Dinner continued after their declarations. The guests were notably more relaxed around Adrian, conversing with him with ease. Alasdair was in deep conversation with the Wolf.
Daphne could not help but overhear mention of shipping ventures. She was not surprised. Alasdair, a Scottish-born Duke, knew what it was like to be considered a feared outsider. They might not mention it to each other, but she knew that helped with the bond. Daniel was more open, as well.
“Well, this is strange, but the kind of strange that must continue,” the young marquess mused. “It is lovely not to have to argue with the Wolf again.”
“Grisham, we can still make time for that!” Adrian jested.
Victoria didn’t seem to be so happy, though. During the whole dinner, her face was scrunched into a scowl. She matched Hector. The little boy could not seem to forgive the Duke of Wolfcrest just yet.
Daphne knew that every now and again, the duo would shoot daggers at Adrian. Their message was loud and clear:Do not hurt her or I will end you.
“The little boy probably needs some rest,” Adrian whispered, glancing at Hector. “He’s getting particularly grumpy.’
“Oh, he is used to the late hour, and you know it,” Daphne said with a smirk.
Adrian could only laugh.
Later, as the ladies adjourned to the drawing room and a few of the husbands settled themselves alongside their wives, Adrian and Caleb followed the crowd but met at the fireplace so they might quietly share a bottle of brandy.
“You’re becoming soft, Wolfcrest,” Caleb teased, his eyes dancing.
“Oh, I know. But I like this. Kettering was right. It is time for me to focus on my wife,” he said as he poured a measure of the liquid into twin tumblers.
“Not everyone is fortunate to have such a lovely wife,” Caleb commented with a grin.
“Careful, Amberwell,” Adrian growled.
His friend laughed boisterously. “You know full well I would never risk our friendship. And as of your wife, her eyes will never stray, I can see it.”
“I am a lucky man,” Adrian murmured.
“You must be. The transfer is done. All documentation has been completed. Kettering now officially owns your former gaming hells. He is a discreet and loyal man who enjoys the dirt and darkness more than you ever did. Admit it.”
“Ha. That man can fool anyone who listens to him. He always sounds like he does not know what he is doing, but he is a shrewd, shrewd man.”
“Now you can focus on your legitimate businesses.”
“Yes, of course. I am still the Wolf. That has not changed, so they had best better beware. However, I am no longer willing to compromise my wife and my estate. Not again. Never.”
“To the free Wolf and the respectable man,” Caleb agreed, raising a glass for his friend.
“Ah. Well, it seems like my brothers-in-law now deem me respectable,” Adrian commented dryly, watching as Alasdair and Daniel approached.
“Grisham, ye’ve only got one sister left unmarried, ye ken,” Alasdair teased. “What are we to do about it now? Dae ye need a wee bit o’ help with the little hurricane?”
Everyone knew exactly why this had to be mentioned. Eyes turned to Victoria, who was trying to discreetly pour herself yet another glass of wine. Her attempts at subtly were futile. Everyone saw what she meant to do right away, and more than one of her sisters beckoned for her to put down the goblet and return to her seat.
“I heard you, Alasdair,” she called before finishing the drink and slamming the empty glass on the table so forcefully that it was a wonder nothing broke. “Do not concern yourself with my future. I do not need a man, least of all a husband who will bother me to the end of my days. I have more than enough people watching my every move.”
A few family members had to choke on their laughter.
Daniel sighed.
“I’d like to see a man brave enough who can match her, anyway,” he commented, although he could not help but reveal some pride in his voice. “That man must possess great patience.”
“Nobody can match me, Daniel,” Victoria said disdainfully.
“We have an announcement,” Marianne suddenly sprang to her feet.
