Page 12 of Charming the Accidental Suitor
But those plans…?
They would absolutely involve the mysterious Mr. Everson.
4
For a ‘small soiree,’ the Duke of Carver’s drawing room was crammed full of far too many people, by Albright’s way of thinking.
Truthfully, Albright wasn’t even certain he was right in coming here tonight. Yes, Carver was one of his oldest friends, and it might have been rude to cry off this evening’s gathering, but it might have been for the best, all the same.
Felicity would likely be here tonight and he wasn’t sure she’d wish to see him.
Oh blast. He wasn’t surehewanted to seeher.
And yet, here he was.
“Glad you could make it, Albright.” Carver greeted him with a grin. Meg was tucked against his side and the two seemed happy as could be playing host to their friends.
There was no question those two were a love match, and he suspected they were both counting the days until their wedding just like Marlin and Jane.
His friend Rodrick called out to him when he drew deeper into the crowd. He waved to Rodrick and his new wife, Franny, his smile widening as he caught sight of Kal and Ann whispering to each other in a far corner, oblivious to the rest of the party.
Judging by Ann’s blush and her smile, she was still more than pleased with her decision.
His gaze kept moving about the room, and he couldn’t even pretend that he wasn’t looking for Felicity. He owed her his thanks. A better thank you than the one he’d managed the other day.
Her information had been accurate and helpful. He and his cousin had done some digging and it seemed Everson had indeed been making the rounds, calling upon potential investors for his new business. By all accounts, it seemed to be a legitimate endeavor.
But Albright didn’t trust it. It was too neat to be a coincidence. His cousin had gotten word that there was trouble brewing amongst the smugglers under Everson’s management. It had indeed grown too big, and now there were some who wished to take control, and others who wanted to strike out on their own.
It was all hearsay, of course, but if it was true…
Between a potential uprising and the crown closing in, it would be safe to assume Everson was looking for a means of escape. But was he truly planning to hide behind a legitimate business…
Or was he hatching a plan to flee?
Albright stopped in the doorway to a crowded parlor. With a quick glance it was clear Felicity was not there, and so he turned right back around, frustration urging him on.
And he also owed Felicity an apology, of that much he was clear. The problem was, he wasn’t entirely sure what he was apologizing for.
He shouldn’t feel guilty for trying to keep her safe.
But he couldn’t stop thinking about that flicker of hurt he’d seen in her eyes. Or the way she’d almost…shut down after that.
Oh, she’d been pleasant. Too pleasant. Her bright smile had been haunting his thoughts for days now.
There’d been something false about it. And that spark he’d come to know her by had gone away. One moment he’d been talking to this vibrant, sparkling, magnetic young lady and the next…
The lights had gone out.
They’d still been standing there talking, but the warmth and the glow that was so very Felicity had left. And Albright had…
Well, he’d missed it. The absence had left him cold and uncertain, and that was not a feeling was used to.
“Looking for someone?” Carver asked.
He and Meg had approached from behind, and Albright turned with a start. He opened his mouth to say no, but the truth slipped out. “Miss McGovern,” he said.
“Ah.” Carver nodded. “Yes, I saw her arrive earlier.”
