Chapter Four
T he attending footmen had been dismissed, as whenever the three men were together, there was the possibility the Rogue’s Alliance would be discussed.
“Will you be at the registry office tomorrow for the grand opening?” Nathaniel asked Cecil after taking a sip of brandy.
Cecil nodded. “I will be in the area to ensure the RA doesn’t attempt to disrupt the proceedings.”
“ Of course.” What else was there to say? Hunting down members of the alliance was Cecil’s purpose in life. “Maybe you should visit the countryside. See that nephew of yours.”
“In good time.” Cecil drummed the fingers of one hand on the mahogany dining table. It was a habit that indicated their friend was thinking of something other than the current conversation. “I have work to do here in London.”
“I’m glad to see Diana interested in helping veterans rather than finding a way to create a scandal.” Ashford added, “She intends to stay in London until next season to keep a watchful eye on the registry.”
Nathaniel groaned. “Alicia is disappointed not to be volunteering at the registry. I hope she soon finds an activity to keep herself occupied.”
There was a lull in the conversation as it appeared neither of his friends knew how to respond.
“Charlotte and I plan to stay in London for a few more months until the registry is on a solid footing.” Ashford held up a cut glass decanter of brandy with a questioning look.
Cecil declined another glass.
“No more for me.” Nathaniel rarely drank spirits. He was worried he would use drink to medicate himself, to help him sleep. He visited Angelo’s Fencing Academy three times a week to keep occupied and read books to distract himself when he dwelled too much on the past.
He was relieved to hear Ashford would be in Town for a while longer for moral support, as no one involved with the registry office had experience with such a venture.
“It is lucky that Diana is content with being the face of the registry. Perhaps the alliance will lose interest in our endeavor if Ashford and I aren’t involved on a day to day basis.” And with that, Nathaniel was sure he’d exhausted the topic of the registry office.
Cecil got to his feet. “I will bid you both good evening.”
“You’re leaving already?” he asked, startled.
“I have an appointment with an informant.” Cecil nodded in Ashford’s direction. “I will make my goodbyes to your lady wife and her friends.”
And then the viscount was gone.
“Lady Edith will be disappointed,” he said without thinking. Nathaniel could feel Ashford’s gaze as he stared at the barely touched glass of brandy on the table before him.
“Don’t give up, my friend.”
He looked up and frowned. “I’m not looking for a wife.”
“I highly recommend the married state.” Ashford took a sip of brandy. “You can’t fool me with your sunny countenance. All is not well with you, my friend.”
“I’m fine.” And he was, most of the time. “Perhaps a little tired.”
Ashford put down his glass on the table and leaned forward. “Do you still have nightmares? You can talk to me. I can’t understand how deeply you were affected by the loss of your friends on the HMS St. George , but I can listen.”
“I’ll remember that if I feel the need to talk.” He kept his tone light and took a steadying breath.
With a sigh, the other man got to his feet. “Shall we join the ladies?”
He was glad to do so. There was no use talking about what he sometimes felt, about the nightmares he had. They didn’t occur as often if he kept his mind occupied. Although sessions were now over, overseeing the running of the registry would help fill the hours in the day.
“Cecil has departed,” Charlotte said as soon as he and Ashford entered the drawing room. “Off to the next adventure, I wager.”
He looked for a response from Lady Edith. She merely smiled vaguely whilst looking down at the hands in her lap. Despite her light-hearted demeanor, the young woman was not only beautiful, but intelligent. She shouldn’t have to work hard to gain a man’s interest. Cecil was a fool.
“Now we have uneven numbers for cards,” Louisa pointed out.
“My husband can sit out.” Charlotte threw Ashford an affectionate look. “He cheats anyway.”
* * * * *
L ord Wycliffe had gone with nary a look in her direction. Edith wouldn't chase after the gentleman as it wasn't in her nature, and such a thing simply wasn’t done in polite society.
Paired with Lord Harbury for a game of whist, she lamented that such a nice man could be so terribly dull.
Although there was the look the baron gave Louisa when he took the fifth trick: slightly triumphant. She hadn’t expected that.
One benefit to Lord Wycliffe being absent was the remaining guests didn’t have to observe the animosity that might have bubbled up between the viscount and Louisa if they’d played cards together.
“Well done, Nathaniel!” Charlotte clapped her hands, cheerful despite losing to the baron and Edith. “It isn’t often someone gets the best of our Louisa.”
The party broke up soon after, as several dinner guests planned on joining Lady Diana at the grand opening of the registry in the morning.
“Nine o’clock is rather early,” Louisa stated when asked if she would attend the opening.
Edith put her arm through Louisa’s as they exited the house. “Diana doesn’t expect you until Tuesday. I’m sure I can provide any assistance she may need tomorrow.”
Louisa’s family home of Carstairs was located across the square from Ashford and Charlotte, and a moment later, the two women parted ways.
Often distracted as of late, Edith’s father attended a literary club that evening. No matter. He doted on his only child and had been quite happy with the suggestion to remain in Town a few months longer.
As Edith prepared for bed, her thoughts returned to the handsome, enigmatic Lord Wycliffe. What was the best way to gain his attention without appearing fast? Charlotte might be able to help. Or Ashford. She didn’t want to ask Lord Harbury about his friend. She wasn’t that desperate. Yet.