King cleared his throat. “If I’m not mistaken, your wife was your father’s paramour at one point.”
“I was hoping no one would notice.”
“I saw them in your father’s theater box, next to mine, one night shortly after rumors were flying that he’d taken a mistress. Unfortunately for you, as Penelope will attest, I’m not likely to forget something once I’ve seen it. Although your wife’s hair is a different shade now. The two of you seem an odd pairing.”
Marcus shrugged laconically. “I went to see her, hoping Father might have told her something that would help me return honor to the family name. He hadn’t, but I found I rather liked her. She wasn’t at all as I expected.”
“Women seldom are,” King said. “But they’re nice to have around. Are you any closer to achieving your goal?”
“There are times, King, when I’m not even certain I know what it is I’m searching for any longer. Perhaps you had the right of it that night whenyou suggested I give up.” King had come to him because Penelope Pettypeace had disappeared from his life, and he wanted her back in it. “Being here, among thetononce again, I’m questioning whether I ever truly belonged.”
“I think we’re a poorer lot for having lost you.”
While the words touched him deeply, he grinned with a need not to get maudlin in light of all that had transpired. “If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been much use to you when you needed help.”
“If I can ever return the favor—”
“You paid me well enough.” Coins that he had used sparingly to ensure he didn’t have to beg anyone for more. As a footman passed by, Marcus set his empty glass on the tray the servant was carrying.
“Another?” King asked.
“No, I don’t need to stumble about like a fool.”
“Well, I believe I’ll go have a dance with my wife. It was good to see you, Stanwick.”
“You as well, Your Grace.”
After King walked off, Marcus stayed where he was and continued doing what he’d been doing all along: observing those in attendance, searching for anyone who might appear a bit nervous or tense, anyone who was sweating overly much. It was a cool night. The doors leading onto a terrace were open and a slight breeze wafted through the room. In an alcove, set high in a wall, accessible by a back stairway, musicians played. People danced or gathered in small groups and visited.In another room, nearby, a feast was being served. Much gaiety was about. It was like every ball he’d ever attended. Nothing seemed amiss.
A young lady stepped in front of him. “Hello, m’lord.” She shook her head until her blond curls quivered. “I’m sorry, I got that wrong. It’s Mr. Stanwick now. But you still give the appearance of being a lord. I realize I’m terribly bold but wondered if you might dance with me.” Giddiness was reflected in her brown eyes.
“How old are you?”
“Almost ten and eight.”
A child. “You’ve a reputation to protect, sweetheart. Dance with another.”
“No one is as exciting. They’re all such bores, whereas you have an air of danger about you.”
“Pip, what the devil are you doing?”
The girl’s eyes widened as an older woman—no doubt her mother, based on the same blond curls—descended like an avenging angel. Before her daughter could respond, she grabbed the young girl’s arm and glared at him. “She’s not for you.” Then she was hustling the moping lady away.
“Should I be jealous?”
He glanced over to see Esme and was damned tempted to take her in his arms and kiss that smirk right off those sensual lips. “She’s the third to approach me this evening.”
“It’s the way you prowl through the throng like a ravenous tiger. You make all the other men look dull and unexciting.”
“You make the other women look remarkably unappealing.”
“Then why haven’t you danced with me?”
“A situation I need to rectify straightaway.” He held out his hand. “Will you do me the honor of a dance?”
Her gloved fingers landed lightly on his gloved palm, and he wondered briefly why Society was so opposed to skin touching in public. Perhaps because it led to more skin touching privately. He wished they could escape upstairs for a more intimate encounter, but duty called for her, retribution for him. Tonight might provide the answers and an end to his quest, so for now he would be content with a waltz.
“I noticed you dancing with a couple of gentlemen. Did you garner any information?”
