Chapter 61

Julien sighed. So much for a welcome distraction.19

“Do you see Dearborne anywhere?”

Julien glanced around the crowded ballroom. “I do not.”

“I hope he’s recovered enough to attend.” Cordelia took a healthy swallow of champagne. “Don’t you?”

“Of course.” Julien was careful to keep his tone bland. He sometimes thought that an angry Cordelia might be preferable to an interested one. “Did Lady Rockingham enjoy the opera when you attended?”

“Hmm…changing the subject already? Very well. Of course she didn’t enjoy the opera, but she is condoling herself with an excellent new set of emeralds.”

“So Lord Rockingham has to pay for his pleasure twice.”

“Julien, what a terrible thing to say.” Cordelia finished off her glass. “Serves Rockingham right, anyway. Why, if Octavius ever—Julien! Do try to behave.”