Page 16 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

"People talk," she says. "And they mostly ignore me, so they don't pay attention to if I'm listening."

"What else do you know?" I ask curiously.

"A lot of things," she says. "Lady Violetta Vermatchi has a lover. I'm not sure who, but I've overheard them at a couple of the masquerade balls. Her brother is having an affair too, but I'm not sure with who, he's much more discreet."

"Interesting."

"Maybe, but the Vermatchis aren't really a major House, so the information doesn't really benefit anyone," Emilia says.

"Mmm." It would benefit a lot of people if they knew that Luca's affair was with Marcus, but I'm not about to supply that information to anyone, even someone I trust.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that to Lady Harriet, I should keep things like that to myself," Emilia says.

I shake my head. "No, that kind of information is useful. But we should make sure to use it the right way."

Relief crosses her face as she realises that I'm not angry about it. "So you want me to keep listening?"

"Yes. You never know when something like that is going to come in useful."

She nods. "I'll consider it one of my official duties."

"But a secret one," I insist.

"Of course," she promises.

We continue doing a turn of the room, getting away from Harriet and her cohort as quickly as possible. The more I interact with her, the more certain I am that I'm never going to like her. And I'm certain the feeling is mutual.

EIGHT

The ball is underway, with many people dancing, though I'm yet to see Bastian dance with his wife. I'm not sure whether it's Lady Ermentrude herself who he takes issue with, or if he doesn't like dancing. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen him partner anyone.

"May I have this dance?"

My heart skips a beat at the familiar voice and I turn to find Linc standing there in a smart suit with a blue cravat. "You may," I respond, putting my hand in his.

He draws me onto the dance floor. "I'm sorry I'm late. Father asked me to help with something and it took longer than expected."

"Cryptic."

"I'm sorry, it wasn't meant to be," he responds.

The music starts and I dip into a curtsy while Linc bows to me.

"Father wants me to start being interested in some of how House Soveguine is run. He had a meeting with Lord Wentworth about some of the investments he's put money into," Linc says the moment I'm in his arms.

"Wentworth," I repeat. "I think Lord Fallmartin mentioned that name to me. I think he's here this evening."

Linc pulls me closer while guiding us around the floor. "He said as much at the end of the meeting. I believe he's here with his new wife."

"Ah. Did he have anything interesting to say in the meeting?"

We spin around on the spot, while other dancers do the same around us.

"No, not particularly. It was mostly just about money. I'm sure that once we're married I might be able to take you to the meetings with me."

"I'm not sure I'll be much use there," I admit. "My understanding of it all is poor."

Linc raises his arm, taking my hand with his so that I can spin under it. My dress twirls around me and a real sense of joy fills me. Dancing with Linc is unlike dancing with anyone else, probably because I don't have to think about saying the wrong thing or making some other misstep with him.