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Eden mingled with the guests in her family’s ballroom as she waited for Falcone to make his dramatic entrance. She had practiced looks of shock and despair in the mirror throughout the afternoon to prepare herself for the unexpected. Every scenario imaginable filtered through her thoughts, but she couldn’t imagine one where she would find displeasure with him. However, when she glanced at the entryway, she hadn’t prepared herself for who walked beside him, clinging to his arm.
Lady Ravencroft strutted next to him like she belonged at the ball. The ball was in honor of her sons’ marriages to Maggie and Noel. It should’ve guaranteed her an invitation. But they had left her name off the guest list for a reason. Both gentlemen had broken off ties with their mother and refused to share their lives with her. Why did Falcone escort the lady to the ball?
For his revenge. What else? She noticed his smirk as he led Lady Ravencroft deeper into the ballroom. Whispers surrounded her. When he walked them over to her, a sharp pain overtook her chest, as if someone had slit her heart open.
“Lady Ravencroft, allow me to introduce you to Lady Eden. She is the older sister of your daughters-in-law.” Falcone smirked, his eyes lit with his arrogance.
“I have heard of her but never imagined she held such beauty. You have excellent taste, my lord.” Lady Ravencroft’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I hope you hold no bitterness toward Falcone for enjoying his bit of fun with you. You must understand how he requires a lady with more experience in meeting his needs. If it doesn’t bother you, then I do not mind sharing. The more, the merrier, I always say.”
“You are more than welcome to have him for yourself,” Eden snarled.
Lady Ravencroft ran her hand along Falcone’s lapel. “I had hoped you would say so.”
Eden fought the tears back as heartache tore through her soul. She bit her tongue to keep from sobbing. Practice never helped to prepare you for the reality of having one’s heart broken.
Lady Ravencroft turned her attention toward her sons and strode off toward them. Eden expected Falcone to follow her. Instead, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
“Your snarl does not disappoint, my glorious vixen, but gives me the courage to continue,” Falcone whispered before following Lady Ravencroft.
Eden pressed her knuckles against her cheek to soak in his warmth. A slight whimper escaped as his words sank in. Then she remembered what Reese and Graham had expressed. If she didn’t believe in him, then she had never trusted Falcone to begin with, therefore never loving him at all. Her eyes trailed after him, watching his every move. He never once held onto Lady Ravencroft. It was the lady who clung to him. The smile gracing his face was false. It wasn’t one he shared with her when he found her amusing. He played a part that she wasn’t privy to, but she would pretend to show everyone how distraught she was for his disregard.
Soon, Eden found herself surrounded by her sisters. Maggie and Noel stayed close to her side as they watched Lady Ravencroft work the room with Falcone following behind her, making introductions when needed.
“We want to apologize, Eden, for not warning you, but Graham said it was vital for you to act surprised,” Noel whispered.
Eden turned an astonished gaze on her sisters. “You both knew?” They nodded, and Eden swallowed back a sob. “Of course. I understand.”
Maggie wrapped an arm around her waist. “Do you? Because I fear any second now you are on the verge of breaking down.”
Eden shook her head, biting her bottom lip. “I am fine. What else has everyone kept from me?”
Maggie and Noel exchanged a glance. Then Maggie said, “All the ladies are to welcome Lady Ravencroft into their fold with invitations to tea or an event they plan to host.”
It all became clear to her now. They were drawing Lady Ravencroft into their web of acceptance so she would switch her loyalty to them. It was quite brilliant. They wanted to convince Lady Ravencroft of the power she held by Eden acting like a lady spurned. But to continue with her act, she couldn’t tell her sisters of her plan. It was time to switch the element of surprise onto her family, friends, and Lord Falcone himself.
She pasted on a smile. “I hope the plan is a success, then. If you will excuse me, I promised Mama I would help direct the servants when to serve the cake.”
Before they could stop her, she moved on. However, she didn’t get very far before Graham stopped her with Lord Nolting in tow.
