Page 27 of The Marquess' Disguised Heiress
“You.” Alexander turned around, and just as he had expected, Edgar stood behind him, using the wall for support.
He was drunker than he would care to admit, and Alexander moved away, allowing the man to rest against the bar instead. Despite already being completely gone, he ordered a drink and angled his grey eyes on Alexander.
Despite being hazy, Alexander could see nothing but greed and malice in them, showing how the man before him possessed no ethical or moral values. After what he had done to Eliza, his own niece, Alexander did not doubt that.
“Congratulations,” Edgar said, raising his glass towards Alexander, who nodded and took a sip. Edgar downed the whole drink in one go, slamming the glass on the wooden bar.
“Thank you, My Lord.”
“Who are you? I, too, have to wonder if you are nothing but a cheat behind that mask.”
“The whole point of a masquerade is to be your real self behind a mask. I would rather be anonymous and my true self rather than put on an air of façade with my mask removed.”
“Fair.” Edgar laughed.
“I must compliment you on the lovely masquerade you have arranged here, My Lord. I must say that I have travelled the world and spent my fair share of time in gatherings both noble and exquisite, but I have never been to a ball as fine as this one.”
Edgar’s eyes glinted. It was enough indication for Alexander to know that he enjoyed the praise immensely.
“You do seem like a man of the world,” Edgar replied, “and your interest in this ball is the perfect indication of your fine taste. I do wish to ask you who you are, but I respect your wish to remain anonymous. However, I would like it if you could introduce yourself to me at some other gathering where we are not separated by a mask.”
“I will do so, My Lord.” It was Alexander’s turn to chuckle. “Who in their right mind would not wish to be acquainted with the fine Russels.”
“Damn right.” Edgar raised his second glass of whisky towards Alexander and took a sip of the clear liquid.
“Everything about the Russels is rather endearing, I must say,” Alexander continued to flatter. “Even your daughters are lovely, adding much to the allure of the evening.”
“Ah.” Edgar beamed, his smile growing with every compliment Alexander threw his way, “In that case, you must have met my beautiful English rose, Lady Victoria. What did you think of her?”
“Your description of her beauty is rather precise, My Lord.” Alexander smiled. “She is indeed an English rose. Even the house you have here is exquisitely charming. If you are feeling up to the task, I would love to look around and have a tour.”
“Now, now, young man.” Edgar laughed, “I might be older than you, but I am just as spirited today as I was twenty years ago. I would be delighted to give you a tour of my prized jewel – this estate.”
“Lead the way.”
Alexander exited the room along with Edgar, finally able to breathe again after being rid of the insufferable smell of cigar smoke. The entire house, along with all the servants, was entirely involved in ensuring the ball was being catered to in high fashion, and all else was left empty.
Edgar led Alexander away from the main hall into a string of corridors, which Alexander already knew by heart. The end of these corridors opened into a large verandah and directly into the back gardens, which were a prized part of the house, adding to its beauty. Edgar was truly looking to impress.
“I must ask, My Lord,” Alexander spoke, cutting Edgar’s monologue short, “how you came in possession of such a beautiful estate.”
Edgar laughed softly, a sigh escaping through his mouth as he contemplated the reply. Alexander already knew he was certainly not going to get the truth from the old man, but he was at least hoping for some clue that he would be able to hold against him. Edgar was already rather drunk, and his senses diminished.
“I only came by it because I was wise enough to grab onto an opportunity with no remorse when it came my way. I simply was able to understand that my God was trying to bless me for my patience and good deeds, and I took control of all that rightfully belonged to me.”
Rightfully. What a hypocrite.
Alexander had the urge to slam his fist into Edgar’s face, but he controlled it, not wanting to cause a scene both prematurely and unnecessarily.
Before he could ask another question to get more information out of Edgar, they heard footsteps approaching them into the empty corridor and shortly afterwards, Lady Leicester appeared, her eyes widening as she saw her husband with Alexander. Being the perfect hostess, she did not allow her surprise to remain on her face and immediately smoothed it into a smile.
“My Lord,” she greeted Alexander before turning a curious glance towards Edgar.
“Lady Leicester.” Alexander smiled from underneath the mask. “Your husband here was showing me this beautiful estate. I must tell you that you have a beautiful house.”
“Oh, this is nothing.” Lady Leicester laughed, enjoying the praise. “You must see the country house. It is far bigger and much grander. You will enjoy being there even more.”
“I do not doubt it for one second.”
