With a meaningful nod at Kendrick, he exited the drawing room through the balcony doors.
Something was afoot. She was certain of it.
Aurelia tracked Kendrick’s movements as he made his way across the room to her brother’s side. In much the same surreptitious manner that he had whispered to Camden, he whispered into Will’s ear. Curious indeed.
She was debating whether to approach her brother and demand an explanation or to follow Camden outside when the door to the drawing room, left slightly ajar, was flung open. It struck the wall with an unceremonious crack. A gentleman strode in, glancing wildly around.
Everyone stopped talking at his bold entrance. His cravat hung askew, as though he had been in the process of removing it not very long ago and then forgot he had set about the task.
She had to applaud her brother. He failed to look the least shocked as he turned to face the intruder. “Lord Arlington. This is an unexpected surprise.”
Ah. Arlington. Aurelia vaguely recognized the gentleman now.
“Merlton.” The man nodded once at Will, his gaze hardly touching on him. He was too busy scanning the room, his gaze skipping over each person, clearly searching for someone.
Obviously dissatisfied with his findings, he grunted and swung his gaze back to her brother. “Where is he?”
“He? Who?” Will blinked innocently.
Arlington expelled a great breath, as if mustering patience. “I just left his town house where I was told he was dining here this evening.”
“My apologies, Lord Arlington, I haven’t the foggiest notion who you’re talking about. As you can see, our entire party is assembled here.” Will gestured about the room, the lie tripping easily off his tongue.
Arlington returned his gaze and surveyed the room again, as if he had somehow been mistaken in his first inspection.
Declan moved to stand beside her brother. “Who is it you seek, Arlington?”
“You bloody well—” He stopped himself abruptly, his cheeks reddening as he assessed the ladies present. He nodded at each of them in a semblance of apology. Leveling his voice, he addressed Declan again. “You know of whom I speak. You three have been thick as thieves all your lives,” he accused. Again he looked as though he wished to add more but the presence of the women in the drawing room cut him short.
“Do you mean Camden?” Will exchanged a searching look with Dec. “I’ve not seen him since . . . er, Wednesday. No Tuesday, I believe.”
Her brother should have been on stage. Who knew he could lie so well?
She crossed her arms. Why were they protecting him? Max was a big boy. He’d obviously offended Lord Arlington in some way. Let him answer for his transgressions. And yet she held her tongue.
“Yes, it’s been a few days,” Will said. “He is not here.”
Aurelia narrowed her gaze on the flushed-face gentleman, quickly appraising him. From the way his hands clenched at his sides, he wanted to see Max. Badly. And it wasn’t to chat about the weather. No. He was here for a pound of flesh.
“You speak of Camden?” Freddie called out across the room.
She cringed, already knowing what was coming. Dear Freddie was not the sharpest lad.
“Of course he’s here, Will. You must have forgotten.” Grinning, Freddie nodded as though glad to be of service. “I just saw him step out into the gardens for some fresh air.”
Will and Dec both glared at dear Freddie, and his smile faltered in confusion.