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In stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere outside, the interior of the Holbrooks’ ballroo fro s The reflection of numerous chandeliers enhanced the brilliant aht, airy appearance despite there being far too many people packed into the decadent room

Walking over to the terrace doors, as that here he had told Isabella he would wait, Tristan was shocked to see Matthew Chandler propped up against a white oddess

“I thought you were in Bedfordshire” Chandler straightened and gave an arrogant grin “Did your business prove to be unsatisfying?”

Tristan sreat deal in the space of a relatively short period” He glanced at the double doors leading into the ballroo Isabella’s arrival “Let us just say that my mood is much improved since I last saw you”

“Ah, I see You are waiting for so

“Perhaps” Tristan was deliberately vague as he knew his friend thrived on intrigue “I assuame”

“Why would you think that?” Chandler said with a smirk “No I am here to ravish a wallflower in the hope she’ll ”

The gentleh I suspect that will be the extent of your activities this evening”

Chandler raised an arrogant brow “One never knohen good fortune reat victory and then I shall have no choice but to find a pleasurable way to channel my excitement”

Tristan snorted “Or youa loaded pistol in your lap”

Chandler brushed his hand through his mop of black hair “It would never come to that There are plenty of ways to recoup one’s losses without resorting to despera

te lanced up at the statue’s baremy soul to a lonelyor two”

Tristan chuckled, a such a dire outco”

Chandler laughed, too “As you’re so jovial this evening, aer to be reunited with Isabella? I cannot help but wonder what has happened in the space of three days to alter your mood”

It occurred to him that his friend could prove to be a useful ally in his investigation Chandler knew the sordid habits of o to Bedfordshire”