“Fiery, isn’t she? It’s a wonder you let her go.” He narrowed his eyes. “Or have you? Why are you hiding in dark corners with womenwho are not your wife?”
“I would never betray Jasmine,” Matthew ground out. “I’m searching for Lord Rothwell.”
“And why is that? Are you suddenly in the habit of making friends with your enemies? You’ve never been friendly withme.”
“It’s important I find him. It doesn’t matter why.”
“I could help you.” Don Lorenzo hummed and stared off in the direction where Vivian retreated. “If I were, what would you give me for it?”
Matthew glared at him. “What would you want?”
“That was not the question.” Don Lorenzo shook his finger. “I’m providing you with valuable knowledge. What are you willing to exchange?”
Matthew considered the question. “I have nothing to give.”
“A conversation then? Knowledge for knowledge.” With slicked-back black hair, Don Lorenzo looked like the devil himself. He extended his hand, but Matthew wouldn’t enter into another deal with anyone else.
It didn’t matter what it cost him.
“No, thank you.” He shook his head. “If you require payment, I’d rather not have your help at all. I have enough problems as it is.”
“Honorable, even now?” Don Lorenzo’s grin turned impish. “You are an interesting man,Asesino.”
With a shrug, Don Lorenzo followed after Vivian.
Bracing himself, Matthew re-entered the ballroom. A loud clap sounded and the orchestra stopped. Duke Kendall walked up the staircase and stood steps above the crowd. His voice reverberated in the room as he announced, “Good evening one and all. I give my sincerest appreciation for your attendance tonight, I’m certain we will remember this evening for many years to come! We have a full evening’s worth of entertainment planned, and first….” He gestured towhere Matthew stood. “Please follow Lord Lincolnshire to the back terrace for an unforgettable show.”
Matthew kept his head high as he walked through the double doors leading outside. His family fell into step behind him, along with nobles murmuring excitedly. The gravel path crunched under his feet. oil lanterns lit a large clearing. White chairs were set up in rows with an aisle between them. At the front was a large golden throne, its square base sinking into the damp earth.
Matthew walked up the aisle, to where a raised stand held Duke Kendall’s pistol, nestled in its open case with gleaming cartridges… and a long black cloth, its ends flowing in the light breeze. In front of him was a simple target with white and black circles. He walked the range in the little time he had left.
Twelve paces one way.
Twelve paces back.
Guests took their chairs, forming a sea of red behind him. The lanterns around him threatened to blind him before the trial had even begun. He steadied his breathing, but he couldn’t steady his heart. Nowhere in their planning had they been able to get him out of this one task.
He checked the crowd. His family sat in the front row. Seth sat on the aisle, with Cassandra and Caroline seated between him and Jasmine. Haughtily, Don Lorenzo waltzed up to sit next to Jasmine. With a glower that could have lit forges, Vivian sank into the chair next to Don Lorenzo and crossed her arms.
Matthew met Jasmine’s eyes, and she gave him a comforting smile, but his strong, beautiful wife was holding herself together by the seams. The unfairness of it all crashed down on him. They had fought so hard for their happiness, he couldn’t be torn from her now.
Once all guests were seated, Duke Kendall sauntered up the aisle and lazily draped himself across the throne.
“Go ahead, Lord Lincolnshire,” he sang. “Give me a show.”
Matthew cleared his throat and gave his most devilish grin.
“Pleasant evening, ladies and gentlemen. First, I wish the happiest of birthdays to Duke Kendall.” He bowed to him. “I have a present for you unlike any other.” He paused for effect before he motioned for Seth. “Mr. Reeves, please present the pistol to the guests for inspection.”
Seth brought the case around, bringing quiet exhales and interested hums from the aristocrats. Some touched the handle, delicately running their fingers along the gemstones. After the guests were satisfied, Seth returned the pistol to Matthew.
“Everyone knows I have a reputation for inappropriately propositioning potential clients, so allow me to uphold that.” He lifted a round from the case and slid it into its slot before closing the pistol with aclick. “Our newest invention, a dueling pistol. Perfectly accurate.”
Whispers rippled through the guests and he laughed.
“I know some of you might not believe me, so allow me to demonstrate.” He winked. “I am a businessman, after all. What better way to show off my talents?”
He didn’t wait for Duke Kendall’s approval. He needed a warm up, and Duke Kendall had given him the stage. Matthew raised the pistol and shot once. The scent of gunpowder and a hint of smoke rose from the barrel, and twelve paces down, there was a crack in the center of the target.