Read Oxford Blood (The Cavaliers: Book One) Page 17

“I stopped George from having his way with her a few days ago, but now he’s invited her to the Cavaliers’ Winter Dinner, and I’m worried that she’s going to accept. I’m not sure how to stop her. Would you allow me to take her myself so she can meet everyone but stay safe?”

  Gripping the phone handset hard, Tom waited for Adelaide’s response. The thought of George and Harriet together made him sick.

  “I fail to see what the problem is Tom. You were tasked with keeping away lowlifes and those who sought to take advantage, not with stopping senior Cavaliers with impeccable pedigrees from taking my daughter as their date for prestigious events.”

  “So you are in favour of this? But George has such a reputation. The number of girls. The violence. The endless feuds with Rupert and anyone else who disagrees with him.”

  “Do you think I care about any of that? Are you so rusty on your history that you need reminding that George is a founder member? That he fought in the vampire regiment during the Civil War? That he’s extremely powerful and well respected and, for what it’s worth, very charming and attractive? Do you not understand that I want my daughter to be turned by the best?”

  Adelaide almost shouted out the words, her anger in marked contrast to her usual cold, calm demeanour. Tom suspected that anything relating to Harriet could make her irrationally furious.

  “In that case I won’t make any opposition; I’ll just keep an eye on proceedings.”

  “That’s better. You need to take a step back, Thomas. You’re getting far too personal. You dislike George because he’s stronger than you are, and you’ve clearly still not shaken off your absurd crush on my daughter. I’ve warned you about that before.”

  “I’ve stayed away from her all term until I absolutely had to step in, I promise. If you really want to know, she’s furious with me. I don’t think you have to have any concerns on that front.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, but I want to be sure. Make sure you have your own date for the Cavaliers. Ideally make it someone my daughter can’t stand and be insanely and publicly passionate with her. Sometimes we just have to be cruel to be kind.”

  Tom muttered his assent through clenched teeth.

  “Excellent. I look forward to the debriefing on Saturday evening. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a gallery launch to attend.”