Page 47 of A Lady's Dangerous Secret
Nate shrugged his shoulders and raised his hands in defense.
She did not want to fight with her brother, so she turned on her heel and walked away before she said something she would regret.
Nate’s behavior should not surprise her.
She was theforgotten fifth.
Charlotte looked around and realized she had lost her friends in the crowd.
Not for the first time, she felt utterly alone.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
James stood next to Gabe at the side of the ballroom as they observed the debauchery unfold before them. His friend kept a watchful eye on his little sister. “I don’t believe a masquerade ball was part of our agreement,” James said.
“Neither did I, but what was I supposed to do? Bridget was going to sneak out on her own to come to this,” Gabe responded grimly.
“You could have forbidden her from attending.”
Gabe nodded. “I should have, but I was almost excited that she wanted to come to a social event on her own volition, even if it was a masquerade. You’ve seen how withdrawn she’s been. I have been thinking perhaps she had made her debut too soon. Maybe she needed another year, but I don’t think that’s it.”
“She is Nemesis,” James offered.
“I noticed, but I don’t know of any man who has hurt her besides our father. And he’s thankfully dead.”
Before they could discuss further, a deep voice rumbled from behind them, “Look who we have here.” James spun around to find a hulking man with fiery hair in a black tunic and mask, sporting a stuffed crow perched on his shoulder.
“Jack?”
“Erebus to be specific. But if you’re going to ruin the fun, then yes, the one and only.”
“What are you doing here? I didn’t expect you,” James said.
“When you told me of the little issue with the insurance money and that you’d be stuck in London until a murderer was caught, I thought I’d keep you company.” Jack shifted his gaze to Gabe in an assessing manner. “Plus, I’ve been looking to expand my business into London. I figured you might be spending some time with toffs, so it seemed a perfect opportunity.”
James was surprised. He knew how much Jack avoided theton,but James also knew Jack would do anything to make money.
James introduced Gabe and Jack.
Gabe raised his eyebrows. “This is your boss?”
“Yes, and my childhood best friend.”
Gabe paused for a moment, then seemed to make a decision and nodded. “Doherty.”
Jack eyed Gabe with a mixture of suspicion and loathing.
Gabe lifted his chin in the most aristocratic way. “You can call me Gabe. I would hate for us not to be on a first-name basis when you murder me in my sleep,” he said dryly.
Jack’s face transformed into a smile at the quip, and he laughed heartily.
“Thanks for the permission!” Jack smacked Gabe on his back.
Gabe shook his head good-naturedly, but James knew Jack could easily test Gabe’s patience.
A group of women approached Lady Bridget, who stood at Gabe’s right, but near the dance floor. As the goddess of revenge, her costume included an impressive set of wings, which to her benefit gave her a wide berth, even in the crush of guests. He studied the women and determined their identities, despite the disguises. He recognized the dark-brown hair and erectposture of Lady Beatrice and the fluid movements of the blonde-haired Lady Eleanor. An older woman trailed behind them, who appeared to be some sort of chaperone. Lady Bridget’s face lit up as she saw her friends.
But one very important member was missing.
