It had to be about her. But the war, he was going to drag her into it. And this little convincing he did with his sister.
What was that? It was probably because he was weak. He needed to feel his strength.
Tessa wouldn't keep him glued to a conversation for long. Well, she wasn't one to be trifled with also.
Tessa was definitely the lady, but she was also lethal, and the fact that this was part of her hidden qualities made her all the more deadly.
She was one of the few royals he had ever fought with and the fight wasn't going anywhere.
She was strong, alright, but not stronger than him. He had a ball to plan anyway, and he had to make sure this territory was free of enemy.
"Steed Grantham!" Quinn whispered. "I need you."
In a flash, a dark tall man stood behind Quinn.
"My lord," Steed said.
"I need you to help Preston with the ball arrangements," Quinn said.
"Ball arrangements?" Steed sounded surprised like there were other better things to do.
"It's a bit off the task for now, but I need you to make sure there are no enemy's around our territory for the ball that's upcoming.
Bring in more old friends, and have them watch the manor. If you find any, do not spare them. You have orders to kill, but be discreet."
"That's the only service you'll want of me, my lord?"
"Yes."
Steed bowed, and zoomed out of the room. Quinn took to his feet, he moved to feed in the dungeon.
Nesta looked at the streets of London through the window in her carriage with a smile.
It felt like ages since she was last here, and so little had changed.
Madam Margry's Fashion Shop had a new signpost with a new design and the shop looked newly painted.
No doubt, she was very good at making gowns for high lords and ladies now unlike last time her gowns had been laughed at.
What Nesta saw through the showcase made her smile. Maybe, she would entreat her father to get her one or two of those.
Ladies with umbrellas looked at her carriage, some stared for long, probably they could see the seal of Devonshire, the eagle with the snake in its beak.
There was no certainty that they could see her. Darkness provided better cover.
The carriage approached Kerri's joint, and Nesta hoped lord Bramford hadn't come to this spot to patronize any of the ladies.
They traded sex for money here, and looking how they stood on the streets with their cleavages exposed, sure, that was tempting enough.
Nesta looked sideways to see Lillian had her gaze locked to the other side of the window. "There's so much here that's interesting," she said.
Nesta chuckled, "Indeed."
Soon, they arrived at her father's three-story building, and the carriage with a few of her father's guards behind all rode into the gate.
The carriage was opened later on, and Nesta was helped out with the aid of a footman, Lillian followed behind. They were greeted by servants, and ushered into the house.
"Where is your father, my lady?" Sherry, the head servant, asked Nesta. "I heard he was to arrive with you."
"He stopped by the office to get a few documents," Nesta said. "Is there a problem?"
"No. I just wanted to talk to him about a few arrangements."
"He should be here soon."
Nesta smiled and touched this lady who was in her late forties on her shoulder.
"Welcome once again, Lady Weaver," Sherry said. "I'll have the servants see your things inside. From the state of your luggage, it seems you'll be staying with us for a long."
Nesta couldn't believe it had been a year. Sherry was never one to miss a thing. Surely, she understood why Nesta had come.
"Lady Lisa called on you," Sherry said. "I told her you weren't around."
"Thank you, Sherry," Nesta said.
"I have your room all made up."
"Thank you."
Nesta moved to her room with Lillian.
"She works so hard," Lillian said.
"Who are you referring to?" Nesta asked.
They walked into the room.
"Sherry of course," Lillian said. "When it comes to getting things done, Sherry rivals me in every aspect."
"That's why father keeps her here," Nesta said. "He's usually here most of the time, and well, Sherry, she takes her job like it's her life, so for that, I also do admire her."
They settled down, and rested a little, then, later on, Sherry came to announce her father had arrived and that dinner would soon be ready.
Nesta moved to the window and opened it, a soft evening breeze touched her. No one, except probably Lord Bramford, knew she was around.
It would be grand showing up for his ball. Best she looks her best. Coming back to society, she wondered if it would be something worth talking about.
Nesta's things were set in the room, and Lillian ordered a few servants to see certain things to certain places as Nesta went down for dinner.
Along the stairs, she heard Sherry talking to her dad about a welcome card they got, and Nesta paused to listen.
"So kind of lord Bramford," John said. "Do send my thanks to him."
"My lord," Sherry said.
Nesta reached the foot of the stairs, her shoe graced the floor. She walked up to the table, curtly nodded to her father, and sat down.
"How did it go, father?" Nesta asked.
"It went well," her father said. "Lord Bramford invited us to his house for dinner tomorrow. Would you like to come?"
Nesta ignored the timing and said, "Yes." At least, she would see him again.
"He said he would have invited us at noon, but he needed us to rest after our trip."
How did he know they had just arrived? It couldn't be possible. Unless someone who worked for Quinn had seen her father's seal.
Nesta and her father focused on their meal. Nesta felt joy building up inside her. She couldn't believe she was in London.
"Are you happy?" John asked his daughter.
"I am," she said.
Nesta slept quite early. Tired and feeling uncomfortable to rest in the carriage, she drifted to a land of dreams.
Tomorrow, she will see him again. She couldn't wait for tomorrow to begin.