Duke of Darkness by Anabelle Bryant

everyone else’s page. He didn’t wish to see Lexi embarrassed. And what had he been thinking to be so bold in his comments? There were only four people in the room. It wouldn’t take much thought for Lexi to realize which list was his.
    “This paper says kind, lovely, cheerful, friendly and polite. I bet that’s yours, Phineas.” Julia tossed her head towards her brother where he leaned against a bookcase. He returned a curt nod, discomfited by his sister’s acknowledgement.
    Devlin interjected. “I don’t believe it’s necessary to point out whose list you are reading. You stated it was an anonymous game and you’re making this more uncomfortable than needed.”
    “I know my brother, that’s all.” Julia appeared annoyed rather than contrite and she pitched the paper into the fire and turned to open the next one.
    Leave it to Phineas to write such a neutral list of qualities. Never one to rock the boat. Meanwhile, Alexandra offered him an appreciative smile and thank-you.
    “This list says intelligent, friendly, intuitive, caring and trustworthy.” Julia spared everyone her speculation, but she stared in his direction as if she was certain he’d written the words. Pity she was wrong. Surely she would know soon enough. Across the room, Julia tossed the paper towards the coals and reached for the third list.
    He watched as she opened the scrap. This should be the worst of it as Julia unfolded her own note and of course he knew what was on his own.
    “This list says lovely, friendly, smart, witty and kind.” Julia flipped the page into the fire before anyone could react, but Phineas pushed away from the bookcase with an objecting comment.
    “Tell me again why we are doing this. Anyone who meets Lady Alexandra will be instantly charmed. I detest parlour games, especially one so ridiculous.”
    Julia ignored her brother’s objection, not to be stopped. She held the stage and would never relinquish it. She unfolded the last note with a determined swish of her arm.
    Devlin watched and his smile begged for release. Julia’s eyes flared. Her smiled dropped, perplexed at how to proceed, but only for the span of a heartbeat.
    “My brother’s right. Game over. Let’s all have lemonade.” Julia refolded the note and dropped it into her skirt pocket, before she picked up her glass and settled beside Alexandra. An awkward pause followed until Julia reassembled and produced yet another paper from her skirt.
    Across the room, Devlin watched as the motion caused the smaller paper, his list from the previous game, to flutter to the floor and fall at Lexi’s feet. If she were to look down, she would see it at rest near her left slipper.
    Damn it all to hell. He attempted to shirk the uneasy feeling that everything would go to Hades unless he reclaimed that slip of paper. How foolish of him to list his true feelings. Even worse, Julia had read the page. He imagined the tiny wheels in her head turning with fervour although she sat there smiling at his Lexi. Something needed to be done.

Chapter Thirteen
    “This is the list of bachelors I’ve assembled for Alexandra.” Julia waved a piece of paper in the air above her head.
    “Another game? Pray tell you did not put me on that list. While I would be honoured to be considered worthy of the beautiful lady,” Phin paused to offer Alexandra a dramatic bow, “I refuse to get married. And you know that.” He pointed an emphatic finger in Julia’s direction and moved to the sideboard to refill his glass with brandy instead of lemonade. Devlin itched to follow his lead and do the same.
    A clumsy silence ensued. Instead of the anticipated jovial afternoon with friends, Devlin noticed a forced veneer of pretentiousness that worked to wear his patience thin. And still the scrap of paper waited on the rug beside Alexandra’s slipper.
    Placing his glass on the writing desk, he walked to where the ladies reclined and slipped the bachelor list from Julia’s fingers before she