Page 49

He must have noticed my stare, for he turns his eyes from the Count and fixes them on me for an instant. The movement is nearly imperceptible, but I clearly see his jaw tighten.

The stomach cramps return.

I need more brandy.

The Count follows his lead and settles his gaze on Richard and me. He gives us a slight wave.

Richard leans his torso toward me. “Let’s go pay our respects.”

I grip my glass, and we weave through the guests, nodding to anyone who catches our eye.

Richard stops before the Count, whose amber eyes do not look away. “Count Nádasdy.”

“Lord Brownell, Viscount Rochefort,” he responds.

I give him a nod.

Richard turns his gaze to Lord Dorian. “My lord, it is a true pleasure to encounter you on this occasion.”

He lifts his chin slightly, his pearly eyes scrutinizing me for a second before settling on the glass of brandy I hold tight between my fingers. Finally, his gaze shifts to Richard.

“Lord Richard, we meet again.”

“I hope you don’t mind!” Richard goes back to drinking from his glass.

“Lord Vasiliev Ashford.”

He looks at me again, his lips tightening.

“Viscount... Rochefort.” He says it with agonizing slowness and then looks away.

Presumptuous.

“Viscount, I have sent you several invitations, but I have never had the pleasure of hosting you.”

“I have been tremendously busy, Count. Forgive me.”

“Do not worry. I am certain there will be an opportunity. I hope you can find time for the next evening...” his voice drops slightly, “...it will be very... particular.”

Richard takes a step toward him. “Another seance, Count?”

He bursts out laughing. “No, Lord Brownell. It will be far more special. Believe me.”

He moves away, leaving behind the heavy scent of incense that clings to him.

“Very particular, that Hungarian Count, don’t you think, Evander?” Richard then looks straight ahead. “And you, Lord Dorian, what do you make of it?”

“Yes, quite,” he responds in a clipped voice.

Richard takes a step back, his eyes searching the room for something or someone. “I’ll leave you two to talk. I must... attend to some matters, Evander.”

Lord Dorian watches him, pressing his lips together.

“Are you abandoning your friend?”

Richard shrugs and takes a few steps back.

“No, I am leaving him in your company. You two have become friends, haven’t you?”