Chapter 5: The Roseville Villa

The day of the party finally arrived, and all the elites from Greenfield, the lush countryside governed by Viscount Burton, were on their way to Roseville, the grand villa of the Ferin family. The occasion was the talk of the region, and the roads leading to the villa were lined with carriages, each more opulent than the last.

Marcus was in high spirits as he dressed for the evening. He chose a cyan coat with intricate gold embroidery, the threads glinting in the evening light. An amber brooch adorned the ruffled cravat around his neck, perfectly complementing the warm hue of his eyes. Satisfied with his reflection, Marcus grinned, anticipating a night free from Leonard’s bothersome presence.

As he headed towards the carriage, his steps quickened. He had every intention of slipping away unnoticed. But as he neared the carriage, his plans were dashed when he saw Leonard already seated inside, waiting with a knowing smile.

Marcus’s heart sank, but he quickly masked his disappointment with a polite smile. “Good evening, Sir Leonard. I see you’re well ahead of schedule,” he greeted, though the cheer in his voice was forced.

“Good evening, Marcus,” Leonard replied smoothly, his gaze steady. “I wouldn’t miss the chance to accompany you.”

Marcus felt a flicker of irritation but kept his tone light. “Of course not. Shall we be off, then?”

As soon as the carriage started moving, Leonard wasted no time. He casually shifted from his seat across from Marcus and settled right beside him, leaning against Marcus’s shoulder as though he were suddenly overcome with fatigue.

Marcus stiffened, his annoyance growing as Leonard rested his head closer. “You’re acting rather cozy, aren’t you?” Marcus muttered, trying to nudge him away.

But Leonard didn’t budge. “It’s just a bit cramped, don’t you think?” Leonard murmured, his voice low and laced with amusement. He closed his eyes, feigning sleep, while Marcus’s subtle protests went completely ignored.

The carriage ride seemed to stretch on forever. Marcus stared out the window, trying to focus on anything other than the weight leaning against him. He shifted uncomfortably but eventually resigned himself to the situation. He couldn’t win against Leonard’s stubbornness, and all he could do was silently count the minutes until they arrived.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Marcus, they reached Roseville. The grand villa stood illuminated by lanterns, its sprawling gardens and ornate fountains welcoming the arriving guests. As they stepped out of the carriage, the host’s attendants led them inside, where the lively chatter of the gathering aristocrats filled the air.

Leonard and Marcus made their entrance together, drawing more attention than Marcus would have liked. Eyes turned toward them, and a ripple of interest spread through the crowd. Leonard, with his composed demeanor and striking presence, immediately caught the attention of the young ladies present.

“Sir Leonard, is it?” one of them inquired, fluttering her fan. “You must tell us more about yourself.”

Leonard flashed a charming smile that made more than a few hearts flutter. “Ladies, it would be my pleasure,” he replied smoothly, his voice like velvet.

The ladies quickly gathered around him, eager to engage him in conversation. Seeing his opportunity, Marcus quietly slipped away into the crowd, grateful to be free from Leonard’s watchful gaze, if only for a while.

As Marcus disappeared among the guests, Leonard continued to entertain the young ladies with effortless charm. He gave polite compliments, offered witty remarks, and let the attention linger on him. But beneath his seemingly engaged exterior, Leonard’s thoughts were elsewhere. His eyes subtly scanned the room, his smile never faltering, but his mind focused on a particular task.

After a few minutes, Leonard made his excuses to the ladies, promising to return later, and discreetly left the main hall. The villa’s open balcony called to him, offering fresh air and a vantage point over the gardens below. As he stepped out into the night, the cool breeze ruffled his hair, and he leaned against the stone railing, looking down at the beautifully landscaped garden.

Near a marble fountain, he spotted a lady in a graceful gown, her lady-in-waiting by her side, pacing with anxiety. Leonard’s lips curled into a smirk as he watched her. He recognized her immediately—someone who could be useful in the intricate game being played.

This party, like many others, held layers of intrigue beneath its glittering surface. While the guests reveled in music and wine.

The night was young, and Leonard had much to accomplish before it ended.

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