Chapter 338: A Matter of Fairness
The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls of Earl Hawthorne's chambers. The room was warm, illuminated by the golden glow of candles and the flickering flames that licked at the logs in the fireplace. Heavy curtains had been drawn across the windows, sealing out the cool night air and the prying eyes of anyone who might have been passing by.
Five gentlemen were scattered about the chamber, glasses in hand, their postures relaxed but their minds clearly elsewhere. The drinks had been poured by the Earl's valet, who had since retreated to a corner of the room, his presence unobtrusive and his expression carefully neutral. No one would know they were gathered here, for the guards stationed outside had been instructed to ensure their privacy.
Earl Hawthorne looked around at the assembled company, a sigh escaping him.
