the pearl necklace you have that I wish to purchase from you. Perhaps I could stop by tomorrow if you would tell me a time that would be convenient.”
“There is no time. I’m not interested in discussing anything with you.”
Susannah hadn’t expected Race to be so rude.
The Captain smiled again and bowed. “Pardon me for disturbing you, my lord. Duchess, Sir Randolph,” Captain Spyglass said and turned and walked away.
“I don’t trust that man,” Sir Randolph said.
“Susannah aptly called him a pirate.”
“I agree with her on that,” Sir Randolph said.
“But looking at him, I can see why he is on everyone’s guest list,” Susannah said. “He’s quite an impressive man.”
Race cocked his head and stared at her. “Impressive, Susannah? And I suppose you also think Lord Snellingly is a handsome man?”
“As a matter of fact, I do think he is quite handsome.”
“Which reminds me,” Sir Randolph said, “I need to come up with a fighting name.”
“You have one,” Race said irritably. “It’s Gibby, or Gib if you prefer.”
“No, I mean for my fight. I need a name like the Iron Man, the Widow Maker, or the Heavy Hammer. A really good prize-fighter needs a name.”
“Oh, I know, how about Gib the Pipit?” Susannah said hopefully.
Sir Randolph frowned. “Is a pipit a bird?” Gib asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “A small, beautiful bird that resembles a lark.”
“Thank you kindly, Your Grace, but I was thinking of something stronger than a bird.”
“Then how about Jack-a-lent, Jackanapes, or maybe just the Jackal?” Race asked him.
