The Vicar and the Rake (Society of Beasts) by Annabelle Greene

Author:Annabelle Greene [Greene, Annabelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 2020-10-11T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Two

Edward slipped his hand through the crook of Gabriel’s arm as they walked down the corridor. Gabriel tensed at the unexpected contact, reflexively turning to make sure no one could see them, before realising that he was in one of the only places in England where such contact would go completely unnoticed.

He watched Edward out of the corner of his eye, not wanting to sully the moment with words. The young duke was...different, here in the palatial environs of the club he’d built. There was none of the awkwardness, the diffidence, that seemed to cling to him in Hardcote. He walked differently—prowled, almost. The cocky, confident gait of a lion.

A laughing lion. Gabriel guiltily recalled why they were here. A few more minutes of London Edward beside him, practically glowing with metropolitan charisma, and he would have trouble recalling his own name.

“I’ve sent Ginger off to pilfer all the cakes in the bakery that he can carry. I’ve never seen a boy in such desperate need of sugar.” Edward smiled at Gabriel’s questioning look. “Yes, we have a bakery here. And a fencing school, a sculpture gallery, a splendid rose garden... I’m sure there’s a Turkish bath, somewhere, but I can’t say I’ve ever managed to find it.” He led Gabriel down the corridor, turning left at a magnificent flower display. “Alas, the record-keeping room is considerably less exciting. And it will almost certainly be empty.”

He opened a handsome mahogany door, leading Gabriel into a circular room stacked high with bookshelves. A soft golden light streamed through the intricately panelled glass roof, illuminating an occasional speck of dust.

Gabriel breathed in the warm, comforting smell of beeswax and books as Edward locked the door, noting the bronze animal heads that stood at the top of each bookshelf. A sable, a bear, a wolf...and a lion.

“The original founders. Founded many years ago, this place—we were all so angry, and so rich, and so ready.” Edward laughed as he slipped the key into his waistcoat pocket. “I’m the lion, of course—but in public life, such as it is, the names can be used interchangeably to ensure secrecy. And to ensure that the bills arrive at the correct place.” Edward looked up at the busts, a smile of quiet pride on his face. “Unfortunately, it means that looking for ancient, incriminating evidence connecting one of my Beasts to Sussex is going to be a job and a half.”

“I don’t wish to speak out of turn.” Gabriel looked up to take in the ornate splendour of the glass ceiling. “Please, tell me if it’s an unacceptable question, but—”

“But how on earth do I afford all this?” Edward laughed lightly at Gabriel’s obvious discomfort, and Gabriel relaxed a little. “My father was as aggressive a speculator as he was a household head. I’d say his financial shows of force were considerably more successful than his domestic ones.”

“I would have thought your father would turn his nose up at any kind of trade.” Gabriel reached out to touch the gilt edge of a bookshelf, before thinking better of it.

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