In the family carriage, Matthew tapped his fingertips against the leather pistol case in his lap. He had practiced shooting until his arms burned and he formed a new callus on his forefinger. Jasmine laced her gloved fingers with his and rubbed the tender spot absently. She tapped her toes on the floor and he pressed his foot gently onto hers until she stopped.
In the spirit of the ball, Jasmine wore the same vibrant dress she had worn to the masquerade at the beginning of the season. Caroline sat quietly on the other side in a simple crimson gown with gold trim. Her hair was pulled high onto the crown of her head, keeping her neck exposed and her freckles on display. It had been her idea, but it made Matthew ill to think of using his little sister as bait, with no guarantee he could save her.
Aside from Seth and Cassandra, there would be no allies. Uncle Edward’s and Aunt Valentine’s invitation had been rescinded. No Benevolent Lady received an invitation, not even Honora—a grave insult from any other aristocrat, but it carried little weight when a duke wished for a more ‘intimate gathering’.
Blackmoor wouldn’t let a piece of paper decide his actions. He would remain nearby, ready to step in as a last resort. If events turned sour, Duke Kendall would expect Seth to spirit Caroline to Lincolnshire. Blackmoor could deliver her to Earl Bolderwood in Hampshire. Not even Duke Kendall would challenge the Secretary at War in his own home.
Matthew hoped it wouldn’t come to that...
Because it would mean I’m dead.
No one spoke as the carriage stopped outside of Duke Kendall’s mansion. They arrived late to ensure they would be seen. Duke Kendall wanted a show, and Matthew was ready to give him one—starting with a grand entrance.
Before opening the carriage door, he turned to the two most important women in his life. “Are you ready for this?”
“I’ll follow your lead.” Jasmine squeezed his hand and reached for Caroline’s. “Will you be all right?”
“Don’t concern yourself about me.” She smiled, but her hands shook. “I have the easiest task.”
Matthew hugged her tight, wishing to instill some strength into her when he had little to give, and he helped them from the carriage.
For such anintimateevent, he could scarcely walk for the number of guests present. Wading through red-dressed aristocrats, he held Caroline on one arm, and the pistol’s case in his other hand. Jasmine walked with her head high a step in front of them, creating a path.
The sounds of subdued violins and cellos filled the mansion. Silver candelabras lined the entryway. Their small fires dancing as they passed. Crimson silk was draped over tables and columns throughout the ballroom. Above them, rubies connected by braided chains dripped from the chandelier—as if the room was bleeding. Matthew kept his head on a swivel, offering smiles to those he knew, but didn’t stop for conversation.
Feeling the weight of someone’s gaze on him, he lifted his head and found Seth and Cassandra along the wall. A group of middle-aged noblewomen surrounded them, cooing and touching Cassandra’s belly. She giggled with the women, but her smile was strained. Seth didn’t bother hiding his displeasure, scowling, arms crossed. He nodded to Matthew and returned his attention to Cassandra, shooing awoman away from her.
Matthew caught sight of Don Lorenzo in a velvet suit near the punch bowl, fidgeting with a black cravat tied high under his chin. Vivian spoke to him behind her open fan. They both watched Matthew from the corner of their eyes, but he didn’t spare them another glance.
His target was in front of him.
In a gold suit and cape, Duke Kendall looked like a Roman soldier. He held a red apple in one hand, as if it were a chalice. A circle of guests Matthew didn’t recognize formed around the duke, leaving scarcely enough space to approach. He stepped forward as if it were all routine, as if he wasn’t about to offer his sister on a platter to a wolf.
Duke Kendall rolled his wrist and the apple disappeared. With a wide grin, he spread his arms and welcomed them.
“Lord and Lady Lincolnshire, Miss Caroline. How lovely to see each of you.” He lowered his voice. “I was not certain I would.”
Matthew bowed low, keeping his eyes on the floor. “I wouldn’t miss such a momentous occasion. Happy birthday, Your Grace.” He rose and donned his largest smile, presenting the leather case. “I’ve brought you a gift.”
Duke Kendall honed in on the case like a shark. He snapped his fingers and a footman came forward, taking it from Matthew.
“Go put this in its place,” Duke Kendall ordered. When the footman departed, he took Caroline’s hand and brought the back of her hand to his lips for a lingering kiss. “Good evening, Miss Caroline. Lovelier than ever.”
“Happy birthday, Your Grace.” Caroline curtsied low and looked up at him through her lashes. “It has been some time. It pleases me to see you well.”
“It does?” He offered her his arm. “You aren’t frightened of me?”
“Why would I be frightened?” Caroline tilted her head to the side and raised a brow. “We’re friends, are we not?” She blushed andaverted her gaze, placing her hand in the crook of his arm. “Matthew tells me we’re soon to be better friends.”
“We are.” His gaze traveled over her. “We’re soon to beclosefriends, indeed.”
Matthew’s lip curled in a snarl, but Jasmine held onto his elbow and gave a minuscule shake of her head.
“Take a turn about the room with me, Miss Caroline. Your brother can stay here.” Duke Kendall smirked at Matthew. “Enjoy yourself, Lord Lincolnshire. I’ll summon you when I’m ready for your performance.”
As they walked away, Caroline chatted away about the decorations, gracefully poised as if she were already a duchess. Once they were out of earshot, Matthew tried to speak to Jasmine, but she shook her head, glancing around at the crowd. She smiled pleasantly. “I believe that’s Cassandra and Mr. Reeves. Come along, I’ve been meaning to speak with her.”
Matthew kept a wary eye on Caroline as Jasmine led him to Seth and Cassandra. Cassandra had moved to a chair with Seth hovering over her. The older women surrounding them tutted and giggled. Jasmine bustled her way through them to take Seth’s place. She placed her hand on Cassandra’s shoulder and entered into their conversation with ease.