Page 77 of Claiming his Cursed Duchess
A tentative bond seemed to have formed between them since they had lain together. Her manner toward him had become more open, less guarded somehow.
As they moved toward the refreshments, the crowd thickened, and they were separated as a particularly portly man fell across Adam’s path.
His body broke the connection between their linked hands as he barged past with a loud shout, waving to someone across the room.
Adam scowled at him, stepping back to let him pass, but when he moved to follow his wife again, the scowl only increased as he was met with the face of Lord Claridge standing before him.
The man’s piggy eyes were squinting in a most self-important way and Adam ground his teeth.
Have your fun, Claridge. I shall find a way to destroy you in my own time, and then you will wish that we had never met.
“Your Grace,” Claridge said coolly. “What a pleasure to see you again. I trust that you got my letter?”
Adam looked over the man’s head to see Rosaline standing at the refreshment table as a servant poured her two glasses of punch.
“I did,” he glanced back at him feigning disinterest. “What of it?”
“Why, I would think that was obvious,Your Grace.I would welcome an introduction to Lord Lauriston and his circle, as I requested in that, and all the other notes I have sent you. After all, he is well regarded, and I am told you are more closely acquainted with the man than me.”
Claridge bounced on the balls of his feet with a smug smile and Adam’s hands curled into fists as he felt his ire rising.
I have no choice but to agree until that damned letter is found. I hope Silas has had a fruitful evening.
“Certainly,” he bit out as Rosaline made her way back to them, handing him a glass.
Claridge glanced at his niece with such disdain Adam wished he could punch the man where he stood.
“Rosaline,” Adam said, deliberately pushing past Claridge to get between them. “I do not believe you have met Lord Lauriston, yet. Come, let me introduce you to our host.” Adam glanced down at Claridge scornfully. “Lord Claridge, you are welcome to join us.”
Without waiting for Rosaline’s reply, he led the way through the crowd, listening to Claridge’s eager footsteps following after him.
It is only a matter of time, and then I will never have to indulge this man again.
After the introductions were made, Adam left Claridge standing beside a very bored-looking Lauriston. Claridge was attempting to explain a new business venture to him.
It was painfully clear that Lauriston did not even know who Claridge was, and yawned continually as the other man spoke.
The heat in the ballroom had dissipated somewhat as the doors to the balcony at the back of the room had been opened. They were flung wide and the night air had begun to circulate.
Adam glanced at Rosaline and, as if of one mind, they made their way through the crowds to the cooler space outside.
The balcony was not large, but only occupied by one other couple and Adam hastily led the way to the opposite corner, breathing a sigh of relief.
Rosaline’s eyes met his with a confused expression.
“Why did you introduce my uncle to Lord Lauriston?” she asked. “I believe Lauriston thought him an oaf.”
“Does that trouble you?” Adam asked in surprise.
“Not in the least. I just wondered what knowledge you have of my uncle’s business dealings.”
Her eyes glittered in the bright light from the ballroom and Adam’s gut clenched as he considered just how honest he could be.
I do not want to lie to her, but what choice do I have?
“We have followed similar investment opportunities in our time,” he hazarded. “Lord Lauriston and I go back a long way; he is a shrewd and calculating businessman. Claridge will be tried and tested by him, and I doubt he will find an ally in Lauriston. Claridge could not hold a candle to him.”
“Or anyone,” Rosaline muttered darkly. “I have never known a man with less business sense in his head. I may not be able to make investments myself, but I have seen enough of his failures to know he is abysmal at it.”
