“You look like a man on a mission.”
Ronan had stepped out of the ballroom and was playing with a gold coin. He often had one in hand, always in the pocket otherwise. It was a habit so old no one could remember where it came from. At least, no one that cared to ask Ronan about it. Probably something to do with his father’s gold mines.
As for now, his friend with a crooked grin raised an eyebrow. “Well? What are you about now? Do you need any assistance?”
“Not at all.” Slowing down, Sebastian glanced around. “You haven’t seen Thomas Ravenshaw about, have you?”
“The blasted fool? Your brother-in-law, that one? No. He wouldn’t dare be in London after all that has happened.” Ronan frowned. “Would he? Actually, I might be wrong. He was bear-baiting friends with our host.”
Sebastian hadn’t seen that in his papers. “With Lord Dernshire? Truly?”
“It’s why I stopped betting with him some years ago. Thomas, the old boy, has few limits for what he’s willing to do to get what he wants.” Ronan said with a scowl. “Actually, you know, I might have seen him after all.”
“Really?” Sebastian asked as Ronan slowly turned around. “Where? Was it recently?”
“I didn’t recognize him. He always had that ridiculous mustache, if you recall. Thinner now, too? Short hair?” Ronan shoved hiscoin away. “I don’t like that. Yes, I saw him. He was talking to someone. Some lady, I can’t recall. She didn’t look familiar. But he can’t be trusted, Sebastian.”
Sebastian hesitated. “Was it my wife?”
“No, not her. She’s looking dashing tonight, by the way. Fine dancer. She didn’t mind when I stepped on her toes. No, that wasn’t her. Someone with light hair I think? I can’t recall. Doesn’t matter. Don’t trust Thomas, that’s all I will say.”
As though Ronan minds speaking ill of others. He loves gossip, the scoundrel. Only he should know more if he’s going to indulge in it. I wonder with whom Thomas might have spoken... the hostess, perhaps?
“I know,” Sebastian told him. “I don’t trust the man a single inch.”
“But what about your wife?” Ronan asked with a wince. “They are family, and she does strike me as rather kind.”
“She is very kind. She’s also wise, but sympathetic. I believe she has indulged him somewhat,” Sebastian grudgingly admitted in a low voice. “But I trust her. She will be careful as best as she can be.”
Ronan nodded unconvinced. “Even the philosophers can be tricked, however. You had best be careful. They aren’t spending much time together, are they? If he’s back in London, he mustbe up to something. Since the final decision was made in the courts…”
It had come out the other week, shortly after everyone had settled into London to begin the season again.
Sebastian hadn’t been too surprised. The Crown would want matters decided for good, and yet leave a window open for hope. Allowing the title to return to the young man should he repay all his sins was as best as could be expected. It wasn’t as though anyone really wanted him to end up with the noose.
“We will manage, Ronan, but thank you for your help.” Considering the other places where her brother could be, Sebastian gave a short sigh of annoyance. “If he’s not with all the other guests, where do you think he might be?”
“I don’t know. The terrace, perhaps? There are a few private corners there. Or the conservatory. That’s connected to the side hall here, and has another door to the terrace,” Ronan explained when Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “It’s not technically off limits. It’s good for the occasional, er––”
“Don’t say it.”
Ronan snickered. “Then don’t give me that look. And if not the conservatory, check with Lord Dernshire. He might know.”
“Thank you. Let me know if you see her or Thomas,” Sebastian requested. “I’ll carry on.”
Nodding, Ronan tipped an imaginary hat before passing him by toward the cards room. The man had nimble fingers and enjoyed his games. Rather, he preferred playing mental tricks with the other card players, but that was his matter.
In the meantime, Sebastian carried on. He passed two waiting rooms and checked in there to find a few gentlemen sleeping off their drinks. Just as he returned to the hall, he was greeted by their host.
“Eastwynd! What a delight to have you here,” Dernshire said with a heavy chuckle. He had a half-empty goblet in hand. “When I told the wife to put you on the list, she didn’t think you would come. How I love proving her wrong.”
“Good evening, it’s a pleasure to be here,” Sebastian decided to say in return. “I won’t take up your time, but I would like to know if you have seen an old friend this evening? Thomas Ravenshaw.”
The man brightened. “Ravenshaw! Good boy. Hard hand he was dealt, I’m afraid. Oh yes, I believe you could find him here… somewhere. Say, where did he go? I passed him near the servants quarter earlier. He was coming up this way, and… hm. No, I cannot say it. The man wanders in every house party. Good fellow, Ravenshaw. Oho! And you married his sister. Now that makes you family!"
"Indeed,” Sebastian said, realizing he might find himself in a long and pointless conversation if he didn’t escape soon. “Thank you, and good evening.”
He pivoted away while Dernshire blustered through something else that didn’t make any sense. Letting it go, Sebastian passed down the hall.
