“Isn’t that what they’re there for?” he replied with a rakish grin. “It will not take long, but unfortunately, it’s something that can’t wait.”
“Of course. I shall go and see if I can raise a smile on Nathaniel’s face,” Mary said.
“Good luck with that. The ice sculpture will thaw quicker than he does,” Edmund said. Mary stifled her laughter and looked at Edmund as if to imply he was being pretty wicked, but she did not openly scold him.
“You should not make such disparaging remarks about him. I hoped that the two of you would become friends after all that has happened,” Alfred said.
Edmund gave him a confused look.
“But we are friends. That is why I tease him. Does he not believe we are friends?”
“Nathaniel has never made friends easily. Perhaps you could try being more complimentary. After all, there has been a big shift in him since he met Charlotte.”
“I really couldn’t tell,” Edmund said, rolling his shoulders. He placed his hand upon Alfred’s arm and led him out of the hall to a side room.
“What is this about? Has something happened?” Alfred asked, concern shrouding his face.
“No, no, nothing like that. I just wanted for us to speak alone for a moment. I want to ask you a question, Alfred. We have worked together on a number of business deals, and we have made a lot of money together. How would you feel about managing them by yourself for a time?”
“Myself? Now why would… oh,” Alfred said, understanding coming upon his face. He broke out into a wide grin and took Edmund’s hand, shaking it firmly. “Edmund, you sly dog, you are really doing it, aren’t you? You want to take some time for yourself to enjoy married life. Why, of course! Nothing would make me happier. This is really wonderful, you know, and you have no idea how happy this is going to make Mary and everyone else.”
“I am afraid you’ve misunderstood, Alfred,” Edmund replied, lowering his voice and glancing toward the door, making sure that nobody overheard him. He released Alfred’s grip, and the smile faded from Alfred’s eyes.
“What I am saying to you now is to remain confidential. Not even Mary must know, and I know I am asking a lot for you to keep something from your wife, but it is of the utmost importance. I plan to go away for an indefinite period of time.”
“On a honeymoon?” Alfred asked with false hope.
“No, Alfred, not on a honeymoon. I was tasked with taking care of my sisters, but Charlotte is married, and it will not be long before Lydia is as well. I would imagine she could find a husband by the end of the year. As soon as that happens, I plan to leave on an adventure, an adventure I have delayed for a decade. While I am gone, I would like to know that my interests are in good hands.”
“But… but you can’t leave. What about the family?”
“Alfred. I have made up my mind. I have been thinking about this for a long time now, and it is finally almost within reach. Can you promise me that you will handle these matters in my absence?”
Alfred had a shocked look on his face and took a moment to compose himself. When he spoke, his voice was grave, as though Edmund had just told him that somebody had died.
“Well, of course, Edmund, if this is what you really want. But what about Lady Rose? I thought you were getting on famously.”
“My heart has always belonged to adventure, Alfred. I can deny it no longer. No, let us return to the party, and remember, this stays between us,” Edmund said. He felt like a rotter for asking Alfred to keep this from Mary, but as he began putting the plan in place, he felt a resolve in his heart.
They left the room. Alfred still looked a little stunned. He returned to Mary, while Edmund looked across the room, his gaze falling to Rose again. She was deep in discussion with little Clara, and for a moment, he could almost imagine what it would be like if she were his wife.
She was already friends with Lydia and on good terms with Charlotte. In many ways, she was the epitome of what a duchess should be. Perhaps things might be different if his parents hadn’t died. If he had been allowed to indulge his sense of adventure, he might have returned to London a satisfied man, ready to settle down, but it was quite impossible now.
Even if he did get married, he would only be restless and unsettled, and would likely resent his wife for keeping him shackled to London. Nobody deserved to have anyone feel that way about them.
It is a blessing that Rose does not wish to be married, he reminded himself.
As he made his way through the crowd, he heard whispers regarding the auction, although one man gave voice to his thoughts.
Leopold Johnson, a garrulous man whose clothes always seemed to be bursting at the seams, made great use of his bulk and left his mark on the world. He had a pipe in one hand.
“Smoking is supposed to come later, Leo,” Edmund said.
Leopold laughed heartily and slapped Edmund on the back, hard enough to drive the air from Edmund’s lungs. Edmund cleared his throat.
“I am always prepared, you know that. Now then, we must talk about this auction. Since things have worked out so well for you, I wondered if you might organize one, and maybe you could ask around to get families to offer up their daughters. There are plenty of exquisite flowers worth a pretty penny.”
Leopold pulled Edmund close and lowered his voice.
