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

hall and tapped lightly on a door to his left.
    "Just give us a minute," a masculine voice boomed from behind the door.
    Grace heard mumbling, giggling, what sounded like someone banging into a table.
    Lord Markham coughed into his fist. "I think we have arrived at a rather inopportune moment."
    "I told you this wasn't a good idea," Grace whispered.
    "You may come in, Radley." A feminine voice called out to the butler. As he opened the door, they heard her whisper, "Will you stop it. Someone's here."
    The butler, maintaining an impassive expression, announced them at once.
    Lord Markham placed his hand at the small of her back and ushered her forward. "Mrs. Denton, may I present Lord and Lady Hale."
    Offering a demure curtsy, Grace was surprised when Lady Hale stepped forward and took her hands. She had a rosy glow to her cheeks and strands of hair had fallen loose from her simple coiffure. "You must call me Evelyn," she said with a warm smile. "And my husband is Alexander. Any friend of Elliot's is a friend of ours."
    Lady Hale walked over to Lord Markham. "Aren't you full of surprises," she said as he brought her hand to his lips.
    He offered an affectionate smirk. "It wouldn't do to be too predictable."
    "Your brother tells me you're recently married," Grace said as Lady Hale gestured for her to sit down. Lord Markham sat beside her on the sofa, stretching his legs out languidly. "May I express my felicitations."
    Lord Hale narrowed his gaze. "You understand that we are not brothers in the usual sense?"
    Lord Markham turned to her. "We are closer than family, hence my use of the term."
    "Ignore Alexander," Lady Hale said. "They're brothers when it comes to the things that matter … friendship, trust and loyalty."
    "Forgive me for disturbing you," Grace said. "I don't know what Lord Markham has told you regarding my circumstances."
    "We understand your sister is missing," Lady Hale replied, her tone empathetic. "We understand you're on your own here in London, and Elliot feels it would be more appropriate if you did not stay at the home of an unmarried gentleman."
    While Lady Hale did most of the talking, both Lord Hale and Lord Markham exchanged numerous glances, leading Grace to believe they were having a silent conversation.
    "Not to mention the fact I almost killed him this morning," Grace added. "I'm sure he'll rest easier knowing I'm not about to tear into his chamber and rip open the drapes."
    Lord Hale shot to his feet, his frantic gaze travelling over the length and breadth of Lord Markham. "Were you hurt?"
    Lord Markham waved for him to sit. "A little scorched. Mrs. Denton mistook my reluctance to get up for indifference to her plight."
    Yes, and for one heart-stopping moment, she had almost fainted at the shocking sight. "Thankfully, he had a decanter of bl … he had a drink to hand else I don't know what would have happened."
    Both Lord and Lady Hale's mouths fell open, their eyes wide as they gaped at her.
    Lord Hale cleared his throat. "Elliot told you about his affliction?"
    "Of course. I have never been so frightened. His eyes were so terribly dark, almost black. I thought he was going to die."
    Unless she was mistaken, Grace noticed Lady Hale smile. "Forgive me," Lady Hale began. "I do not mean to make light of such an awful experience. Elliot is such a private person. I … we are just surprised he told you."
    "Under other circumstances, I doubt he would have mentioned it." Grace screwed up her nose and shook her head. "It is such a debilitating illness. I don't know how he manages."
    "I am still here," Lord Markham said. "And I manage perfectly well. You make me sound like half a man."
    Grace couldn't help but offer him a sultry smile. "I'm sure you do nothing in half measures, my lord."
    His intense gaze drifted over her face before lingering on her lips.
    Now it was Lord Hale's turn to smile. "You know, I do recall having a premonition in this room, not too long ago. When we were discussing who would