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How could he not know that Lord Fernall was dead?

Chapter 3

“Have no fear,” Matthew Chandler said slapping Tristan playfully on the back “You’ll find no desperate debutantes here There’s no need to scurry behind potted ferns in a bid to hide fro through my door is sure to find their reputation in tatters co”

Tristan smiled as he let the decadent atmosphere soothe his anxious spirit “There are so a masquerade so soon after Andrew’s death”

He glanced around the ballroom, at the array of vibrant and so ratherhours spent in Chandler’s townhouse was just what he needed And his black domino afforded a certain anonymity

“Propriety is not soreen eyes shone with amusement “You shouldone’s desires is a sure way to ease a troubled mind, my friend”

Tristan had no intention of conducting an illicit liaison He was si from his coattails “I was expected to attend Lady Padmore’s soiree, but I would prefer to stick pins inof fake smiles and mindless drivel”

“I still don’t understand why you caive up your happiness just so an heir, which you have yet to produce Iafter you are dead Spend it all now That’s what I say Live every day as though it could be your last”

Tristan snorted He admired Chandler’s honesty and relaxed attitude, but their circumstances were entirely different “Your brother is still very h to ensure your o without Your uncle dotes on you, pays your tailor’s bills and the repairs to your carriage If you were forced to take your brother’s place, would you still host your exclusive parties then?”

Chandler shook his head “Good Lord You have been spending far too ood for the constitution You’ll be grey and wrinkled before you reach thirty” He draped his arm around Tristan’s shoulder and stared out over the crowded roo e” Chandler chuckled “Since Lord Del his scandalous balls, I have been inundated with requests for membership This is an exclusive club of sorts Uncle Herbert hasn’t had to put his hand in his pocket for months”

Tristan envied any e and the ithal to live as he pleased “Then I commend your efforts But let me ask you a question What will you do when you meet a woman you admire, one who disapproves of what you do here? Would you turn your back on a life of decadence and debauchery? Would you give it all up for love?”

“Love?” he scoffed “I iine love to be akin to madness, and I have no desire to spend my days in Bedlam” Chandler brushed his mop of black hair fro sentiment However, should such an unlikely occasion arise, I shall just have to hope she’s an heiress willing to trade e”

Tristan laughed It was refreshing to spend time with someone with such loose morals

“Come” Chandler continued “I’ll not leave you alone to wilt like a wallflower in the corner If we cannot find a woman to spark your interest, ill drown your sorrows in a bottle of brandy”

Tristan was about to surrender to his friend’s profligate suggestion when he noticed Chandler’s foot at them from the stairs “It appears your foote him Either that or he is so happy in his employment he wants the whole world to know”