Tarlath watched his mistress leave and the door close shut before turning his gaze to Vincent, who sat with a bored expression.
"Miss Raine is on her way to your home. I informed her that she should spend some time with you—get to know you before the wedding."
"I have no intention of doing so, Tarlath. How many times must I tell you that I do not need a bride? You are only wasting your time, and hers," Vincent said.
He leaned back in his chair. "Word reached me that you found yourself a mistress. Who is she?"
"None of your concern," Vincent replied coldly.
Tarlath's lips tipped into a smile. "I never thought you would be one to keep a mistress while having a wife. I suppose we are truly alike."
Vincent chuckled darkly. "We are nothing alike, Father. That would be a horrible stain on my person—especially considering you were sleeping with your wife's cousin while she was fighting for her life."
Tarlath's jaw tightened.
"A man has needs. Your mother grew weak and could no longer fulfill them. Selena was there, and she attended to my needs remarkably well," Tarlath said, hoping to provoke him—but the Viscount remained unfazed.
Vincent sighed. "I have no desire to listen to your stories about bedding your mistress. Why did you send for me?"
"The council is hosting a ball by the end of the week, and you are expected to attend with your bride-to-be."
"I shall not be available. I have… hunting to attend to. Perhaps next time, if fate allows."
The older man frowned. "That is what you said last time, and the time before that. You have not attended a council ball in five years."
"And?"
"I want you to attend this one. It is special to me and the other council members."
"You should know I care little for you or the council. As for the ball, I shall think about it."
Tarlath smiled. "I will send you an invitation card. Do attend."
Vincent rose from the chair and moved toward the door, his hand gripping the knob.
His father cleared his throat. "Mm… how is your mother doing?"
The Viscount paused, turning slightly. "I hope that was a rhetorical question."
Tarlath looked away. "You don't have to answer. Forget I asked."
"Good," Vincent replied, stepping out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
After everything he had done to his mother, he was terribly lucky to still be breathing. If not for her love and kindness toward him, things would have been completely different.
Running a hand through his hair, he made his way out of the house and into his carriage.
~~~
Seated on a bench in the courtyard, Annette frantically thought of a story to tell Elizabeth about her meeting with the Viscount. She had never once imagined she would find herself in this situation and—
"So," Elizabeth began, taking a sip of her hibiscus tea, "tell me. How did you meet the Viscount? Or rather, how did he meet you?"
Annette tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "At a ball."
Which wasn't a lie.
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "A ball? What ball?"
"The one the lord hosted himself. Here, in this house."
"Dear goodness!" Beth exclaimed. "How romantic. Go on… tell me how it happened."
That madman kidnapped me! Annette wanted to scream, but instead she replied calmly, "We spoke, and one thing led to another."
"Oh." Beth sighed, clearly disappointed. "I understand if you aren't comfortable sharing the details with me, I—"
"That isn't the case," Annette interrupted gently. "That is simply all that happened. There was no grand love-at-first-sight moment, if that's what you were expecting."
"Very well." Beth took another sip of her tea. "It is truly lovely to meet you. My mother is always nagging me to visit the Viscount, and just the thought of it keeps me awake at night." She leaned closer and whispered, "The people here unnerve me. And that man—what is his name again? Gabriel? He's always watching like a hawk. I'm certain he's somewhere nearby, watching us even now."
Annette frowned. "Who is Gabriel?"
"A friend of the Viscount. Though he is incredibly handsome, his personality ruins it entirely. He is Cold. Reserved. He cares for no one but the lord."
Hmmm.
Annette immediately connected the dots, the blue-eyed man was Gabriel. Interesting.
"Now that you're here," Beth continued with a smile, "I'll finally have someone to spend time with whenever I visit."
"I would love that," Annette replied, returning her smile.
"That's quite lovely of you." She adjusted her glove. "Tell me about yourself. Are you from Nox? What about your parents or siblings?"
Annette swallowed. She didn't like where the conversation was headed. She needed to be careful with her words, one wrong slip could reveal something important, especially if this woman had been sent to gather information.
"I—"
Suddenly, Beth shot to her feet, her face flushing red. Annette turned to see what had caused the reaction.
The Viscount was making his way toward them.
His eyes fixed on Beth before drifting to Annette. His expression remained blank, once again impossible to read.
"My lord," Beth greeted with a slight bow, the nervousness evident in her voice. "It's… nice to see you."
"Miss Raine," the Viscount replied coolly. "It's nice seeing you as well."
Beth's eyes widened, clearly shocked by his response. "I… thank you." She hurriedly gathered her hand fan. "I shall take my leave now."
"The carriage has already been prepared," Vincent said.
"Thank you for your kindness." She turned to Annette and whispered a quick thank-you before hurrying away in brisk steps.
Annette watched until Beth disappeared from sight before turning back to him. "You scared her away. I feel incredibly sorry that she has to put up with a horrid man like you."
Vincent smiled faintly. "That's the fault of her parents, not mine."
She turned fully toward him, glaring. "You are truly a heartless man."