Page 40 of The Black Key

His blue eyes brighten. “Oh, lovely. She seems like a sweet girl. Easy to care for.”

“She is,” I say, looking over to where she stands by the open glass doors beside Garnet, chattering away while the Countess of the Stone looms over her, a fake smile plastered on her face. “I don’t believe your mistress is enjoying the party much.”

“The Countess has eccentric tastes,” he replies. “I don’t think most people would quite understand what she truly enjoys.”

I know exactly what he means, but I just nod politely.

“Really, she’s here to see the surrogate,” Emile says, leaning toward me. “As most of them are.”

“Ah. Right.”

“Have you seen her recently?” he asks.

“No,” I lie. “The Duchess keeps her locked up.”

There is a sudden burst of laughter, the Duke and a few other royal men guffawing about something and slapping each other on the backs. I note the Lord of the Glass, the Duke’s brother-in-law, among them. The Duke is laughing so hard he spills his drink and a footman rushes over with a fresh one, while a waiter cleans up the mess. One of the Regimentals by the ballroom door watches the Duke warily.

Emile sighs. “He really does know how to make a scene. Probably where Garnet gets it from.”

“At least Garnet is funny,” I say.

He laughs.

Just then there is the wailing cry of a baby and the Exetor and Electress’s arrival is announced. A nurse accompanies them, carrying little Larimar, wearing a child-size suit. He is bigger than when I saw him at the Exetor’s Ball, all chubby cheeks and dark curls. He’s actually quite adorable. He squirms in the nurse’s arms, rubbing his eye with a fat little hand. Lucien trails behind them, a shadow in white.

They make their way to the front of the reception line to congratulate Garnet. The Electress’s voice is so high and loud, I can hear her easily.

“Why, I haven’t been here since your engagement party,” she exclaims. “How are you two finding married life?”

“It’s wonderful, Your Grace,” Coral gushes. “I adore being married.”

The Electress laughs her chirpy laugh. “So do I.”

Larimar spits up a little and the nurse wipes his chin with a cloth.

“Isn’t he just the most precious thing you’ve ever seen?” Coral coos.

“Yes, darling,” Garnet says.

“I’m eager to see the girl carrying his future wife,” the Electress says, glancing around. Subtlety is not her strong suit.

“I’m sure we will shortly, my dear,” the Exetor says. Unlike his wife, he does not sound particularly eager to see Hazel. “Where is your mother, Garnet? I’m surprised she’s not in the thick of things as she usually is.”

“She’s probably in the kitchen shouting at the cook,” Garnet says lazily. “It’s her second favorite pastime. Aside from shouting at me, of course.” He grins and the Electress and Coral giggle.

“You will be attending the Auction this year,” the Electress says. “Are you excited?”

“I can hardly wait, Your Grace,” Coral gushes. “I’m having a dress specially made for it.”

“Where are you getting it done?”

“Miss Mayfield’s.”

“Oh! She’s one of the best.”

“That’s what everyone says.”

“Darling,” the Electress says, pressing herself against the Exetor, “we must have Coral and Garnet over for dinner. They are a couple in their own right now; it only seems appropriate that we dine with the future Duke and Duchess of the Lake, don’t you think?”