Page 41 of Jane's Story
“High fae,” Charles whispered in my ear.
“Oh, aren’t you a pretty young thing?” She looked me over as if she were inspecting a used car, then turned to Charles. “Where’d you find her?”
Charles politely blew off her insolence. “Mrs. De Bourgh, this is my girlfriend, Jane Bennet, from Austen Heights, Maine. Jane, these are Cynthia and Dustin DeBourgh. Remind me. Are you still involved in your charity work?”
Though I tried to reserve judgment against people, I’d likely avoid her given the chance.
“Well…” she huffed and then pulled on her husband’s sleeve. “I live for it, but tell me, Jane. Do you know of Catherine de Bourgh? She’s Dustin’s cousin and lives in your part of the world.”
“I think I’ve heard of her—”
But Cynthia’s attention was already elsewhere. She pointed at a woman across the room. “Oh, Dusty, look over there! Madeline Swinson is wearing the same necklace she wore last year. How ridiculous.”
Her husband sniffed and arched his brows while muttering, “Yes, very observant, dear. Now, Charles, I’d like to hear about your SaferLoc. Your operations chap, Lance, was it? He’s insisting it’s going to be revolutionary. What do you think of that?”
Charles’s cheeks flushed. “Might be an overstatement. But I have confidence in it.”
“Modesty doesn’t suit you in business, Charles.” Dustin slapped Charles on the back. “Youwant investors, you’ve got to be bold. There’s a lot of money at stake, you know.”
I frowned. There had to be a lot of money at stake at an event like this. I wondered if anyone in the crowd wanted money badly enough to kill for it, and if so, what it had to do with Armond and Margery.
“Well, Charles, I never expected to find you with a girl who wasn’t high fae like yourself,” Cynthia only lowered her voice a little, and the people at the next table probably still overheard her. “Your parents don’t object then?”
“No, of course not. Jane’s a very talented photographer.” Charles seemed to be intentionally using my name to press a point. I gave him a grateful glance.
Cynthia sniffed at his comment and looked away from me. “Interesting. Well, I suppose Haven Corp’s holdings will increase after all this. That is the purpose of this gala, isn’t it?”
Her husband frowned in her direction. Then he turned to Charles and broached a new topic. “It’s a way to increase public support. But I believe you’re supporting a few charities as well with this, correct?”
A peacemaker. Someone after my own heart.
“Yes, tonight’s event will support increased technology and security for schools,” Charles said. “We’re actually hoping to make SaferLoc completely free for educators.”
“I can’t think of a better use for it.” I leaned close and took Charles’s arm. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a few photos before our food arrives. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
I took my camera out of its case, hoping to catch some PR shots for Charles but mostly planning to use it as an excuse to move around the room and get some baseline shots.
I moved over to the table where Ashley and Kyle sat with a few other Haven Corp employees. Then I took a few photos and stepped closer, turning my back to them as if shooting something in the other direction.
“I don’t know if this job’s worth it,” Ashley muttered to Kyle. “I mean, I know the money is good. But the stress is killing me.”
I looked over my shoulder. Kyle looked despondent. “I really hoped SaferLoc would turn things around.”
A server delivering salads interrupted their conversation. I took a moment to jot a few things down inmy notebook.
“Oh, hi Jane.” A familiar voice made me jump, and I spun around, ending up face to face with Darcy Valemont.
“Hi, I forgot you were going to be here. You’re the MC tonight? Good to see you.” I smiled and tucked my notebook back into my bag. Darcy looked dapper as usual in a black tux. The tall, high-fae prince with dark hair and vivid green eyes stood out in a crowd. Too bad Lizzy had such a negative view of him.
“I am. We’ll get started after everyone has eaten. Charles mentioned you were helping shoot photos tonight.” He smiled and reached out to shake my hand.
He’d interrupted my investigation, but I remained calm and casual. “Yes. I’m sure Charles would love to say hello. I’ll show you to our table.”
“Oh, looks like your girlfriend’s brought back a prince.” Mrs. De Bourgh chuckled as I approached the table.
“Girlfriend?” Darcy started and looked between me and Charles.
Charles’s eyes widened, and he nodded. He hopped up from his seat and led both of us out of earshotof the De Bourghs. “How’s it going, Darcy?”
