Anne could not possibly hurt him. But there were others who could.
How much danger does Whit pose? he asked the geminus.
If any of you gentlemen see Lord Whitney, do not engage with him. Summon me or any of my gemini brethren immediately, and we shall attend to the matter.
It wont tell us precisely how dangerous Whit is. Nor that we should come into direct contact with him. Which means its truly afraid.
Im keeping Rosalind, said Edmund, fierce. Whatevers necessary, Ill do it.
Whitehall is almost mine, John said. Almost. But if I cant read others thoughts, it could all be lost, like that. He snapped his fingers, the noise sharp in the quiet of the study. Ill be no closer to a ranking Cabinet position than a damned pig farmer. I cannot have him, or any of you, compromise that.
Tension thickened in the room. Everyone glared at one another. Hell, theyd start scrapping with each other in a moment.
When the time comes, all of us shall do what is needed to protect our magical gifts. Leo smoothed the scowl from his expression, and made himself smile. For now, lads, be at ease. This isnt merely a counsel of war. Its an offer of thanks. For with assistancehe nodded in turn at Bram, Edmund, John, and the geminusI was able to speed the process of my nuptials along, and bring sooner this happy day.
Brams ability to persuade anyone to do anything had enabled Leo to get a special license rather than go through the lengthier process of having the banns read. Edmund had used his wifes distinguished connections to sufficiently pad the wedding feast with the wealthy and the powerful. Johns contribution had been the reading of Annes fathers thoughts, which, combined with Leos own intuitive ability to gauge people, enabled Leo to say precisely the right things to secure the hand of Lord Wansfords daughter. And, of course, it had been the gift of magic from the geminuss master that increased Leos fortune.
His wife knew none of this, naturally. She had no understanding of his double life, nor the world in which she had now stepped.
Recognizing the joint efforts to hasten Leos marriage, the hostility between the men slowly seeped away.
Though Edmund had not the ability to read minds, he seemed to know the train of Leos thoughts. How will you explain your markings to your bride?
Leos hand drifted to his back. Markings?
Bram snorted. No need for coyness, Master Bailey. You know we all have them. He tapped his chest, just over his heart.
Edmund absently rubbed at his hip, and John pressed his knuckles to his ribs. Each of them, it seemed, carried the mark in different places upon their bodies.
The Devils mark. Images of flame drawn upon his skin. They had appeared on Leos back the day after he and the other Hellraisers had received Mr. Hollidays gifts. The mark had been much smaller then, confined to the area between his shoulder blades. Day by day, however, it had grown. Increased by an unseen hand. Fortunately, Leos valet knew not to ask questions. Spinner was the only person who ever saw the markings. Leo was at all times careful not to bathe in the presence of others.
But soon his wife would see him unclothed.
What say your courtesans and opera dancers when they see your markings? Leo asked Bram.
His friend offered a careless shrug. Nothing, of course. They are too well paid to offer opinions. And those that do venture to speak believe the markings to be some vestige of my time amongst the Natives in America, a primitive means of adorning the body. I do not bother to correct them.
Your new wife may act as my Rosalind does, said Edmund. She has seen the markings on me, naturally, but is far too decorous to speak of them.
Following Brams example, Leo shrugged. In a way, Annes compliance has been purchased, like Brams opera dancers. If I give her no explanation at all, she must be content.
A sensible way to conduct a marriage, said John approvingly.
As though you would have any experience on the subject, Edmund said with a shake of his head. He held his glass of brandy aloft. As the only other married Hellraiser, I welcome Leo to the blessed state of matrimony.
Better you than I. Yet John smiled, and also lifted his glass. Felicitations.
Bram did not raise his glass, however. Does this mean you shall become as dull as Edmund?
The dullard
in question is every bit a Hellraiser, Edmund said, scowling. Merely because I refrain from sticking my cock in every available quim doesnt signify I am any less of a Hellraiser.
Whats the point of being a Hellraiser, then?
Freedom, said Leo. And from that freedom, power.
The groom speaks good sense, John said. And with that, I urge a truce between Bram and Edmund. We cannot afford any more dissention in our ranks.
Leo and the other men murmured in agreement.
Then lift your glass, Bram, said John, and wish Leo happy.
With a grudging smile, Bram did so.
Leo turned to the geminus. The other glass is for you.
You are all kindness. It bowed. But the gemini do not partake of mortal food or drink.