Grace keeps an eye out for her brother, but he does not show up to the wake. It is not something she concerns herself with at the moment, given Mamá’s condition and fulfilling her role as dutiful sister and daughter. But when Louis does not show up for breakfast the next morning, it becomes more important.
“Can you stay with Mamá for the morning?” she asks Levi. Her poor husband, thrust into such chaos so soon after the wedding. Becoming a member of the du Lacs was never going to be dull, but she doubts Levi could have predicted this level of nonsense.
“Of course, ma chère.” He smiles, and she is so grateful for this man she loves. She kisses him on the cheek and closes the door.
Grace only needs a cursory look through her brother's room before she finds what she's looking for. Louis is much less discreet than he thinks he is. She is thankful for this, as it makes finding this Lestat de Lioncourt's address so much easier.
—
Grace steps out of the carriage and looks at the townhouse in front of her. It is a handsome thing, close to Storyville but far enough away its denizens are unlikely to cause disturbance.
She knocks on the door and waits. She is about to try again when it opens. Monsieur de Lioncourt peeks around the side, as if he were trying to avoid the light as much as possible. Grace wonders what kind of night he had to warrant such caution with the sun.
"Mademoiselle du Lac! To what do I owe the pleasure? Please, come in."
She steps into the foyer and de Lioncourt closes the door behind her. He’s wrapped in a gaudy robe, dark with a bright golden leafy pattern.
“I apologize for my dishabille. Would you like a cup of coffee? Some tea, perhaps?”
Grace regards him coolly. He does not appear hung over or otherwise worn out as she expected. He looks quite well; better than Louis did last night, certainly. A low, furious anger burns in her at this, so untouched while the world falls apart around her.
She shakes her head. “No, thank you. I won’t be staying long.”
“Then how may I be of service?” He’s so solicitous it almost feels mocking, but maybe that’s what being French is like.
“Louis didn’t come home last night.” Grace doesn’t need to feign concern to make her voice wobble.
De Lioncourt’s face becomes immediately concerned. “Oh, my dear. You must be beside yourself.”
“Have you seen him?”
“Unfortunately not. If I do, I will drag him to your doorstep if need be.”
Grace pictures the fuss that would occur if he did. “A carriage will suffice.”
“Noted.” He bows his head, low enough it’s a little bit mocking for sure.
“I heard the… dust-up behind me in the first line. When I turned around to look, I saw you getting into it with Mr. O’Shea.” She fixes him with a look. “What did you say to my brother?”
“That I missed his company and wished to see him.” To Grace’s surprise, there is no affectation. “I realize now it was a poor time and place to do so, but sometimes the yearning, the desire to be close to… a friend. It can make even sensible men stupid. And I am not a sensible man.”
Despite herself, she does smile. “Wanting to spend your free time with Louis? I’d say not.”
“He is infuriating, as I’m sure you well know. But he is also wonderful, a true marvel. You are fortunate to have him as a brother.”
Grace does not know this de Lioncourt well. But it is clear he is well smitten with Louis. It’s not such a terrible thing, for somebody else to see him as worthy of regard.
“And I’m grateful my brother has a… friend who appreciates him.” She steps forward, just close enough to be impolite. “But if you ever interfere in my family’s business again, or you break his heart? I will cut you like a fish and leave your insides on the dock for the gulls. Do we have an understanding?”
There’s a flash of amusement in de Lioncourt’s eyes, but also something else that might be respect. “You have the same spirit as your brother, Mademoiselle. I would never trifle with you.”
“See that you don’t. Or with him. Good day, Monsieur de Lioncourt.”
Grace lets herself out, climbs back in the carriage. Despite the rising heat of the day, a chill seems to follow her all the way home.