Page 13 of Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady
Chapter 5
Silence stretched between the small group for what seemed like an eternity. No one said a word, whilst the kaleidoscope of color and chatter shifted around them. Ephraim’s gaze flickered towards the exit. He could not run now, even if he wanted to. Adelaide had seen him. He was no fool, he knew how it looked. No one in their right mind would associate willingly with Lord Rowntree.
Only, he wasn’t in his right mind.
“Adelaide, my dear, I was just coming to find you,” Ephraim lied. He had hoped to dart in and get out again before too many people spotted him. The last person he had wanted to bump into was his daughter. Somehow, he imagined Lord Rowntree had plotted it this way. The villain was toying with him, pulling the strings to make the puppet dance.
“You were?”
He could tell she did not believe him. “Jasper came to the house a short while ago and informed me of where he was going. I thought I might join him, to share in your good news.”
Adelaide frowned. “But nobody knows about the engagement yet. At least, not in an official capacity.”
“You know what the rumor mill of London is like, my darling. I shouldn’t be surprised if tomorrow’s announcement is already common knowledge.”
“Your father is right,” Jasper conceded. “I had some questions regarding investment, and I passed by your house to speak with him. I extended the invitation—I hope you do not mind?”
Adelaide gave a slight shrug. “Why should I mind? I am always delighted to see my Papa, no matter what the circumstances might be.” She shot a pointed look in Lord Rowntree’s direction. A grip of anxiety twisted in Ephraim’s stomach. He did not want anything to rile up the grim fellow.
“I do not believe we have met?” Lord Rowntree took a step forward, a cold smile on his face. He was a smart man of fifty or so, with starkly trimmed, sandy hair that was barely flecked with gray. His beard and whiskers, on the other hand, were reminiscent of a badger. Indeed, the light gray and black stripes were an odd juxtaposition to his fair hair.
“No, I do not believe we have been properly introduced,” she replied evenly.
“Lord Rowntree, at your service,” he purred. With a gruff laugh, he reached for her hand and pressed his lips to her satin glove.
“This is my daughter, Lady Adelaide Colborne,” Ephraim said, stepping in for the master of ceremonies. He did not think it appropriate to seek the man out for such an introduction as this. After all, he did not plan for Adelaide and Lord Rowntree to ever meet again.
“A pleasure.” Lord Rowntree dipped into a surprisingly elegant bow. “Now, if you will excuse me. I have a carriage waiting.”
Ephraim could hardly breathe as Lord Rowntree breezed past, heading for the exit. How had this gone so horribly awry? He had known he was treading on dangerous territory the moment he had received the note. Lord Rowntree had sent it late in the afternoon, requesting to meet at the Assembly Rooms at nine o’clock.
Of course you were going to be seen, you old fool,Ephraim thought miserably.Lord Rowntree never does anything in private. He likes to be seen. He likes to have witnesses, to give him protection should anything go wrong. You walked straight into his trap and now you are going to have to cover your tracks. Adelaide can never find out what trouble you are in. Soon, it will be over. Soon, she will not have to know. Everything will go back to normal and you will continue on, as before.
“Papa, would you care to tell me what is happening?” Adelaide asked, as soon as Lord Rowntree had gone.
“It is nothing to worry yourself over, my dear,” Ephraim replied firmly. “An unexpected encounter, that is all.”
“Unexpected?”
Jasper came to his aid. “Yes, Lord Rowntree heard that your father was something of an expert on the spice trade,” he explained, without missing a beat. “He cornered us on our way in. We were in the process of maneuvering out of the conversation when you passed by.”
Ephraim had to admit, Jasper was an excellent liar. He was not sure how proud he should be over such a disreputable attribute. In that moment, he was simply grateful. Adelaide was far more likely to believe Jasper.
“You are certain?” she asked.
“Entirely certain, Lady Adelaide,” Jasper replied solemnly. “I am only sorry that you had to see us in his company. I can only imagine what you must have thought—what everyone must think.”
She sighed. “No matter. I am sure everyone shall have forgotten about it by morning, knowing Lord Rowntree’s reputation.”
Jasper nodded emphatically. “I pray you are right.”
“Speaking of reputation, there is a young lady in the ballroom who waits in great earnest for your attention.” Adelaide gestured down the main hallway. “And my return is long overdue. Shall we go together, all three of us? That way, we may shield one another from the scandalous gossip.” A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, making Ephraim feel instantly calmer. It appeared he had managed to get away with it.
“A splendid idea,” Ephraim replied. “And who, might I ask, is the most fortunate young lady?”
Adelaide and Jasper exchanged a look that Ephraim did not understand.
“Come along, Papa,” she urged, looping her arm through his.
