Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(50)

wasn’t able to join you sooner.”

“That doesn’t matter, now that you’re here. You missed our

fête last night. I tried to tell Mama that we couldn’t possibly

have it, with you being so ill, but Lord Lorimar convinced

me otherwise. We shall have to have another, now that you’ve

arrived.”

“Lorimar never was one to miss out on a party,” Teach said, using William’s proper title in front of Patience. In fact, William appeared to still be celebrating.

William made a face, heading across the room for a crystal

decanter filled with amber-colored liquid. “My parents are host—

ing one of their own in the near future. You’re both expected to put in an appearance.”

“Don’t drink everything at once. Leave some for Father,”

Patience said over her shoulder. Settling herself once more on

the divan, she patted the seat beside her. “Well, now that you’re here, we may begin finalizing our arrangements. We’ve decided which property would be best for us.”





17 7


Teach stiffened at her words and remained standing. “We have?”

Patience laughed, but it sounded forced. “Of course you

have final say, but I’m sure you’ll agree with what your father

chose. Now it’s just a matter of deciding the date.”

“Surely it can wait until tomorrow. Teach has only just

arrived,” William said, taking a large sip. He smiled, although

it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Ah, but I’m quite sure that it can’t,” she said. “I’ve waited

long enough, and I don’t intend to wait any longer. If you wish, you may retire for the evening, Lord Lorimar. I shall be quite all right now that Edward is here.”

It grated on Teach’s nerves that she continued to use his

name with such familiarity in front of his friends. He hoped

she wouldn’t be quite so obvious when others were around.

“I’m afraid we shall have to postpone our conversation, Miss

Patience, for I am quite tired and wish to retire now as well.”

The look on her face would have been comical if it hadn’t

been so disturbing. A mix between a scowl and a smile as she

tried to hide her disappointment. “Tomorrow, then,” she said,

exhaling loudly. “Father. Father. It’s time for you to go to bed.”

Lord Hervey gave a start, a loud snort escaping his mouth

as he sat up and looked around, trying to gain his bearings. “Ah.

Edward. Glad to see you here.”

Teach smiled. “Thank you for having me, Lord Hervey.”

Miss Patience took her father’s arm. “Come along now.





17 8


Let’s get you upstairs.” She turned once more to Teach and William. “I will see you both in the morning.” Not waiting for a response, she swept out of the room, her mouth a thin

line of displeasure.

Once the door had closed behind her, William whistled

softly. “You’re going to have to make it up to her, Teach. You

shall have to pay extra attention to her, or I fear she will not forgive you. She requires a finer hand than yours,” he said, as if the two were discussing a horse.

Teach sighed, unbuttoning his collar. “I know, but I just

didn’t have the strength for it tonight.” He gave his friend an

appraising glance. “You look well. Have you enjoyed yourself?”

William grinned. “Who wouldn’t? While you’ve been lying

in bed convalescing, I’ve been quite entertained by your lovely

fiancée.”

Teach frowned. “Entertained? How?”

“In your absence I have decided to begin Miss Patience’s

study of Paradise Lost. I hope you don’t mind.”

Teach wasn’t quite sure how he felt. William was harmless,

and always had been when it came to matters of the heart. As

far as Teach knew, he’d had no serious relationships with anyone. “On the contrary. I’m delighted to hear you’ve finally taken your studies seriously. Your parents will be happy to know that their money did not go to waste.”

“If I’d known how enjoyable it could be to describe the difference between good and evil, I would have tried it long ago.”





17 9


William’s words reminded Teach of Anne. He wished she’d agreed to accompany him. “I’m sure Miss Patience appreciates your time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see my father.”

William’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you quite sure

you’ve recovered?” He reached forward, as if to gauge Teach’s

temperature. “When did you ever willingly seek out your

father’s company?”

Teach smacked his hand away. “I have to ask him a few

questions.”

“About what?” William asked.

“Nothing that concerns you. Not directly, that is. But I

might need your help with something later.”