Page 37 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

“Martin, come and stand with me for a while,” his mother commented, with a knowing smile playing on her lips. “I think we have some things to talk about.”

“We do?” Martin groaned inwardly. This wasnota conversation he wanted to have.

“I would like to know more about Lady Susanna.” He already knew that was going to happen, but hearing his mother’s words made his heart sink regardless. “There certainly seemed to be something buzzing between the pair of you on the dance floor just then.”

Martin rolled his eyes. “She is the sister of the bride. It is my duty to ask her to dance. I would do it for anyone.”

But his argument was not strong. If Martin could hear that, then he was sure that his mother could hear it as well. That was only going to make her a lot more relentless. If she thought that there was even a chance of Martin marrying Susanna, then she would never let it go.

Yet, even knowing that, Martin could not take his eyes off Susanna as she stood by the refreshments table, talking withher sister. There was a magnetic pull dragging his eyes her way, making it impossible for him to act normally. Even with his mother’s eyes upon him, judging him and watching his face as he stared at her.

“Interesting,” his mother commented, making him sigh. “Well, I think she is a very lovely, suitable young lady, if that means anything to you.”

“Mother,” he began carefully, “I appreciate your opinion, but it is not as simple as that.”

His mother raised an eyebrow, her knowing smile never faltering. “Oh? And why is that, Martin? You are not already spoken for, are you?”

“No, of course not,” he replied quickly, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. “It is just… Susanna and I… we are here for the wedding. Nothing more. We are here to ensure that Luke and Mary have a nice time.”

“And that is all? Because, Martin, it did not look like that was all. I have never seen you look at another woman that way in all my life.”

A thick ball of emotion lodged itself in Martin’s throat. “I am sure.”

But of course, his mother could see right through him. “If that is what you want to say, then so be it. But if something were to happen, just know that you have my full support.”

Martin nodded, grateful for her understanding but still feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him. “Thank you, Mother. That means a lot to me.”

She walked away from him, leaving him stewing in his thoughts. He did not know what he was going to do now. He had not wanted anything to become obvious to other people, but of course, his mother had picked up on it anyway. He was definitely going to have trouble with her now.

How was he going to keep his eye on Edwin when his mother was going to be relentless now? Watching his every move? Especially when he was with Susanna?

Martin took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. The night was far from over, and he needed to stay focused. The music swelled around him as he moved through the crowd, nodding politely to acquaintances and making small talk with distant relatives. His mind, however, was always on Susanna and the dangerous secret they shared.

He knew that he was going to have to get closer to Edwin, even if he did not want to, because that man was just about the only person who could provide him with the distraction that he so desperately needed.

Edwin had been mingling with the guests, seemingly carefree, but Martin knew better. There was something lurking beneath that polished exterior, something dangerous.

Spotting Edwin near the refreshments table with Luke at his side, Martin seized the opportunity. He moved closer to them and struck up a casual conversation in the hope that he might glean some new information.

All while being discrete in front of Luke, of course.

“Edwin, Luke,” Martin greeted them warmly, picking up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “How are you two enjoying the evening?”

“Martin,” Luke said with a broad smile. “It has been a wonderful night so far. Edwin here was just telling me about his latest business venture. Fascinating stuff, really.”

“Oh, do tell,” Martin encouraged, turning his attention to Edwin. He needed to keep the conversation light and friendly, but also find a way to dig deeper.

Edwin smiled, though it did not quite reach his eyes. Truth be told, he did not seem too pleased to have Martin join them. “Nothing too exciting, I am afraid. Just some investments I have been making. You know how it is, always looking for the next opportunity.”

“Of course,” Martin replied, nodding. “What sort of investments, if you do not mind my asking?”

“A bit of this and that,” Edwin said vaguely, his eyes darting around the room. “I have been focusing on expanding into some new markets. There is a lot of potential out there if you know where to look.”

Martin sensed that Edwin was being deliberately evasive. Were there really any investments? Was he trying to get Luke mixed up in something dangerous?

Martin knew that he was going to have to stick around for this conversation for as long as he could, just in case he picked on something that he might consider adeserved punishmentfor his friend.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

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