***
With Lily safely in Madam Pelletier's capable hands, Simon made his way to Canis House, an exclusive club to which he and his brothers belonged. The Georgian manor was a bit off the beaten path. In fact, it was so far off the path that he'd had to ride one of the horses from his stables to get there, as the trail wasn't wide enough for his coach.
It was a far cry from White's or other gentlemen's clubs, but only because the members of Canis House had a tendency to grow bushy tails and howl at the moon. Aside from that, it offered the same plush comfort as London's clubs.
Simon stepped into the dimly lit drawing room and allowed his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Within seconds, he spotted his father's oldest friend and confidante, Major Desmond Forster, who occupied a table at the back of the room.
"To what do I owe the honor, Simon? Should I thank that pretty new wife of yours since you have finally paid a visit to your father's old friend?" The man's smile was infectious, and Simon couldn't resist grinning back.
"I'm actually here about something else, Major," Simon confessed as a footman brought a glass of whisky and set it before him. He paused a moment to take a healthy swallow.
"What do you need, Simon?" Leave it to Major Forster to cut right to the meat of the matter.
"I need to find out how many of our kind are enrolled at Harrow."
"Whatever for?" the retired officer said as he sat forward.
"My ward and young cousin will begin school in a few weeks. When we took a tour of the grounds, there was a faint scent. It was almost as though one of our kind had been there. Recently. Do you know of anyone?"
Major Forester nodded. "Actually, there are at least two that I can think of. But there could be more. Not all of our kind offer their information to The Society, as you know."
"I just wanted to ensure Maberley will be safe," Simon said, grateful there would be at least one other boy in residence. "I wonder how much older the others are?" he mused aloud. Oliver could really use a mentor.#p#分页标题#e#
"Maberley? By God, is Daniel's son already old enough for Harrow?" A smile overtook the Major's face.
"It took me by surprise as well," Simon said.
"It was quite a tragedy, what happened to his parents. I'm glad the boy has you."
"I never thought I'd say it, but I'm quite happy to have him as well. He came with my wife." Simon's eyes danced with glee. "A bonus."
"I would say so." Major Forester tilted his head and regarded Simon quietly. "I would also dare to say that you're in love."
"Quite," Simon confessed. He heaved a sigh.
"Don't make it sound so dreadful, will you, chap? They say falling in love is quite an occasion. It has been quite a long time since I've done so. I can barely remember what it's like."
"Have you ever…?" Simon stopped himself. "Never mind," he mumbled.
"Have I ever what?" the major prodded. "Ask the question that's eating at you." He motioned for more drinks to be brought to the table.
Perhaps liquid courage would help, Simon thought as he tossed back another shot.
"I'm just wondering," Simon hedged. "My father and mother must have had a very normal relationship. I don't remember him ever leaving when the moon was full."
"And?" Major Forster prompted.
Simon sighed. "Have you ever claimed a mate?" he finally spit out. He refused to even glance in the major's direction for fear that the man would be rolling on the floor with laughter. But the old officer just clapped his big hand on Simon's shoulder, forcing his attention.
"Indeed I have." He smiled at the memory.
"And it… went… well?" Simon couldn't figure out how to ask the questions he needed to have answered.
"Splendidly," the major said, coughing a little to cover the emotion that coated the word. "What's your fear, Simon? You know your parents had a Lycan relationship. And your mother is no worse for wear."
"I've resolved to never claim Lily."
"Why in the world would you do such an idiotic thing?" Major Forster's voice rose an octave.
"Would you keep your voice down?" Simon growled, looking around the room to see who had heard. Fortunately, no one seemed to be paying them a bit of attention.
"Is your Lily a little mouse? Is she fragile?"
"No, not at all."
"Then share your life with her. Or you do an injustice to both yourself and to her. You'll never fully know her until she shares in every part of your life. Don't you want to be a whole man?"