Page 10 of Arcane Entanglement

“Fear not, your Grace.”Ginny removed a delicate mother-of-pearl fan that matched her gown from her silk reticule and snapped it open. “I shall do my best to keep you from getting ambushed by madames keen to marry off their young charges to one of London’s most eligible bachelors.”

Evander groaned at her teasing tone. “And I shall endeavour to stop any unwanted suitors from making advances towards you, my Lady.”

They shared a small, secretive smile.

It was an arrangement they’d come to a few years ago, when they realised they could help each other avoid getting pestered by all sorts of unsavoury individuals keen to gain their favours at social events. It was a pact that had proven to be especially helpful in their line of work, when they’d used their rumoured status as lovers to infiltrate gatherings so as to spy on suspects or approach potential business partners.

They entered a marble foyer lit by a grand, crystal chandelier and were greeted by their hosts.

“Duke Ravenwood, Lady Hartley. What a pleasure it is to see the two of you,” Lady Ashbrooke said with a warm smile as she came forward. She kissed Ginny affectionately on the cheek.

Ginny beamed. “You look lovely, Lady Ashbrooke.”

Lady Ashbrooke’s eyes twinkled. “So do you, Lady Hartley. That dress is simply ravishing.”

Emmeline Ashbrooke carried herself with a beauty and grace that belied her fifty odd years. She was a renowned enchantress, famous for her ability to create stunning illusions, and could charm any room she entered with her wit and presence.

The distinguished gentleman beside her kissed Ginny’s knuckles and shook Evander’s hand.

“You look well, Ravenwood.”

Evander bobbed his head. “Thank you for the invitation, my Lord.”

Percival Ashbrooke was as tall as Evander and had a stately bearing that matched his high-ranking position in the Ministry of Arcane Affairs. With a keen intellect and a strategic mind, he was a powerful earth magic mage and a trusted advisor to the Queen.

A faint frown wrinkled the older man’s brow.

“Terrible affair in the slums last week, eh?”

Evander knew he was referring to the riot that had recently rocked Whitechapel. It was one of several incidents to have taken place since the summer and was yet another sign of the growing hostility thralls felt towards the powerful nobles who ruled over them, yet knew nothing of their daily plight.

Lady Ashbrooke gave her husband a sharp look.

“You promised not to discuss work tonight, my dear.”

“I’m sorry, dearest,” Lord Ashbrooke said sheepishly.

Lady Ashbrooke’s expression eased fractionally. She turned to talk to Ginny.

“See you in the smoking room later?” Lord Ashbrooke took the opportunity to whisper to Evander out of the corner of his mouth.

Evander nodded as the Ashbrookes’ next guests arrived.

Lord Ashbrooke was bound to question him about the current affairs of the Arcane Division when they were in private, especially the disturbances involving the slums. Evander’s mission tonight was to subtly gauge the waters in turn and see if his suspicions about the House of Lords were correct.

He and Ginny left their hosts and moved past portraits of long dead Ashbrookes as they proceeded to the ballroom.

It was a magnificent space that occupied the entire rear of the house. The gilded mirrors lining the walls reflected the light from the numerous chandeliers dotting the coffered ceiling. Magical fireflies danced above the guests’ heads, producing a sparkling radiance that bathed the room and the assembled nobles milling around the polished parquet floor in a golden glow.

A piano quartet played quietly in a corner.

At the far end of the room, tall French windows opened onto a terrace overlooking mature gardens, a space for guests to cool off and take in the night air.

And for some to venture into the grounds to engage in illicit encounters under arbors and behind bushes.

Evander’s mouth twisted at the wry thought. Alas, his role as Special Arcane Investigator kept him so busy these days he’d all but forgotten the last time he’d engaged in a tryst. Not that he could do so in present company.

His taste in lovers was different from most men.