Page 102 of The Duke of a Thousand Desires

“You are cocky,” she said, shaking her head. “We’re going upstairs to change. One of the footmen will show you where to find your disguise. I shall meet you at the dance in an hour or so.”

He walked her and Rhys to the bottom of the stairs. “What am I supposed to do in the interval?”

Heath strolled up beside him. “You could keep me company. I am without Julia tonight.”

Simon turned in relief. “I was afraid I’d be put in custody of the aunts.”

Heath laughed as they wended their way from the staircase in search of a quiet spot, heads bent together in a tacit attempt to avoid recognition.

“Is Julia well?” Simon asked as soon as they were out of earshot.

“Thriving,” Heath said, his face softening at the mention of his wife. “Unfortunately the odor of certain dishes turns her stomach. I encouraged her to stay home with a good book in bed. We do want this child.” He wavered. “We had a scare. Julia slipped and fell against the washstand. I admit that for several hours I was consumed by anxiety. The doctor assures me her pregnancy was not threatened.”

“Why are you even here? Another commitment to charity? Aren’t you allowed to miss a single benefit?”

Heath’s mouth firmed. “I’m here for you.”

“This better not have anything to do with the costume I’ve been ordered to wear.”

He didn’t have a chance to reply. King Arthur and his honey-haired queen had just been announced in the entry hall. Spontaneous applause erupted, and heads turned in anticipation. The Marquess of Sedgecroft and his elegant countess had arrived with at least ten attendants in tow, all clad in clanking knightly attire.

Simon glanced around in bemusement. Guests clogged every avenue of escape. He stood back to allow an assertive Mary Queen of Scots in a red-gold wig to charge past; she balanced a small hawk on her shoulder. Heath uttered a comment about how she ought to keep her head about her and watch where she walked.

“You’ll have a task making your way home,” Simon warned him. “The traffic outside must be horrendous. It will take an hour to have your carriage brought back around to the gates.”

“I rode my horse. The rest of my family might know how to make an entrance, but I never cared to master that skill. Before I leave I have something to give you.”

Light snatches of a waltz wafted from the ballroom. Simon wished suddenly for Ravenna. Heath had resumed the conversation. “It’s as loud as the drums of Hades in here,” Simon commented. “Could you repeat that?”

Heath reached inside his coat and withdrew a small jeweler’s box. “Here. It’s not the best time or place, but I’m leaving after I greet the rest of the family. Drake and Devon are bringing their wives. I’ve been ordered to give them each a kiss from Julia. Don’t open that box now.”

“Is it for Ravenna?”

“It’s more of a personal keepsake from me to you.”

“How kind.”

“Not at all. It took me some time but I finally recovered the bullet that missed you at the ball. It was half-buried in the grass. I gather it was tromped underfoot during the excitement. The recent rains might have brought it back up.”

Simon tucked the box into his pocket. “It was lovely of you to wrap it for me. Was there a particular reason?”

“I didn’t want it to fall into the wrong hands and upset the ladies.” Heath surveyed the crowd. “The funny thing about the bullet is that it was encased in a wad of racing paper. Which reminds me to ask what happened to Bruxton’s groom. I trust you know his whereabouts.”

“He’s working at Caverley House under the supervision of the stablemaster. Bruxton’s heir didn’t question the details of his uncle’s death. My guess is that he had an unpleasant association with Bruxton. And you may think me misguided, but I’ve offered to support Kieran’s pursuit of a diploma at the Veterinary College here in London. In my opinion he has the makings of an excellent surgeon.”

“Rather forgiving of you.”

“It is selfish, in truth. I believe this would have pleased Susannah.”

“The family can always use a surgeon’s services. His skills shan’t be wasted.” Heath looked up. “I forgot to inquire whether he knew anything about the ominous ballad that was sent to Ravenna. Dammit.”

“I dismissed it myself.”

“That’s understandable,” Heath said. “Yours was not an uneventful honeymoon. But it has been preying on my mind. One more thing before I make my excuses. Sir David was allegedly seen in Vauxhall last week, in his cups and on the crawl for a lady to keep him company.”

He stared at Heath in disbelief. “He has returned to London?”

“It is possible that he may never have left,” Heath said.

“I could have sworn Rhys and I made it clear to him that he would be well-advised to take up traveling.”

“He didn’t strike me as a man possessed of any sense.”

“True,” Simon murmured. “Why else would the idiot have let Ravenna slip through his fingers? Do you have any idea where he might be now?”

Heath looked at him directly. “He would be a very stupid man to appear here, wouldn’t he?”

“Will you excuse me?” Simon half-turned. “I am overcome with an urge to find my wife. I realize that my instincts to watch over her amuse the lot of you, but I’m too set in my ways to change now.”

“Nor would I suggest you should,” Heath said. “I’ll help you find her before I go. Fair warning -- there is some plot unfolding to entertain the family. A light prank, I understand.”