Page 57 of The Duke of Fire
His butler entered with a note on a silver tray. He could already spy his grandmother’s seal on it. He sighed. What did they say about people appearing after their names had been mentioned? Yes, his grandmother would still have a rich, long life. She also did not need to be announced, but she sometimes did it when she had something important to say.
“Her Grace requests a word with you, Your Grace,” the butler said. Sebastian could only imagine him trying not to roll his eyes.
Sebastian took the card. Even before he opened it, he already knew that this was no appointment for another day. His grandmother was certainly somewhere outside, waiting to be let in.
He sighed. “Send her in.”
As soon as he said those words, the Dowager Duchess of Firaine swept into the room. Apparently, she was merely waiting for his words from the corridor. Benedict and Cassian tried to stifle their laughter. One was in danger of ending up in a fit of coughing.
Sebastian smiled at his grandmother. He loved her dearly, and they only had each other in this world. But she could be a handful. She walked in a sea of lilac silk, with a face that was suited for dramatics.
“My darling grandson,” she said grandiosely as she glanced upon his friends. “Boys.”
All three bowed respectfully when they heard that word. Sebastian and Cassian were thirty, and Benedict was twenty-nine. Yet, they were all willing to act like boys for the dowager. Cassian emphasized this by rising and giving her an exaggerated bow, leaning on his cane for support, and Benedict followed suit, albeit less theatrically. Sebastian simply stared at her.
Still, she strode toward him and perused every corner of the room. “You look pale, and you have… what have you done with your furniture? It looks like you let your temper dictate your choices again!”
“I did not do anything,” he said, shrugging. “I just pushed some things around. But if I do rearrange my furniture, then it would be my business.”
“Ah. Well, I am here to rescue you, dear boy. It looks like you are on the path of self-destruction,” she announced cheerfully, “again.”
She sat down on the settee, beaming happily as if her grandson was not glaring at her at that very moment.
“You should at least have a tray with tarts over here,” she suggested. “What are the three of you doing? Just drinking? Sebastian, you need some treats for guests.”
“You are the only one who enters my rooms unannounced and expects to be immediately served,” he grumbled. “These two do not care much what I have here or not.”
“Mm. I am just being a grandmother, my dear,” she said sweetly, “and grandmothers want the best for their children. It would also be wonderful if such a grandmother were treated well by her grandchild.”
“You are certainly right, Your Grace,” Benedict said, nodding solemnly with his eyes closed, while Cassian guffawed.
“Thank you, dear. After all, I am here to bring good tidings. Finally, you will see Miss Warton. Well, that is, if you are sober enough by the time we have to attend Lady Ashcombe’s ball this evening.”
Chapter 20
Sebastian froze.
It was hard to control the emotions that threatened to burst through.
Frustration. Excitement. Anger.
“I heard that she will be attending with her family,” the dowager said, although she said the last word with some disdain. “Finally, Lady Warton is prepared to release Miss Warton.”
“That has always been the case. When Lady Warton cannot attend,” Cassian interjected, “then Miss Warton would not be allowed to attend, either.”
“It is true,” Benedict added. “Lady Warton seems the sort who practices misery-loving company.”
But Sebastian’s mind did not want to dwell on Amelia’s sister-in-law. He wanted to know more about Amelia and why his grandmother had to visit to announce her appearance at the ball.
“How do you know Miss Warton will be coming to the ball?” he asked.
He tried to ignore how Benedict’s mouth twitched and how Cassian tried to hide his smile behind his glass.
“You still do not know me after all these years?” his grandmother demanded, looking offended. “I know everything worth knowing. People come to me freely. You should come to Lady Ashcombe’s ball, and you must promise not to ruin everyone’s evening.”
“How did I not hear about this ball?” he wondered aloud.
“Simple,” Cassian replied. “You were too preoccupied with—”
