CHAPTER1
“Charles? Is that you?” Edward called to his friend, scarcely able to recognize him through the hubbub of the ballroom. “I can barely believe it. Since when do you hide behind drinks tables nursing brandies in your hand?”
“I do these days.” Charles stepped forward, revealing a face that had a particularly wan complexion, with lips pressed together and no hint of a smile.
Edward faltered, staring at his friend in wonder. There had been a time when Charles was the jester of any group. Edward had loved his company, at every event of thetonthat he attended, Charles was always at his side, ready with a joke and a jest to lighten the mood.
Not these days, it would seem.
Edward sighed and looked away, feeling the disappointment grow. Charles was not the only reason Edward did not enjoy balls as much as he used to. There was another reason, but that one was something he kept firmly at the rear of his mind, and back home, hidden away.
Do not think of it tonight.
Seeking distraction, Edward looked around the ballroom. It was a busy place tonight. Between the standing candelabras draped with the autumnal bows of rust-like leaves and golden flowers, people wandered back and forth. Ivory gowns mingled with sharp black suits, the whole monochrome atmosphere contrasting the russet colors of the décor. Fans fluttered in front of eyes and chests, as the bearer of those fans tried to draw attention to their assets, whilst gentlemen’s eyes lingered in an ungentlemanly like fashion.
“You seem lost in thought.” Charles’ words made Edward look back round.
“I’m surprised you noticed,” Edward laughed, showing he was in jest. “You are much in your own world these days.”
“I know.” When Charles offered no more explanation, simply taking another hearty gulp of his brandy so that his auburn hair tipped back from his forehead, Edward felt he had to push the point.
“You have not been yourself for a few months now in fact. Charles, will you not tell me what is wrong?”
“A ball is hardly the place for morose conversation, is it?” Charles forced a smile. “Here, let me get you a drink, and you can be happy for the both of us.”
“That may be some effort tonight,” Edward whispered low, so that his friend could not hear him. As Charles poured a glass of wine and passed it to Edward, he fidgeted, pushing back his curly brown hair that was hanging loose over his forehead. Once the sparkling wine was within his grasp, he joined Charles in taking hearty swigs. “Come, let us play a game.” Edward latched a hand over his friend’s shoulder, determined to raise his spirits.
“A game?” Charles asked, looking a little afeard at the idea.
“Ha! No need to shake. You used to like this game.” Edward gestured at the crowds in the ballroom with his glass. “What ladies do you recognize tonight?”
“Ah, I remember this game,” Charles said, revealing his first proper smile. “If I am to help you choose what lady to pursue next, then I fear I will have to have another drink to steel myself for it.” Charles laughed and downed what was in his glass, before pouring himself another. “I see Lady de Winter is here again tonight. Was she not one of yours?”
Edward let his eyes dance on Lady de Winter. It had been some time since he and the lady had kept each other company. When he had first earned his reputation as a rake, this lady was the one at his side, happy to spread the rumors of him, not that he had minded. He was very content for ladies to think him an ill possibility for a husband.
“She was once,” Edward acknowledged with a nod. “Until she found herself a new husband to be. They are to be married come Michaelmas.”
“Very well, how about Lady Rowena Myers?” Charles gestured across the room once more to a young lady that was dancing.
Edward smiled when his eyes landed on her. Lady Myers was a recent newlywed, who had clearly discovered that her husband, who was over twice her age, had little appetite for anything to do with the marriage bed. She had barely returned from her honeymoon before she started dropping hints at Edward, asking him to dance and if he could spare the time to join her on a promenade or two.
“A good possibility for this evening.” Edward chewed over the idea. Tonight, it could indeed by the night where he and Lady Myers became something more to each other. She clearly knew what the situation would be, that he offered no more than a night, but she desired it anyway.
When her eyes found his across the room and she smiled, Edward smiled too.
Yes, this is what I need. This constant distraction. It makes the world a bearable place.
“Or how about a challenge instead?” Charles asked.
“Challenge? Who?” Edward spun round, returning his eyes to his friend.
“I have just seen an old sparring partner of yours. Now,thatwould be an impressive thing, if you could win over a lady who wants nothing to do with you.” Charles topped up his glass as he nodded his head across the room toward the door. “The Earl of Finch’s daughter.”
“Lady Julia Clarke,” Edward said her name aloud as she stepped into the room.
Either side of her were the Earl and Countess of Finch. Lady Finch was on her arm, gripping rather tightly to her daughter and shaking the dance card at her wrist. Lord Finch seemed much more eager to look anywhere else in the room other than at his wife and daughter.
“You think I could ever win that challenge?” Edward laughed with his friend. “Then I’m flattered, for you think me a better charmer than I do, which is saying a lot. I have been told I am a vain man.”