A Curio for the Count (Gems of London Book 2) by Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Author:Elizabeth Ellen Carter [Carter, Elizabeth Ellen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2023-01-18T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Over his morning coffee, Armand opened a much-welcome letter from his second cousin, Gerald Perrin.

The two men had corresponded in an off-and-on fashion for the past year or so.

The connection had come out of the blue from Gerald’s mother, Giselle, about three years ago, not long after the death of William, the Earl of Rosemount. Armand’s mother recalled her to be the wife of his father’s first cousin, now widowed.

It had been a pleasant surprise for Armand and his mother to hear from any members of their family in the years following their escape to England. It was an unexpressed understanding that the rest of the family had either been executed or scattered to the four winds by the revolution.

The letters, full of family reminisces and cheerful news, were regular and always welcome. A year later, another correspondent joined. Gerald, who was ten years older than Armand, had travelled extensively but now had returned home to Arras to look after his mother, Giselle.

It had been Gerald who asked if Maman would like to pay his mother a visit following Charles’ wedding. The invitation had been eagerly accepted.

And if Armand was honest, it had come as little surprise when his mother announced her visit would become a permanent stay.

A few weeks ago, Armand had written to Gerald of his intention to come to France to pay his mother a visit.

Armand read through Gerald’s reply:

Cousin, how good it would be to meet face-to-face at last. Of course, you must come and stay with us. You are welcome here as your maman is welcome. We live simply, nothing as grand as you have in London, or indeed, the old chateau at Ytres, but you will find us hospitable.

News of your plans have given Tante Nicole much joy. In fact, Maman says she cannot recall the last time her friend was so full of joie de vivre.

We too have much to discuss. I’m intrigued by your search for the clock. I did mention it briefly to Tante Nicole, but she seems to recall nothing of it.

Do write when you are sure of your travel plans.

Your cousin,

Gerald.

Armand quickly penned a response, knowing Barnet waited for him upstairs to try on his costume for Prendegast’s party. It wouldn’t be untrue to say he was having second thoughts about attending the Dionysus Club.

His misgivings started the moment the Earl of Runcorn introduced him to Prendegast. Frankly, there was something about his soon-to-be host that made Armand’s skin crawl. Oh, to be sure, the man was charming. He dressed impeccably and had fine manners to match. Some might even consider Prendegast to be handsome.

Yet there was something about him which caused Armand to be immediately wary.

Kingston Prendegast had a way of looking at you – through you – as though he could see the darkness in one’s soul and knew how to exploit it.

Nevertheless, Armand said the right things to ingratiate himself. He hinted at an invitation and received it, along with a list of rules. Costumes were to be worn.

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