Page 2 of The Scholar's Key
“So there are,” Percy remarked, sipping her drink.
“Are there none that you might be interested in? You have been spending a great deal of time with this company.”
“Yes, but—”
She was about to saywhyshe had seen them so frequently – because they had come together to solve a riddle which was leading them down a long and winding path of a treasure hunt. One that was likely to come to nothing but was rather fun to participate in, nonetheless. And now, Percy had her own role in the hunt that she was quite excited about.
“It is because Cassandra so recently married her brother’s friend. It has brought our circles together.”
“I see,” her mother said. “Well, there is a certain earl, as well as a future duke among them.”
“I am not interested in Cassandra’s brother,” Percy said, nearly rolling her eyes. She liked Lord Ashford, but he was far from being a strong enough man for her. Percy knew that she wasn’t the shy, fair lady that most men sought out. She was still looking for a man who could match her wit, who would challenge her, question her – and she wouldn’t be opposed to a man who could lift her and throw her on the bed.
Perhaps she had been reading too many scandalous romantic novels.
“As it is, none of the men here are who I am looking for,” she continued.
“Persephone,” her mother’s face softened. “You know I only want what is best for you.”
“And getting married is what is best,” Percy finished.
“It is how it is.”
“You said I could choose my husband.”
“And you can, within reason,” her mother said. “But you are already two and twenty, and—”
“And I am running out of time. I know.”
Her mother smiled kindly. “Your father is becoming rather impatient, but I am doing my best to keep him happy. He does, however, have a man in mind.”
Percy frowned. “He does, does he?”
“Yes. You know his friend, Lord Lecher?”
“Yes…”
“He has a son, Lord Stephen, who will be titled one day.”
“I remember him. He tormented me when we visited them years ago.”
“Well, he is grown up now, and quite handsome, I am told.”
A clattering behind them had them both jumping, and Percy turned around, surprised when she saw Mr. Rowley bent over, picking up his spilled glass from the ground.
“Goodness,” she said, bending down to help him. “Are you all right?”
“Fine,” he said. “My apologies. Lady Fairfax,” he said, tilting his head downward in deference to her mother.
“I shall go find a footman,” Percy’s mother said, walking away, leaving the two of them together.
Percy reached out to help him with the glass pieces, her hand hitting his when she did – causing a jolt to zing up her arm. She was shocked at first – surely Mr. Rowley wouldn’t cause such a reaction within her – but then she saw the blood drip on the floor and realized it wasn’t caused by Mr. Rowley at all.
It was from the piece of glass she had cut her finger on.
* * *
“Lady Persephone, you are hurt!”Noah swore at himself. Not only had he been listening to her conversation, but then he had clumsily dropped his glass and Lady Percy had injured herself trying to help him.