“There you are, Eden. We have looked for you everywhere.”
Eden raised a questioning brow at her brother. “May I inquire as to why?”
She stared at them, waiting for an explanation. When none came forth, Graham nudged Lord Nolting with his elbow.
Lord Nolting winced. “I wish to ask you if you would do me the honor of accompanying me on the next dance.”
Eden pinched her lips. “I thought you did not wish to associate yourself with me.”
“Well . . . That is, I . . .” Nolting stuttered.
Graham stepped in to explain. “Nolting is attempting to say how I explained the unfortunate incident with Falcone. He now understands how the marquess stepped out of line.”
“Yes. Also, your mother told me how upset you were and I told myself I would give you another chance,” Nolting boasted.
“Another chance?” Eden snarled.
Nolting nodded. “It is the least I can do after abandoning you as I did.”
Eden glared at Graham, shaking her head at his interference, before transferring her glare to Lord Nolting. “Let me see if I understand this. You are offering me another chance to be seen on your arm out of the goodness of your heart. And this is only because my mother and brother clarified the situation for you. When my word that day in the park held no appeal to you whatsoever.” She paused. “Well, Lord Nolting, you may take your dance and sh—”
“Eden, I must talk with you. I need to explain . . .” Falcone grabbed Eden’s arm and swung her around. He dropped her arm when he saw her furious expression.
Eden wondered if this evening would ever end. Or if it would continue to torment her with one incident after another. She turned to Nolting. “A dance you say?”
When he nodded, she grabbed his hand and marched them to the dance floor.
Eden didn’t remember a single aspect of the dance she shared with Lord Nolting. She had focused her attention on Falcone and Graham. They appeared caught up in an argument. Over what, she held no clue. And at this point, she no longer cared. She wanted to escape to her bedchamber, close her eyes, and disappear for the evening.
Lord Nolting rattled on about how important it was for him to keep the company of a virtuous lady. Well, she hated to disappoint the earl, but he ruined his chances by dancing with her. Eden would find humor at the irony if her emotions weren’t so strung out. While she understood Falcone acted a part, his betrayal by staying silent stung. Nor did she much care for another lady touching him.
Lord Nolting escorted her back to Graham after they finished their dance. Falcone remained by his side with his arms folded across his chest. He scowled at Lord Nolting.
“I thought I told you to stay away from this bloke,” Falcone snarled.
Eden smirked. “And I chose to ignore you.”
Falcone snapped his fingers in the air. “Tell your puppy to scamper away.”
Nolting puffed out his chest. “Now see here, Lord Falcone. I am under the impression your attention is unwanted by the lady.”
Falcone took a threatening step toward Nolting. “Someone has misinformed you. Now you can either leave on your own or I shall help you along.”
Nolting gasped. “Well, I never.” He turned to Eden. “Lady Eden, your family has fed me false information about you. I can no longer associate myself with a lady of your character.”
Falcone grasped Nolting by his lapels. “Lady Eden possesses an impeccable character. You are lucky she even graced you with a minute of her time. If you so much as slander her again, I will make you regret it. Do I make myself clear, Lord Nolting?”
Nolting nodded repeatedly. Falcone dropped him, and the earl scampered away like Falcone had demanded.
Eden stomped her foot at the scene he caused. “You are an unbelievable, boorish oaf who once again caused a scene with your jealous rant. You have some nerve after strutting around all evening with another lady on your arm.”
“I can explain,” Falcone pleaded.
She held up a hand. “I do not wish to hear a single word of your deception.”
Graham stepped in between their argument and guided them toward the terrace, away from the curious gazes of their peers. “Perhaps you two need a little privacy for this conversation.”
“There is nothing I wish to discuss with Lord Falcone,” Eden hissed.
“Eden, please hear him out.” Graham glanced across the terrace, something stealing his attention away from them. “If you give him a chance . . .” His gaze narrowed as he stared at the young lady talking with Colebourne. “Who is she? Do either of you recognize the guest Colebourne is talking with?”
