A Wicked Wager (Avenging Lords 2)

“My sister-in-law was the same.”

Was?

Devlin had mentioned Lord and Lady Lovell. The lady had suffered a terrible accident, though he had said nothing about her dying from her injuries.

“Please accept my condolences,” Juliet said, squeezing Lydia’s hand as a sign of sincerity. “While I knew of the accident, I did not realise she had passed.”

“Oh, Arabella isn’t dead. My brother sent her to an asylum, so he could move his mistress into the house. It’s a terrible scandal, of course, but when one’s relation is a fool it cannot be helped.”

With honesty being a trait Juliet most admired, she warmed to Lady Greystone instantly. “Well, I have spent my whole life living under a cloud of disgrace. It will be good to have company.”

Devlin appeared at Lady Greystone’s shoulder. “Forgive the interruption. But I must introduce you to my friends.”

“Of course.”

“Don’t mind me.” Lydia stepped closer and whispered, “I shall attempt to have a civil conversation with your sister.”

Juliet didn’t hold out much hope. Civility was a word foreign to Hannah’s vocabulary. “Then I wish you luck.” She slipped her hand into the crook of Devlin’s arm.

“You look exquisite tonight,” he said as he led her to Lord Valentine and Lord Greystone.

Juliet met his gaze, though her stomach performed a range of somersaults. “I’m pleased you approve.”

Lord Valentine kissed her hand, and while she imagined most women swooned beneath his penetrating gaze, she merely smiled and shifted her attention to Lord Greystone.

“My wife has been eager to meet the lady who saved Drake from a miserable fate.” Lord Greystone inclined his head. Unlike Devlin—whose strength was evident in every bulging muscle—Lord Greystone possessed a kind, friendly countenance. But the man was skilled in the art of pugilism, had a presence that roused confidence in his ability to achieve his goals.

Juliet caught a glimpse of the baron and Hannah in the far corner. Lady Greystone had joined them, though Hannah failed to grant the lady her full attention.

“And you have Dariell to thank for your wedding band.” Devlin drew Juliet to the mysterious fellow standing by the window.

Dariell bowed low. “It is a pleasure to meet you, madame. Drake, he has found someone who can smooth away his rough edges.”

Devlin coughed into his fist. “You’re supposed to be my friend.”

“And do friends not speak the truth?”

Juliet cast the man her widest smile. There was something about the rich quality of his voice that stirred the senses. Wisdom radiated from him, warm and vibrant.

“If I may, I should like to see the ring.” Dariell offered his palm and Juliet slipped her hand into his. The skin was soft, smooth, transmitted a vibrating energy that journeyed up her arm. It was nothing like the feelings of lust and love she felt for Devlin, but more the spiritual cleansing one received when touched by the hands of a priest.

Dariell closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, he said, “You have a kind and loving heart, madame, as I undoubtedly knew you would.” He ran the tip of his finger over the mystical ring and gave a hum of satisfaction. “The ring, it is a perfect fit, no?”

“Indeed. It seems you have great foresight, sir. I hope you, too, take comfort from such a gift,” Juliet said, feeling energised by his touch. “May I ask if you’re able to use the skill to predict your own destiny?”

Dariell raised a brow, seemingly impressed by her question. “Most people, they press me to learn what I know of their future. But you, madame, are the only person ever to consider my wants and desires.”

“I must have asked you at some time,” Devlin said defensively.

“No, Drake, you have not.” Dariell gripped Devlin’s shoulder in a gesture of friendship. “But when a man’s heart is full of vengeance, he finds it difficult to think of others.”

“It is not that way anymore.”

“No, I can see that it is not.” Dariell turned his attention back to Juliet. “And to answer your question, madame, I have had a glimpse of what life has in store for me.”

“You have?” Devlin seemed surprised.

“My destiny is entwined with our good friend Lockhart’s. And that is all I can say on the matter.” Dariell sighed deeply. “Now, there is the matter of a mystery to solve, and I believe I am here to assist you in your endeavour.”