Roo’s eyes narrowed and he looked slightly confused, but the Duke swept past and entered the large room off the stairway; other guests waited outside in the garden. Everything there was in bloom, as Roo had paid a great sum to bring in fully mature plants and for a short time Karli had rejoiced in the size of her new garden. But Roo couldn’t escape the notion she didn’t like the new house.
Jerome Masterson came from the large room and, from behind, whispered in Roo’s ear. “The Duke of Krondor himself! You’re a success, lad.” He patted Roo on the shoulders. “You’re about to find more invitations to dinner arriving than you could answer in a year. Accept the best only, and be polite to the rest. He patted Roo’s shoulder again and wandered back into the crowd.
Karli said, “I should go check on Abigail.”
Roo took her hand and patted it. “She’s fine. Mary’s up there, and if there’s any problem, she’ll come fetch you.”
Karli didn’t looked reassured, but she stayed.
The clatter of horses announced the arrival of Jadow Shati and several soldiers from the garrison. Roo greeted them and shook hands. “How’s the leg?”
Jadow grinned, his broad smile revealing remarkably white teeth. “Fine, though I now know when rain’s coming.” He patted his left leg. “Almost have all my strength back.”
Roo introduced his former companion to his wife, and Jadow led the soldiers with him inside. Roo didn’t know any of them, and laughed to himself; these were obviously new barrack companions of Jadow’s who had come along on the promise of free fond and drink.
The evening wore on, and at last Karli had persuaded Roo that she needed to check on their daughter. While she was gone a large carriage rolled up and Roo’s heart began to pound when he saw who was inside.
Jacob Estherbrook and his daughter arrived and Roo felt his heart beat hard in his chest. Sylvia let the doorman take her cloak, and Roo saw she was dressed in the newest fashion, a gown cut so low as to be close to scandalous by more conservative court standards. Her father wore expensive but conservative dress, a shortcut jacket over a tunic with a single row of ruffles in front, black hose, and black leather shoes with silver buckles. He went hatless and carried a simple cane with an ivory hilt.
Roo took Sylvia’s hand and was loath to release it and greet her father. “Roo,” said Jacob, shaking hands firmly, “I must confess you’ve done remarkable things, young man. We must meet soon and discuss some ventures I have in mind.”
He moved along, and Sylvia lingered. “We’ve just returned from the country and I would love it if you would come for supper again, soon, Roo.” Her eyes never left his and the way she said his name made his knees week.
Then she leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “Very soon.”
Then she was moving past him and he felt her breast brush against his arm. He turned to watch her as she vanished into the now crowded house.
“And who was that?” came Karli’s voice.
He turned and discovered his wife standing before him, returned from upstairs. Roo blinked, then said, “Ah, that was Jacob Estherbrook and his daughter, Sylvia.”
Karli made a disapproving noise under her breath. “The shame of the woman, coming out in public half-naked like that. And look at those men fawning over her.”
Roo narrowed his gaze, for one of the men fawning over her was Duncan, who was quickly cutting off every other young man in the room as they sought to get close to Sylvia. Roo turned to greet his next guest, and said, “Well, she’s pretty and her father is one of the richest men in the Kingdom and has no sons. She’s quite a catch for any single lad.”
Karli said, “I noticed that didn’t keep you and the other married men from drooling down her dress.” She took Roo’s arm in a possessive fashion and stood there until it was clear no more guests were to arrive.
The party lasted well past midnight and Roo couldn’t remember a tiny fraction of most of the conversations he had held. He had been pointedly vague when pressed on matters of business, referring people to Jerome or telling them to stop by at Barret’s the next business day.
He mixed as best he could, trying to keep track of who spoke to him on which matter, but the truth was he was drunk on wine and success. He was one of four partners in the Bitter Sea Trading and Holding Company, but he was rumored to be the driving force behind the sudden emergence of this powerful new company. Women flirted with him and men sought to engage him in conversation, but throughout the night he was only concerned with two things: basking in the glow of triumph and keeping track of Sylvia Estherbrook.