CHAPTER 1
Julian took a deep breath. The cool London air filled his lungs, and an unpleasant mixture of dust, soot, and something he would rather not identify penetrated his nostrils.
“Your Grace,” a voice came from behind him just as he placed his hand on the banister. He looked back. A woman of about fifty years approached him. She was wearing a Pomona green gown and a matching turban, a style popular amongst her age group. Behind her were two younger women, one in a mauve color and the other in an evening primrose. Their hair was styled elaborately with sashes and gemstones that sparkled under the lamplight as they approached.
“What a pleasure to see you. I did not know you were back in London.”
“I am, indeed,” he said. Under his breath, he added, “Unfortunately.”
“These are my daughters. Miss Catherine and Miss Elizabeth.” The two young women curtsied to him, and he bowed his head once, slightly.
“A pleasure.”
“Are you dancing tonight?” the older woman, who had still not introduced herself, pressed further.
“I have not decided yet. I took a tumble off my horse just yesterday, and my ankle is somewhat sore. I shall have to see how it bears up.”
This was, of course, a blatant lie. He had not been riding since before Christmas, and now, it was March. He simply didn’t want to commit himself. If he told this lady that he was going to dance, she would push for him to commit to a dance with each of her daughters, and soon enough, somebody would overhear that, and then he would be tied into dancing all night long. What an odious obligation that would be.
Dancing, he knew, often led to a courtship, and a courtship was not something he wanted right now. He was not on the catch. Not anymore.
“Oh,” the woman said, her smile fading. “What a shame.”
“I promise that if I do decide to dance, I shall seek you out,” he said.
The smile reappeared. “Why, thank you. You have always been so gracious. And I am so glad that a man of your standing is back in London. Not to besmirch my dear Lord Tinkersley’s good name, but we desperately need some more young blood in the House of Lords. My husband has much vigor, but he is getting on in years.”
Tinkersley. That’s who she was. Lady Tinkersley, wife of Lord Tinkersley.
He knew her husband. He was a rather low-ranking baron but bang up to the mark when it came to the things he believed in. Julian respected the man. He had a forceful voice and knew what he wanted. And so, it seemed, did his wife although what she wanted was to find a good husband for her daughters—and he was not in the market for that. He could see quite plainly that she was cutting a wheedle, and he would not fall for it.
“If you will excuse me, my friends are awaiting me.”
“Of course. The Langley husbands. I have heard that they are all here tonight.”
“And here they are,” he said and turned. He rushed inside, greeted Lady Sandingham, tonight’s hostess, and then made his way into the ballroom. He glanced across the broad ballroom and saw several of his friends’ wives dispersed around the space, talking and mingling with their friends. He didn’t see any of their husbands.
“Excuse me,” he said to a passing servant. “If a gentleman wanted to find the card room, where would he do that?”
“Oh,” the servant replied, “it is just down the hall on the left. Third room.”
Julian nodded and made his way there. The room had been thoroughly taken over by his friends. Nathaniel Sinclair, his oldest friend, leaned against the windowsill, a glass of sherry in hand. Rhys and Lucian had occupied the two chairs by the fire, and Gideon and James were engaged in some sort of card game.
“Julian!” Nathaniel said and set down his glass with a thud. “There you are. I thought you would never join us.” The two friends embraced, and Nathaniel clapped him on the back with enthusiastic vigor.
“I did not have much choice. I recall your words this morning. Did you not threaten to grab me by the ankle and drag me down the streets of London by force if I didn’t materialize?”
“Did I say that? I am rather grumpy in the morning. Evelyn tells me that all the time.”
“And she wouldn’t be wrong,” he replied.
“In any case, you are here. Drink?” He walked Julian over to the sideboard and poured him a glass.
“He got me here with similar threats,” Gideon said with a smile.
“And me,” Rhys replied.
“Now, now,” Nathaniel said and shook his head. “Is the truth not more that we are all here because our wives required us to be?”
