She pressed her lips together to keep from grinning. Ada had known he was the sort that liked trouble. She was interesting to him precisely because she currently represented a whole passel of issues. A villain who might attack at any moment, a family who might assume the worst, a surly duke who may force Vice down the aisle at the end of a pistol. She frowned. He’d lose interest quickly enough when the danger was gone. Wouldn’t he? She had to confess, part of her was tempted to throw caution to the wind. Which would be a mistake, wouldn’t it? “Emily has just arrived. I should go talk with her.”
“Is Jack here?” Vice turned to look toward the door.
“I don’t think so. Emily left him and moved back into my aunt and uncle’s house. I hope she and Jack reconcile soon,” she paused, nibbling on her lip. Emily and Jack’s early days had been rather tumultuous. Jack had a colorful past and he’d attempted to keep many parts secret from Emily. Most recently, they’d discovered that Lady Abernath’s son could be Jack’s child. Emily had not taken the news well.
“As do I,” he answered.
She made a little noise of dissent in the back of her throat. “You can’t tell me you’re glad Jack is married.”
Vice shrugged. “I wasn’t at first. But Emily is with child and even I can see that Jack loves her with all his heart. I want whatever makes him happy.”
Ada swallowed a lump. With every minute that passed, she liked this man more. Which was dangerous for her own happiness. “If you’ll excuse me.”
With a final nod, she stepped around Vice and started for Emily, whose face looked decidedly pale. “Em,” she called, reaching for her cousin’s hand. “Are you all right?”
Emily shook her head. “I’ve been terribly sick in the mornings. Do you think Diana will forgive me for missing the ceremony? I just couldn’t leave the house.”
Ada embraced her cousin. “Of course she will.” She moved back, lightly stroking Emily’s cheek. “It’s you I’m worried about. You don’t look well at all.”
Emily shook her head. “I’ve had trouble keeping food down. I can’t sleep thinking about…” She shook her head. “Ada. It’s not too late for you. You can marry a nice man with no secrets and no sordid past.”
Ada took a partial step back. Had Emily been reading her journal? “Are you saying that because those are the only men who’d be interested in me?”
Emily squinted her eyes. “No, of course not. I’m saying to stay away from rakes and rogues because they will break your heart. Just like Jack has mine.”
Ada bit her lip, her insides clenching. Emily was not herself but her words touched some of Ada’s deepest fears. “I think I should come stay with you and Grace. I’m worried about both of you.”
Emily reached for her hands again. “Oh, please do, Ada. I have been so out of sorts. You’re always so soothing. You’re like spring sunshine after a long, cold winter.”
&n
bsp; “Hmm.”
She heard a deep male voice behind her. Vice.
“That is an interesting metaphor,” he said.
Emily straightened, taking a step back and pulling Ada with her. “Vice. Nice to see you again.” Her voice held a chilly edge that belied her words.
“And you as well, Lady Effington.” He stepped closer still. “How do you fare?”
Emily wrapped an arm about Ada. “Why do you care?”
Ada stared at Vice, whose gaze travelled back and forth between her and Emily. “Jack is my friend and Ada is my responsibil—”
“She is Miss Chase to you,” Emily hissed, then pointed her finger. “I know all about you and your antics. I’ve heard about the actresses, the gypsies, the parties with princesses. I know the sort you are.” Emily’s voice was rising as the crowd quieted.
Ada’s stomach flipped and her breath refused to release. “Emily. You’re making a scene.” But inside, an ache formed in her chest. The words were the reminder she’d needed to keep her distance from Lord Viceroy. She was the woman from whom normal men ran in fear. She’d never keep Vice’s attention for long.
Emily drew in a long breath. “Stay away from my cousin. She doesn’t need your kind.”
Vice’s head snapped back as though he’d been struck. “My apologies if I’ve offended.”
“My lord,” Ada started, taking a half step toward him before Emily pulled her back.
Vice didn’t answer as he turned and left again. This time, he didn’t just cross the room, he walked around them and headed for the door.
“You frightened him away,” Ada said as she watched his back. While she knew it was for the best that she not allow him close, she didn’t like seeing him hurt either.