Eden rolled her eyes. Just like a lady in a pretty skirt to distract her brother from their conversation. She glanced at the lady but didn’t know who she was. “No. Nor do I care. Perhaps Lord Falcone is familiar with the lady. With his past carousing, he probably knows her quite well.”
“Eden, you misunderstand,” Falcone stated.
“I do not believe I do,” she snarled.
“Do you know who the girl is, Falcone?” Graham interrupted.
Falcone growled, taking a swift glance at the girl. “She looks familiar, but I cannot place her.”
“I stand correct,” Eden gloated.
“Excuse me,” Graham muttered, and he hurried toward Colebourne.
Falcone grabbed Eden by the arms, holding her still so she wouldn’t disappear on him. He only had a few minutes alone with her before Lady Ravencroft found him. And he couldn’t afford Lady Ravencroft catching him apologizing to Eden.
“Unhand me, Falcone.”
“Victor.”
“Falcone.”
“It is in your best interest to follow the lady’s command,” Lady Chesterton said from behind them. “Your companion for the evening is on her way over to you. While the lady’s glare will help the situation, your pleading will not.”
Falcone glanced over his shoulder, then through the terrace doors to see that Lady Ravencroft walked toward them. He dropped his hands from Eden’s arms while Lady Chesterton stepped between them.
She slipped her hands inside his suit coat, pretending to show him affection while she stood on her tiptoes and whispered a warning in his ear. “Lady L has arrived. The show will begin soon.”
Eden’s fury rose to another level as she witnessed the intimate exchange between Falcone and Lady Chesterton. Lady Ravencroft strolled toward them on Lord Chesterton’s arm, returning from their dance. Her gloating expression made Eden uneasy.
“You are the sly gentleman I thought you were. Are you making plans for a ménage later this evening? Or have you already shared in the pleasures of the flesh with one another?” She shook her head as she glanced between the two ladies. “No, I do not believe your two lovers have shared you together.”
Lady Chesterton attempted to change the subject. “How nice to see you again, Lady Ravencroft. Did you enjoy your dance with my husband?”
“Ah, yes. He is quite a skillful dancer, which only leads me to believe he would perform very well in bed. But I wonder if he is as skillful as you, Lady Chesterton.” Lady Ravencroft turned toward Eden. “I only say this because the last time I saw Lady Chesterton, she had her head nestled in Lord Falcone’s lap while he offered for me to join them. I, however, declined and explored the brothel for my own pleasures. When I returned to their room, they were both naked in bed and Lady Chesterton rode Lord Falcone’s cock, screaming his name. The marquess let out quite a roar at the pleasure she gave him. It was quite exhilarating to watch.”
Eden gasped, and Falcone watched her rosy cheeks pale as if she saw a ghost. She rushed away, stumbling against the other guests to get away from them.
“Eden,” Falcone shouted and started after her.
But Lady Ravencroft gripped his sleeve, holding him back. “Let her go, my dear. She will forgive you in time. It’s not like she has any other options.”
Falcone shook off her hold. “What do you mean by that?”
Lady Ravencroft flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Why, she is practically on the shelf. A lady of her age has very limited choices. She would be foolish to walk away from someone of your standing. Especially when you can have any young miss you so choose. Believe me, the girl is too wise to be so ungrateful.”
Falcone fumed over the delay Lady Ravencroft cost him. However, she refused to let him go.
“Now, I need you to make a few more introductions,” she demanded and looked at the Chestertons. “Thank you for the dance, my lord. Until we meet again.”
She led Falcone away, right into a trap he should’ve been expecting. But the pain expressed in Eden’s eyes before she ran away occupied his every thought. Lady Ravencroft didn’t lead him to other guests for him to make introductions to. However, she led him to one guest he knew for a fact wasn’t on the guest list. Barbara Langdale. Lady Chesterton had warned him, but the warning had come too late. Falcone only hoped she warned the others in time.
Falcone followed Lady Ravencroft down the balcony stairs and into the garden. It wasn’t until they were deep within that someone lit a lantern. Lady L emerged out of the shadows like an apparition.
