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Seth turned to her, solemn and still. “Follow my lead.”

Alicia was a wonderful hostess. Seth could not have asked for a more perfect wife, and he could see that his friends felt the same.

It made an ache throb in his chest like nothing he had ever known.

God, please let this night be over and done with so I might apologize for my behavior.

Lucas was chattering away, as lively as ever, and, much to Seth’s irritation, he had made Alicia laugh several times and was currently regaling her with tales of carriage racing.

“I told him that!” he exclaimed. “I insisted that my cousin should not drive the thing. He is the clumsiest fool alive, and I just knew he would break his neck if he ever was so stupid as to climb into the blasted contraption.”

Seth’s hand tightened on his glass as Alicia laughed prettily again.

“And what happened?” she asked. “I do hope he did not sustain an injury.”

“He bet Stone that he could beat him around the pond at his estate. We were all rather drunk, I admit, but I knew it wouldall come to nothing. Stone is ridiculously gifted at racing, and Morgan was trounced.”

Isaac cleared his throat, catching Alicia’s eye. “It is rather easy to beat a man who is unseated mid-ride and falls into the water.”

“I believe he nearly killed a swan!” Michael piped up, chortling as he rocked back in his chair.

Alicia’s eyes were bright and happy as she laughed with them all.

So far, the dinner had been a great success, and Seth could see that Isaac, Lucas, and Michael were all enjoying being in one another’s company again.

Am I really going to rip this apart because of a suspicion I have not yet proved?

He glanced at Michael and felt his gut clench.

Yes. By God, let it be done.

“We have not raced in a good while, Stone,” Lucas continued. “Far too many balls to occupy us, unfortunately—although they are awfully diverting. I must compliment you, Duchess, on your costume at the masquerade. You were stunning.”

He threw a mischievous look at Seth, who narrowed his eyes at him.

“What happened to the young lady you met at Almack’s that night, Oakley?” Seth asked pointedly.

“Ah, yes,” Lucas said without pausing for breath. “Her name was Lady Cynthia, I believe. Very lively girl, but her mother was terrifying. I will not be permitted within ten yards of her again. I think it’s unfair I have such a reputation.”

“Oh, yes,” Isaac drawled. “Completely unwarranted.”

Lucas shot him a sharp look, and Alicia hid her smile behind her wine glass.

Seth glanced at Michael. “You know, there was someone else at Almack’s that night, whom I have not seen for many years,” he murmured.

All three of them turned to him.

“Oh? And who was that?” Lucas asked.

Seth raised his glass, sipping from it slowly. “Lady Nicole Clarendon.”

Michael went very still in his chair.

Lucas frowned at Seth. “Who is that? I do not believe I am acquainted with her. Clarendon… as in theMarquessof Clarendon? I thought he lived in France.”

“He did. It appears they have returned to England for the end of the Season.”

“How do you know her?”