Free Slave to the Night (The Brotherhood Series, Book 2) by Adele Clee

turned and scoured the room, his hard stare locking with Elliot's curious gaze. It took a moment for Elliot's brain to process the familiar vision before him.
    Shock quickly replaced denial and then a deep sense of foreboding took hold. Without saying a word to Leo, Elliot pushed through the crowd, eager to discover the reason for Alexander's attendance.
    On witnessing his approach, Alexander took a few steps towards him.
    "You never mentioned you'd be here this evening," Elliot said, even more surprised to discover Evelyn standing at his side. He glanced over her shoulder, relieved to find they were alone. "I assume Mrs. Denton has settled in?"
    Having the advantage of being a few inches taller, Alexander glared down at him. "Do not speak to me of Mrs. Denton," he said through clenched teeth. "That woman has ruined my entire evening."
    Evelyn threaded her arm through her husband's and hugged it. "Oh, don't say that. It wouldn't do if all the nights were the same."
    Alexander snorted. "It would do perfectly well for me."
    "When will we next have an opportunity to waltz or listen to such a marvellous orchestra? And there may be no orangery here, but I hear Lady Fortescue has a wonderful hothouse."
    Elliot grinned. "There are not many gentlemen who are happy to admit to their love of flowers."
    "You're not remotely funny," Alexander replied. "Next time you leave us to tend to one of your flock, at least have the decency to inform us that we're harbouring a cunning wolf in the guise of a sweet little lamb."
    "Well, I like her," Evelyn interjected. "I admire her tenacity and think she's incredibly brave."
    Alexander gave a frustrated tut. "You mean you enjoyed playing dress maid."
    "Well, you must admit, she looks angelic in white silk. Every gentleman in here has noticed."
    "Yes, probably because they're not used to seeing a courtesan wear white."
    Elliot was struggling to follow the conversation. "I'm afraid you lost me with the wolf and the lamb analogy."
    Evelyn put her hands on her hips. "Grace is not a courtesan."
    Elliot turned to Alexander. "What has Mrs. Denton done to deserve your wrath?" He imagined she'd have been nothing but charming, wishing nothing more than to express her thanks and gratitude for their generous hospitality.
    "Is it not obvious?" Alexander opened his arms wide. "Why else would I be here all trussed up like a partridge. It is your fault for running off and leaving her alone."
    Elliot followed Alexander's disapproving glare and Evelyn's look of affection and pride to the figure of Grace Denton, busily engaged in dancing the cotillion with Lord Dunn.
    "What the blazes?" Elliot whispered through gritted teeth as his heart hit his ribs with all the force of cannon fire.
    "Doesn't she look beautiful?" Evelyn mused. "Katie worked wonders with her hair."
    With a brilliant smile and a burst of lively enthusiasm, Grace Denton and her partner followed the head couple through the set of elaborate steps. The first sparks of jealousy ignited, simmering beneath his composed facade and he swallowed in an attempt to shift the lump in his throat.
    "Have you lost your mind?" Elliot focused his pent up frustration on Alexander. "She cannot be seen out in Society and assuming some believe she's a courtesan she is hardly suitable company for your wife."
    "Don't you think I know that," Alexander spat. "I had to escort Evelyn inside and then go back and have a quiet word with Lady Fortescue. A little gentle persuasion and it appeared Caroline Rosemond had been invited after all. Lord Dunn was more than pleased to play escort, hence, the reason they are currently hopping about together."
    "What does she hope to gain by it?" Elliot threw his hands in the air, feeling the need to do something other than stand there gaping.
    "Oh, trust me. She has thought it all through." Alexander's words brimmed with sarcasm. "It appears the lady has composed a list of all potential villains and is keen to get to work on solving the mystery