***
It was well past one in the morning when Brand returned from the ambassador's mansion.
As soon as the carriage came to a full halt, he jumped out and, crossing the short distance, made for the rented villa. Hardly tired, he decided to have some papers reviewed for the business Alexander had commanded.
"Welcome sir," the hired butler murmured, admitting him with a brief bow.
He acknowledged the man with a nod and entered at once, immediately searching for the study.
The halls were rightly silent. Tired from the day's activities, everyone had turned in for the night. Or so he thought.
As he reached the parlour, he heard voices. Muted, masculine voices, and a mischievous laughter.
He stopped. Who remained awake at such an hour? And why did they sound… convivial? His brow knitted. Had Lawrence taken to entertaining women in the villa? He couldn't now, could he? There were ladies under this roof. Lawrence, for all his faults, was not a fool.