“Lord Falcone, how kind of you to invite us to this amazing ball. I must admit, I never thought you would actually betray the Worthingtons like you have.” Lady L circled around him as she talked.
“As I explained before, I wish to seek my revenge against them and the Duke of Colebourne,” Falcone said.
“Ahh, yes. The duke must fall, too. And what better opportunity for their fall from grace than this evening? I have everything in place.”
Falcone rubbed his hands together. “Excellent.”
Lady L stopped before him. “Except for one detail. I have decided you shall be perfect for the job.”
Uneasiness settled over Falcone. “And that is?”
Lady L snapped her fingers, and her two guards came to her side. “You will escort my men inside and draw everyone’s attention at the ball. Then you will inform them they can either discard their jewels and money or they will perish.”
“Perish? You never mentioned your revenge resulted in the death of innocent lives,” Falcone argued.
Lady L laughed. “First, none of those people are innocent. Every single one of them performs a sin every day. Whether it be immoral or honorable makes no difference. And ‘tis only a threat.”
“When I offered my services, it was in secrecy so I do not ruin my upstanding name. If I make this threat, they will accuse me of treason.”
Lady L shrugged. “Then I guess you shouldn’t have gotten into bed with the devil.” She pointed at the Worthingtons’ townhome. “Now move or my guards will make sure you do.”
Falcone stalled. How could he escape from the guards and warn the others? Lady Ravencroft latched onto him to walk them out of the garden, with the guards flanking their sides.
“Oh, I forgot to mention how Lady Ravencroft will stay by your side to make sure you follow my orders. Do show him how you plan to keep him close by, Lady Ravencroft.” Lady L’s taunts echoed behind them.
Once they reached the balcony stairs, he felt the barrel of a small pistol digging into his side. They reached the terrace faster than he had hoped. When they walked into the ballroom, the crowd separated. They stared at the men towering over them, strolling through the ballroom as if they were guests, too.
Lady Ravencroft steered them toward the musicians. “I thank you for allowing me to shine for one night, Lord Falcone. It was a delightful touch you and your friends added by having so many ladies invite me to call on them.” She made a tsking noise. “However, when will any of you learn you cannot outsmart Lady Langdale? She is brilliant and predicts every move made against her.”
Falcone didn’t understand, but Lady Ravencroft waited for the dance to end before starting the terror Lady L had planned. Falcone searched the room for Eden, but he couldn’t find her anywhere. However, he saw Kincaid, who gave him a suspicious stare. He nodded his head at Lady Ravencroft and swiped at his face, pointing his finger like a gun. Kincaid nodded that he understood the hint. He whispered something to his wife, and Jacqueline took off toward her family. Kincaid moved throughout the crowd, stopping to deliver a message to the many guards they had in disguise.
Once the dance ended, Lady Ravencroft spoke to the musicians to play a short piece to draw everyone’s attention. While they waited, she motioned for the servant carrying a tray of glasses filled with champagne over to them. She passed a glass to Falcone and then grabbed one for herself, all the while keeping the pistol aimed at him. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?” she shouted to the crowd. “I wish to congratulate my sons on making such profitable matches. You have done well, Crispin and Gregory.”
A hush fell over the crowd for a brief second before whispers circulated. It was only knowledge to the Worthington family and close friends that Dracott and Ravencroft were brothers. Lady L had started the next phase in her game of revenge by exposing the Worthingtons’ secret.
“If you will, please keep your attention focused our way for a second longer. Lord Falcone has a request he would like to make.” Lady Ravencroft lifted her glass in a silent toast to herself. After she drained the glass, she tilted her head for him to move forward.
He refused to persecute himself for this cause. He had risked more than he wanted to bring Lady L to justice. Because of the risks he took, he had lost the most important person who mattered.
However, he stepped forward, if for no other reason than to stall until he received the signal that everyone stood ready to fight.
A battle to conquer blindfolded.