Page 21 of The Duke's Vice

“I’ve always meant to ask you, did you create your list after…”

Ezra’s pulse was thumping in between his ears. “After what?”

Frederic sighed. “After what happened to your sister.”

He pulled the thread. Ezra’s back straightened. He hated talking about his sister being married to his best friend, but he despised talking about what happened to her before their marriage.

“This has nothing to do with Harriet.” Ezra said cooly.

Frederic handed Ezra Beatrice’s list. “You know she is very happy now. You took care of-”

“I said it has nothing to do with what happened to my sister.” Ezra bellowed. “Now, if you excuse me. I have some matters to attend to. I will see you later tonight for dinner.”

Ezra turned on his heel, picking up his discarded sword as he walked towards the door.

“I thought we were going to go another round?” Frederic’s question echoed off the walls of the empty room. Ezra was already gone.

CHAPTER 6

“Must you go?” Candace asked as she worried her thumbnail. “Last time you were lucky and nothing happened, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be safe this time around. What if you meet someone else who doesn’t have your best interest at heart and takes advantage of you?” The last of her question came out in a hurried whisper.

Beatrice lifted the hood over her head. She took one more look in the mirror to make sure her hair was tucked under the hood. The mask she found amongst her sister Sarah’s old things hung heavy in her pocket. She was sure to get into the party this time.

“I’ll be fine. I’m more familiar with the street now, and no one bothered me until I bumped into that man. I’ll be more aware now.”

That cursed man. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking of him since the ball yesterday afternoon. Normally she didn’t mind someone occupying her thoughts for a bit, but she couldn’t decide if she wanted to smack him or ask him to kiss her again.

She grimaced at her reflection. She would smack him so hard the smug arrogance would leave his body. Perhaps then, and only then, she would ask for another kiss.

The thought of both smacking him and kissing him had her smiling.

“I’m still not sure about this and I’m regretting helping you. If your mother found out I would out of a job.” Candace paced behind her.

Beatrice took Candace’s hands in her own to steady her maid. “I promise you, regardless how tonight ends, if I’m caught, I will say I overheard a conversation at a ball, which is somewhat true. Men are always talking openly in front of women as if we don’t have ears and an ability to understand words.” The inequality women faced on a day-to-day basis was grating but Beatrice had no qualms in using it for her advantage.

“No. Do I look like I belong?” Beatrice took a turn in front of Candace.

Her maid lifted her shoulders. “You look like Lady Beatrice to me. I’m not sure how one should look to go to one of these parties. I’ve only heard about them through gossip.”

Beatrice chewed on her bottom lip. “Well, I have a mask now,” she patted her pocket. “Hopefully that’s enough to help me blend in. Apparently I looked too naive last time.”

Her body whirled at the memories of being held against him during their kiss and their dance. Thankful for the hood for covering her blush, she cleared her throat and faced Candace.

“Wish me luck.”

The streets were less crowded than the previous night. There were several society events that most likely pulled revelers to, making it harder to blend with those around her. She turned onto Water Street and fastened her mask, shielding the top half of her face from the people around her.

Without fear of being recognized due to her mask and hood she walked freely, with her head up. She assumed the affect would exude confidence and therefore help her blend in. She reached 110 Water Street and found herself in the exact spot where she first met Graham. Her body stopped as phantom touches raked over her body. Gooseflesh erupted down her arms, and her body felt electric. She gave into the sensation for a brief moment before she refocused on her goal.

She was close to checking off number three on her list, see the wild side of London. She turned to her right to see a house sitting further back from the rest of the row, which is probably why she didn’t see it the other night. With a deep breath she walked forward, holding her head high, repeating the mantra,I belong here. I belong here. I belong here.

“You don’t belong here.” A deep voice startled her.

She looked up to see a monster of a man standing in front of a dimly lit doorway. “Excuse me?” She winced at the squeak in her voice.

“I said, you don’t belong here.” The man was built like a boulder, his stance was wider than the doorframe. “I know everyone who is allowed to into this establishment and I don’t know you.”

Beatrice thought quickly. “I’m new, just invited. It’s no fun with the same people over and over again. The host decided to inject some new blood into the scene.”

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