“No,” Brina defended Zane. “I don’t believe the earl would do anything that pretentious.”
“Then where is he? If he’s not here, where?”
“I don’t know,” she answered truthfully, sadly, and bewildered that he wasn’t on time for his own party when he knew how important it was to do everything right this night. Why was his uncle giving her a difficult time about it? Didn’t they know how badly she wanted Zane to be with them right now?
“What do you mean you don’t know? You are the one who planned this evening for him. Did you forget to ask if he’d be attending his own dinner party?”
“Now, Hector, there’s no call for that kind of talk. If we weren’t able to tame him, why should we think Mrs. Feld could do it?”
“Enough of this,” Mrs. Cranston offered in a tone that let them know she was tired of the exchange. “I do believe my uncles are stressing you, Mrs. Feld. Don’t let them. Put a smile on your face.” She looked from one uncle to the other. “As we all shall and enjoy this evening. What you don’t realize, Mrs. Feld, is that this isn’tthe first time my brother has snubbed his nose at Society or the family. He says he will attend an event, and then he doesn’t. But don’t worry, we’ll see him Christmas Day. We always do.”
No, Brina couldn’t believe he simply didn’t care enough about them or about her to attend. He had told her he loved her last night. She believed him. She felt it in his touch, his words. She had to believe he would come.
“He will be here,” she said confidently, and denying the shiver of apprehension that washed over her. “There’s no need to worry. We’ll hold dinner. He will come.”
But half an hour later, the crowd was restless. Glasses were empty again, murmurings of discontent had settled in. Like his sister, Brina kept a smile on her face. Adeline and Julia were worried for her and had tried to cheer her, but nothing could take away the ache in her chest.
Twenty-three people were waiting for a dinner that should have been served an hour ago. Brina had to tell Mrs. Cranston they couldn’t delay dinner any longer. She was afraid people would start leaving.
Something was wrong.
But what?
Within ten minutes everyone was seated, but Zane’s chair was empty. With great effort Brina smiled and chatted with the Duke of Middlecastle, who was seated across from her, and Viscount Mountgate, who was beside her. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to even notice that the host wasn’t occupying his seat as he kept a steady stream of conversation going, but the duke was not as forgiving. He kept turning his head and staring at the empty chair.
Brina couldn’t bring herself to give up on Zane. She was constantly glancing at the doorway. In her heart, she knew he was going to rush in at any moment andexplain the terrible event that had delayed him. However, she was inclined to now agree with Zane that sit-down dinners with five courses were excruciatingly long. They started with steaming onion broth, followed by the beautifully prepared sole caught fresh from the coast of Dover. The breast of pheasant had been drizzled with butter and the lamb chops covered in a honey and fig sauce. The delicate fluff of sugary confection that was now being served should have been the crowning end to the meal and successful dinner, but the chatter and clink of silver and glasses that could be heard all around the table made it clear no one was in a joyful mood. There were no raised voices or bouts of laughter that usually graced the ending of such an elite slate of dinners.
While dessert was being consumed, a man Brina didn’t recognize came into the room and whispered something to the duke. She couldn’t hear what was said, but the duke’s eyes widened and swept over to Brina. He then cleared his throat and dug into his dessert. Brina’s heart beat so loud and fast, she felt sure everyone in the room could hear it. Moments later, the duke leaned over and whispered to his wife. She looked aghast and whispered to the gentleman beside her.
That’s when Brina heard.“He’s gambling at the Brass Bull.”
Brina’s stomach twisted and she stopped breathing. For how long, she didn’t know. Other whispers reached her.
“And he has a woman hanging on each shoulder.”
No. That wasn’t true. It couldn’t be true.
“No one is surprised.”
“Perhaps Mrs. Feld is. Look at her.”
Brina felt light-headed and took in several deep breaths. That was when she knew Zane wasn’t coming. She froze and watched in unspeakable horror as the hushed words being passed down the table. After whatseemed like an eternity, Mrs. Cranston laid down her spoon and rose.
So did everyone else, including Brina.
“Because of unfortunate circumstances,” Zane’s sister said. “We won’t be serving the gentlemen brandy or tea for the ladies. We’ve been pleased to have you join us this evening.”
Chairs scraped against the floor and murmurings continued as everyone made their way out of the dining room and into the vestibule, where they collected their wraps. Julia and Adeline flanked Brina and tried to shield her from others making their way to the entrance.
“Brina,” Julia said, “let’s stand over here and let everyone else say good night to Blacknight’s family first. It will be easier if you are the last to leave.”
“Yes,” Brina agreed, leaning against a wall in the corridor, watching Zane’s sister and two uncles hurry everyone out the door.
“I know it’s not the time to talk,” Julia said.
“No, it isn’t,” Brina agreed, feeling numb with disbelief.
“We never expected the earl wouldn’t show. What can we do to help?” Julia asked earnestly.
