“Perhaps.” Mary did not know whether or not to hope the earl would make an appearance before the weekend. He was Rex’s closest friend, but if he turned out to be a traitor or in some way connected to the assassination plot, thetonwould not be kind to him nor any of his close associates. In many ways, his absence at the wedding would help keep all of them safer, at least when it came to Society.
“Has Evie told you where she is staying?”
“In the Dalton household as a maid.” Laughter colored Josie’s voice. “Elijah would have kittens if he knew.”
The Dalton household… oh, dear. That was the man Walter had been consorting with… Anxiety seized her, then relaxed. Even if Evie had seen something, she would never hurt someone Mary loved—unless it were absolutely necessary. Mary did not, for one moment, believe Walter could be connected to treason.
“She said there is nothing suspicious going on there,” Josie continued, relieving Mary greatly. “She plans to be fired this week and move on.”
“Well, if she comes to apply at Hartford House, tell her she shall need a reference,” Mary joked, putting her nose in the air. Both of them laughed, but there was a hollowness to it.
The Season was nearly halfway through, yet Mary felt as if they had made no headway on their mission. She had found a husband, though, so she supposed that counted as a partial success. If only she knew whether or notthatsuccess would end happily for her.
Chapter 15
Rex
Where the devil was Lucas?
Checking with Barnes every morning had done nothing but cause the poor manservant more anxiety, but not doing so would likely be even worse. This way, they both knew the other was coming up empty-handed. It also meant Rex was able to ensure Barnes was paid and had enough money to keep the household running.
Between the dizzying array of social demands for an affianced man, Rex prowled through the streets of London into all sorts of disreputable establishments, searching for his friend… but Lucas was nowhere to be found. He could not help but wonder if part of Lucas’ disappearance was due to his own upcoming nuptials. Maybe this was Lucas’ way of indicating he had no interest in standing beside Rex, despite being his oldest friend.
True, their friendship had taken some hard knocks recently, but Rex had thought Lucas would at least want to be present for his wedding. Finally, he had been reduced to asking Carlisle to stand with him. Theywerefriends and shared many secrets, if not the long history that he had with Lucas.
Several days before his wedding, the masquerade to introduce Captain Nathan Jones to the Society was held at Carlisle’s townhome. Rex attended but focused on watching over the captain, which was not unusual when there was a new guest to the proceedings—what was unusual was his complete lack of interest in the other scenes. Unlike all the times before, he was not even tempted to join in, no matter how hot the action.
Whenever he stopped to watch a display of erotic spectacle, unless the captain was the one performing while Rex observed his techniques and preferences, he found his mind drifting inexorably, unerringly to his bride. Why a small diversion in his coach—one of the least adventurous encounters of recent years—should so consume his mind baffled him.
He could not stop thinking about her sighs, her moans, the way she squirmed so delightfully under his hands, or her inexpert but eager sucking of his cock. The memory roused his desires far more than any of the activities occurring before him.
“I must be mad,” he muttered under his breath.
“I would not argue with that.” The familiar voice of Walter Hood made Rex turn, inwardly suppressing his sigh. He had known this confrontation would eventually happen. At least Walter had waited till Captain Jones had finished with Mrs. Laurens before approaching him.
Unsurprisingly, Roger Dalton stood a mere foot behind Walter, silently adding his support to Walter’s confrontation. The two of them were well suited to each other’s company, and under other circumstances, Rex would have enjoyed seeing how they backed each other. He liked steadiness in the Society among those who partnered, just as he preferred to see a lack of jealousy among those who did not.
He had not been avoiding Walter, but until now, the opportunities for them to speak privately had been nonexistent. Hell, Rex had not even managed a moment alone to steal a kiss from Mary. Thetonwas watching their every move when they were out in public, and when they were not, Mary did not have time to see him as the wedding plans advanced.
“Walter, Roger.” He nodded his head in greeting, resigned to the conversation he had known was coming.
“Rex.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Walter regarded Rex with skeptical eyes. “I am surprised to see you here this evening.”
“I am always present when there is a new candidate to the Society,” Rex said, keeping his voice mild. He knew what Walter meant. Perversely, he was inclined to make the other man work for it. With his own frustrations simmering, the man’s cousin having worked her way under his skin without even trying, it was the only small satisfaction currently available to him.
“Mary is at the Carstairs tonight.” Walter’s gaze hardened.
“I am aware. I stopped in before making my way here. She is spending the evening with her friends.” That she would have clearly liked him to remain by her side was also true, but the sheer torture of constantly being in her presence without being able to do anything more than waltz with her was wearing on him, even if the masquerade had not been this evening.
The other man blinked, clearly taken aback, not realizing Rex had divided his time.
“Does she know where you are now?”
“That is between your cousin and me,” Rex said evasively. Mary knew he had another engagement, and she had not liked it, likely guessing where he would be, but he had not specifically told her. He had not wanted to risk her appearing here tonight and would not put it past her to have done so if she knew his location.
The wait for their wedding day was not only hard on him. He was fairly certain she had not attempted self-pleasure, despite her simmering desire. Their wedding night was sure to be highly enjoyable for both of them. He was looking forward to releasing the valve on her pent-up passion.
Not liking that answer, Walter’s expression turned to a scowl.