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Chapter 44
Silas and Lucy finally returned to the party, but not before he’d kissed her soundly, then extracted promises from her that she would find him again soon. He loved it when he had the taste of her skin on his lips. It was as intoxicating as any wine.
He stopped by the refreshments table to get himself a glass of champagne. Then, he looked out at the room. It was crowded, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Percy was there, watching Silas with an unreadable expression on his face. Anger swept through Silas. Though he had agreed to allow Percy there, Silas didn’t want him there.
He strode across the room.
“Percy.”
“Your brother invited me.”
“I know,” Silas said coolly. “I said that you could come.”
Silas glared at Michael, who stood nearby. He regretted agreeing to it.
“He’s a friend of the family,” Michael reminded him. “I figured the two of you could come to terms. Percy did say how sorry he was.”
Silas suddenly saw how Michael had engineered this, likely on Percy’s behalf. Silas, feeling generous, had forgotten just how angry he was for all of Percy’s past transgressions.
“I am, truly sorry,” Percy said, though Silas didn’t believe it for a moment. “I have seen the error of my ways, and I am endeavouring to do much better these days.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Silas stated. “I’ll believe it when I see a change.”
“Silas,” Percy said, his voice as slimy as a puddle.
“Lord Thornbridge to you.” Silas knew he was pulling rank. It was a low blow, but one that he felt entirely necessary.
“My Lord,” Percy amended. “I was desperate. My father has cut me off from the family funds. I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t thinking clearly. No harm was meant to Miss Sweet by it.”
Silas merely stared at him, his eye twitching as he tried to keep himself from losing his temper in front of all of his guests.
“Please forgive me,” Percy begged, though he didn’t seem at all chastened.
“I cannot do so,” Silas stated flatly. “If I see you attempting to get any ladies on their own this evening, I will be sure to make it so that you are never among our company again.” He glanced at Michael. “No matter how charitable my brother is feeling for you.”
His speech ended, he took a glass of champagne from one of the footmen and then strode away. He would have a quick drink, and then he would need to collect Lucy, to begin the dancing.
