Page 54 of Lord of Mischief
As she moved in a clockwise fashion around the edge of the dance floor, heading for six o’clock, Freddie moved toward midnight.He was rising to the next hour as she moved down the other side of the clock face.Her gaze never once left Freddie and his remained fixed on her.
“Ah, there you are, Caroline.Harry wants to put his name on your dance card.”
The girls ignored Francis.He fell in beside them and was soon appraised of why they were slowly circling the dance floor.“The cheeky blighter.Must be out seeking a free feed,” muttered Francis.
His words broke the spell that held Eve within its power.She stopped and turned to Francis.“What do you mean?”
There were rumors that Freddie returned to London only a day or so after her, but until tonight he had managed to keep a low profile.For someone who had been living large on the London social landscape only a matter of weeks before, Freddie had suddenly turned into a ghost.
Francis raised an eyebrow and leant in close.“There is a reason he has been keeping a low profile.A rumor is spreading like wildfire that his father has cut him off.Word is, he and that large, mangy dog are the only ones in residence at Lord Rosemount’s townhouse.All the servants were called back to Rosemount Abbey.Freddie is having to make do for himself.”
“The perfect punishment,” said Caroline, chuckling with delight.
Eve, meanwhile, had other concerns.If it was common knowledge that Freddie was being punished by his father, there would be questions asked as to the reason why.The last thing she wanted was for her name to be caught in the mix.Her reputation would be in ruins.
“So, what is the story about why his father cut him off?”replied Eve.
“A friend of a friend spoke to him earlier tonight and asked about the story.He was none too pleased word had got out.He told this friend he had gambled heavily and his father is determined to make him pay back all the money he lost.But there are others who are beginning to whisper otherwise,” replied Francis.
She turned to her brother.“Who else and what are they saying?”A cold shiver of dread chilled her body.Was someone playing games?
Francis pointed toward another young gentleman standing a few feet away from them.As Eve looked at him, the young man bowed.
“He is the Honorable Trenton Embry, second son of Viscount Embry.He is another of the young men who are cadets at the House of Commons with Freddie.He would like to have a private word with you.”
She feared whatever news Trenton Embry had to impart would be bad, but still, she had to know.
Trenton Embry stepped forward at Francis’s beckon and offered her a formal bow.
“Miss Saunders.”
“My brother tells me you wish to speak with me,” she said.
He looked over to where Freddie had been, and then nodded.“I take it you are aware Freddie Rosemount is here this evening?”
Eve nodded.
“I know something of matters which transpired between the two of you, having also been a cadet at the House of Commons this year,” he said.
Eve waited.Trenton met her worried gaze, then leant in close.“What I really wanted to tell you was that Freddie is not a bad chap.I know by throwing you over he behaved abominably, but he did so because he is under the influence of a very evil gentleman named Osmont Firebrace.I don’t know if you are particularly interested, considering all that has happened, but Freddie is in a bad place at present.His life is a disaster and he has much of the blame to wear himself.That said, if you do still hold any sort of affection for him, I would counsel you to find it in your heart to forgive him,” he said.
Her mouth dropped open with shock.She had no intention of ever speaking to Freddie again, let alone forgiving him.“Thank you, Mr.Embry.Your words bring comfort to me.To know Freddie Rosemount’s life is in complete shambles truly gladdens my heart.Feel free to convey those same sentiments to him when next you speak.”
She turned and left Trenton Embry alone.
Francis took hold of Eve’s arm.“Bloody coward.Fancy sending a friend over to talk to you in the vain hope you would feel sorry for him.”
“Yes, well, it’s all over with now.Whatever mess Freddie has gone and got himself into is none of my concern,” she replied.
Freddie may have given up on any pretense of shame, but her pride had been somewhat restored.However, the sight of Freddie and her conversation with Trenton had rattled her nerves.She needed time alone to gather her composure.
“I might just go outside for a moment and get a spot of fresh air.”
A reluctant Caroline let Francis accompany her to find Harry and give him the dance he had requested.Eve accepted Francis’s condition he would come and find her after a short while and that she was not to wander off anywhere on her own.
As soon as she stepped out into the cold night air, Eve felt relief.The heat in the large, crowded ballroom had been stifling.The night garden afforded her the peace and quiet her rattled brain so desperately craved.
She found a small stone bench in a quiet corner and sat down.A footman offered her a glass of wine and she took it.The cool, sweet wine helped her to focus on the here and now.
