Jared slowly stepped out to offer me his hand and I immediately noticed his wobbly and uncertain manner of walking.

“Ashlyn you look stunning,” he whispered, his breath reeking of alcohol.

“You’re drunk,” I accused him. Of all nights he had to choose this one to get this badly intoxicated. “What are you doing? Don’t dare to ruin this for your sister!”

“I had a few drinks at White’s,” he slurred, his face dangerously leaning down. But instead of butterflies I only felt disappointment. He didn’teven try to take care of his father’s failed businesses, instead he carelessly wasted every penny they had left. He promised to take care of Edith, but apparently promises were less of importance than brothels and wages.

I looked away from his unnerving, yet glossy stare. “Shall we?” I pointed at the carriage.

“Of course… My lady,” he opened the door, ushering me inside. I tried to ignore how he had to lean against the vehicle to maintain his poor balance.

“You Grace, Edith,” I respectfully lowered my head in greeting.

“Lady Ashlyn!” Richards smiled at me welcomingly. “I believe your family and yourself are doing well?”

“Absolutely Your Grace, thank you for your concern.” I couldn’t help but to return his infectious smile.

My eyes flickered to Edith, who was unusually quiet. She glared at her brother with disgust on her face. But when Richards whispered something into her ear, her face immediately brightened.

I noticed how he looked at her, with affection evident in his brown eyes. Always close to her, but not close enough to be considered inappropriate.

“I believe this is your first time visiting Covent Garden?” He asked us, wisely ignoring Jared’s incomprehensible mumbles.

“It is, Your Grace.” I nodded excitedly. “I’ve heard performers are quite brilliant.”

“What show are we watching Your Grace?” Edith inquired.

“Bellini’s La Sonnambula, better known as The Sleepwalker. Lady Amina is accused of immorality when found in the bedroom of Lord of the Manor. Because of her supposed infidelity her fiancé abandons her. However, soon it turns out that the poor girl is just sleepwalking.”

“What a curious story!” I laughed, before my eyes flickered to the snorting Jared. His behavior was downright rude as his face twisted with mocking expression, exaggerated by the effects of alcohol. The sweet and potent scent of what must’ve been Scotch hung heavily in the air and mixed with the carriage’s rattling, it made my stomach lurch.

“Oh it is. And diva Jenny Lind who performs Lady Amina is absolutely spectacular in her role,” His Grace assured us.

“I am so excited!” Edith beamed at him. For a short moment his eyes lingered on hers, softening when he noticed her adoring smile.

I whirled my head toward Jared who hiccupped loudly and inclined forward. He leaned against his knees, before letting out a loud moan of discomfort. Apparently I wasn’t the only one feeling nauseous.

“Lord Jared?” Richards frowned. “Are you well?”

“He will be fine. Serves him right,” Edith mumbled angrily, trying desperately to ignore her ill-looking brother. His face held a strange shade of gray with droplets of sweat simmering at the top of his forehead.

When my prayers for the safe arrival were exhausted, we finally stopped in front of the grand venue. After the horrifying fire accident the first theatre was completely destroyed, later rebuilt by the ambitious architect named Robert Smirke, who designed the second theathre after the Greek inspiration. Stepping past the colossal Corinthian pillars, we entered the main hall of the building and started to mingle among the guests.

“When is it supposed to begin?” I asked Richards, but my eyes remained glued to the disheveled-looking Jared. His face was still awfully pale. He wobbled on his legs back and forth and without the support of the wall he would’ve surely tumbled down.

“Jared! Behave yourself!” Edith hissed through the clenched teeth.

He gave her a wide smile, his pupils dilating from intoxication. “How long do we have to wait Richards?”

“Not more than fifteen minutes, I suppose,” His Grace answered patiently.

Jared moaned and pulled my hand around his elbow. Similarly to before the sensation of elation somewhat evaded me, replaced by the tingles of uneasiness.

My gaze darted around the impatient looking guests, all happy to showcase their high social status. They wore expensive looking and heavily decorated waist coats with colorful bowties – so ridiculously flamboyant and exaggerated I had to force myself not to roll my eyes.

Only one person stuck out like a sore thumb. They wore a plain dark gray coat and black vest, which hugged their lean frame flawlessly. Their deep blue bowtie was tied rather clumsily, as though the person didn’t know what to do with it. My eyes ran from their chest and up to their face until I was faced with the vivid amber of their irises.

I gulped loudly, suddenly feeling faint. “Oh no. Dear God no,” I mumbled under my breath, looking away from Baxter Read as fast as possible. What was I doing, staring at his chest like that? I was only giving him an unnecessary incentive.

“Ashlyn? What is it?” Edith sent me a worry-filled glance.

“His Grace Read, three o’clock.” I whispered back. “But dear God, do not look at him!”

“Well, I believe it’s too late, he has already noticed you. Oh, Ashlyn!”

“I didn’t realize it was him! Besides, he is everywhere I go. God is laughing straight to my face.”

“At least acknowledge him now, it is rude not to. Especially if he caught you gawking at him,” Edith scolded my immature behavior.

I knew she was right; but it was hard to force myself to look at him again. All things considered, it really would be inappropriate if I’d just ignore him – Duke or no Duke. I slowly turned my head back toward him, realizing that he was standing closer that before. Had he moved when I wasn’t watching?