Page 47 of A Rake's Revenge
Stephan snorted. “Which is exactly why I detest so many of the aristocracy. They think having a title makes them betterhumans. They are not. They will all die and turn to ashes just like the common people.”
“And you still look like you want to help them get to the grave faster,” Brice said.
Stephan relaxed his hand and forced the impassive expression he used when gambling onto his face. “Better?”
“Marginally.”
“It has been a long day shadowing Tisdale, then being intercepted by Sir Reginald, and now not knowing what took place with the dukes.”
Brice gestured down the table. “At least, Tisdale does not seem to have noticed Caroline’s leaving.”
Stephan looked in that direction. Brice was right. Tisdale was turned away, apparently having a serious conversation with Lord Lindford and Lord Compton. The two were almost as gossipy as their wives. Stephan felt his jaw clench again when all three men glanced toward him. Tisdale was probably bragging about how the afternoon had gone.Hisversion of it anyway. Stephan looked away.
“Maybe now is a good time to go find Caroline.”
Brice quirked an eyebrow. “As much as you dislike Society, you cannot just get up and leave the dinner table with the prince regent present.”
“He would never notice.”
“He would notice,” Brice said. “He keeps you and Tisdale in his sights like a hunter tracking deer.”
“Then perhaps I should make the trail more difficult to follow,” Stephan answered. “The prince can hardly get up and follow me if I leave right now.”
“Not wise. Besides, Caroline has more than likely retreated to her bedchamber, and that is off-limits.”
That hadn’t stopped him from putting the damn sapphires back in Amelia’s room, but he couldn’t tell Brice that. The thought of slipping inside Caroline’s bedchamber and encountering her with her chestnut mane of hair loose about her shoulders, clad only in her night rail, was definitely appealing. Heck, forget the nightgown. Finding her lyingnakedin her bed would be even better.
“Do not do it,” Brice warned.
Stephan assumed his impassive face again. “Do what?”
“You are thinking about going to her room.”
“And if I am? It is not as though you and Alex have not snuck in and out of ladies’ bedchambers before. Caroline can toss me out if she wishes. Who are you to judge?”
“I am notjudgingyou,” Brice replied. “I am not even saying Caroline would not welcome you. She probably would—”
“Probably?”
“Probably. I cannot speak for her.” Brice looked around and lowered his voice. “Think where you are, though. This is not a Mayfair townhome where you can slip out a back window and disappear into the shadows. We have all done that. The Pavilion is crawling with servants. If you are seen and reported—”
“I will be careful.”
“Not the point. The servants are everywhere. And well-trained servants are nearly invisible. If you are caught, the prince will send you packing. Protocol—if not Sir Reginald—demands it. Prinny may even withdraw you from the regatta, and where will that leave Caroline?”
Stephan studied his friend for a long moment and then he sighed. “I suppose you are right. I cannot risk Caroline falling prey to Tisdale. I will have to think of something else.”
Brice grinned. “I am sure you will.”
…
It took another hour for the dinner to be officially over. Perhaps Prinny had decided to prolong the already far-too-extravagant meal with extra courses since he now had two dukes as guests. Stephan grimaced. Heaven help them if Wellington were to show up. They might still be in the dining room come dawn.
“I think I will check on the boat before I head to my hotel,” Brice said as they stood.
“You are sure you do not want to join the men in the saloon for brandy?” Stephan asked. “The invitation is open to all who attend the dinner, not just for those of us who are staying at the pavilion.”
“No thanks. Three hours of observing protocol is enough for me.” Brice grinned. “Besides, there is a new barmaid at my hotel who seems to fancy me.”
