Page 27

Adrian stared out the window in the game room.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Georgina and their time together in the maze.

The entire scavenger hunt had been momentous.

Even if they had not won, and they had actually been the last to find their way back to the game room—none of that had mattered.

He didn’t need a prize. He had already gotten the one thing he’d wanted from that activity.

That kiss had been worth everything, and he couldn’t wait to kiss Georgina again.

“I don’t suppose Easton has made an appearance,” Amberwood drawled from behind him.

Adrian glanced over his shoulder and shrugged. “Not that I’m aware of,” he told the duke. “I suspect he’ll return to the abbey when he’s finished all he set out to do.” He turned away from the window and took a seat in one of the chairs in the room. “And not one moment sooner.”

“And what do you think his objective is exactly?” The duke raised a brow. “With that chit missing as well, it doesn’t look favorable for him.”

“I wouldn’t presume to know,” Adrian answered.

“He hasn’t confided anything to me.” He had his suspicions regarding Easton and Lady Charlotte.

The marquess had an interest in Lady Charlotte similar to the one Adrian had with Georgina.

The difference was that Easton had made far more progress in his courtship than he had.

He definitely believed that Easton and Lady Charlotte were together, and most likely were having a pleasurable time.

Amberwood rolled his eyes. “You know very well what Easton has planned.” He sighed. “We both do.”

“Do we?” Adrian raised his brow. “And what do you believe?”

“That it is highly probable Easton decided to seduce Lady Charlotte and did not stop to consider the consequences of such an action.” He brushed his hand through his hair. “He’s a bloody fool.”

Adrian did think that some sort of seduction had been involved between Easton and Lady Charlotte.

He had to disagree with Amberwood on one point though.

Easton did know what the consequences of such an action would entail.

The marquess must have planned to marry Lady Charlotte or he’d never have allowed himself to be so firmly caught in that trap.

“Easton is no fool,” he said. “He does not do anything without careful thought.”

“You think he wants to marry her, don’t you?” Amberwood asked. His tone suggested that Adrian had lost his mind. Much like he thought Easton had. “But…” He frowned. “Why?”

“There is only one reason he would willingly marry her,” Adrian replied. “And you know what that reason is.”

Amberwood shook his head as he considered what Adrian had said. “He loves her.”

“He loves her,” Adrian agreed. “And I would not be surprised if they eloped. It isn’t that far to Scotland.”

“I still think he is a bloody fool,” Amberwood grumbled.

“Maybe he is,” Adrian agreed. “I’ve heard love can turn even the best of us into bumbling buffoons.”

He had certainly been acting like one for a while now.

Every time he thought about Georgina, he was close to losing his mind.

He wanted to see her again, and soon. With Lady Charlotte missing he doubted that Georgina or any of the students would be allowed to leave Havenwood Academy.

Not that he blamed the headmistress for enacting such a rule.

If he were in charge of some of the darlings of the ton, he wouldn’t want to lose another one either.

That did not help him though. He had to see her.

But how? Would they bother attending any more of the house party? Perhaps he could sneak into the school…

“I suppose that is true,” Amberwood said, bringing Adrian out of his own thoughts.

“What is true?” he asked. He had stopped listening to Amberwood. He had his own dilemma to solve. One that would allow him to have some time alone with Georgina.

“That love makes us all fools in the end.”

“Ah, that.” Adrian frowned and studied Amberwood. “You sound as if you speak from experience.” He leaned forward and tilted his head to the side. Amberwood squirmed a little in his seat. “Don’t tell me that you’ve been in love. How did I not know this?”

“Do not be ridiculous,” Amberwood scoffed. “I have never loved anyone.”

“You’re lying.” He snapped his fingers as a thought came to him. “I don’t know how or when, but I do know the who.”

“You do not know a damn thing,” Amberwood said. Irritation filled his voice as he glared at Adrian. “And I’m done with this discussion.”

“You would like for it to be the end,” Adrian said. He chuckled as he leaned back into his chair. “But, trust me, Your Grace, it is not.” He smiled. “That’s why you’re so grumpy whenever she is around. You love her and you cannot have her. What happened?”

“I don’t know of what you’re speaking.” Amberwood turned his head to glance out the window. He truly didn’t wish to discuss this. But as Adrian could not do what he wanted, that being visiting with Georgina… This was his only spot of entertainment available.

“You are quite the accomplished liar,” Adrian said. “And with anyone else, save Easton, it would be believable.” He grinned. “But I know you. We’ve been friends since we were in leading strings. You are in love, and that lady is one of Havenwood’s finest students.”

“I admit to nothing.” Amberwood grimaced.

“That’s all right,” Adrian said. “Keep your secrets. I know the truth and as your friend, I’ll keep your secret.” Amberwood turned to meet his gaze. “I must know one thing though.”

“And what is that?” Amberwood asked hesitantly.

“Does she love you?”

“I don’t know…” He sighed and scrubbed his hand over his face.

“It doesn’t matter if she does. We don’t have a future, and I’m not sure if I even want one with her.

Some things can’t be undone, and we have a history that will always prevent us from finding our way to each other. It was quite scandalous.”

“Then how have I never heard about it?”

“Because her father ensured that no one ever found out.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “And I agreed to keep my distance from her. I didn’t know she was here, or I would have stayed away. I don’t want to ruin her reputation.”

“Because you love her.”

“I never said I did.” Amberwood glared at him. “And I never will.”

Adrian nodded. “Have it your way. I won’t insist on you speaking the truth. It is enough that I know.”

“Thank you,” Amberwood said. “Besides, we have much more pressing concerns. We should locate Easton sooner rather than later.”

So, Amberwood wanted to be done with their current discussion.

Adrian was inclined to allow it. If he didn’t wish to discuss how he felt about Lady Jaclyn, then Adrian would not insist that he did.

Some things had to be left alone. When or if Amberwood was ready to discuss how he felt, then Adrian would willingly listen to anything he had to say.

Until then he would keep his thoughts to himself.

Besides, the duke was right. They probably should help locate the marquess. Their friend may need their help.

“Where do you suggest we look?” Adrian asked.

“The first village over the border,” the duke replied. “Because you are probably correct. He did intend to marry her.”

“Then may I offer a different suggestion?” Adrian asked.

“And what is that?”

He smiled and met Amberwood’s gaze. There was only one thing that they should do.

If Amberwood thought that Easton eloped with Lady Charlotte, then he would not argue with Adrian’s suggestion.

“He will find his way back here without our assistance,” Adrian said.

“So instead of chasing after him, I think we should wait right here.” He nodded at the brandy decanter.

“And have ourselves a drink or two in celebration.” He grinned.

“Or commiseration. Our friend will be leg shackled soon enough, if he isn’t already, and our carousing days are at an end. ”

“That is very true.” Amberwood’s lips twitched. “And we wouldn’t want to interrupt his wedding night.”

“He’d skin us alive,” Adrian said, then shuddered. “As I’d not like to have such a night ruined by well-meaning friends as well, let’s agree to leave him be. I’d willingly wager he will be home tomorrow and have a fine tale to explain it all.”

“So, brandy then?” the duke asked as he raised a brow.

“Yes,” Adrian replied. “Brandy it is.”

He stood and walked over to the bar and poured them both glasses.

He handed one to Amberwood. They both drank, and there no longer was a need to speak.

Which suited him just fine. He had plans to make and he didn’t want to have his thoughts interrupted as he plotted when he’d next visit with Georgina.