She had allowed herself to believe that the kiss meant something more than heat and impulse, that perhaps beneath his charm there was feeling, and beneath that feeling, room for love. She had even imagined that she might be the one to reach him and to prove him wrong.
Her breath caught, and she pressed a trembling hand against her lips.
Lady Isabelle’s cruel little words returned to her now, mocking in their precision.
He belongs to me. He just needs time to realize it.
No, Matilda thought faintly.He belongs to no one. Not even himself.
And yet, despite all reason, her heart hurt. It was not with anger, not even with humiliation, but with the quiet devastation of understanding. She loved him: utterly, hopelessly, and without defense. She had fallen for a man who had already sworn to love no one.
For a long moment she stood there, frozen in the stillness of the hall, her reflection wavering faintly in the glass of a framed portrait opposite her. She looked pale, ghostly, and far too composed.
Then, slowly, she drew in a breath.
Enough.
She turned away from the door and headed down the hallway. Her steps were steady, each one a small act of will. By the time she reached the staircase again, her expression had smoothed into the careful calm she knew so well.
Cordelia spotted her first as she approached the carriage. “There you are! We thought we’d have to send a search party. Did your gloves run off without you?”
Matilda managed a faint smile. “Something like that.”
Hazel peered from the carriage window, with one brow raised. “You look pale. You haven’t changed your mind about the gown, have you?”
“Of course not,” Matilda assured her as she stepped into the carriage.
Cordelia squeezed her hand as she settled beside her. “You’ll be the loveliest creature in the church. Just wait and see.”
Matilda smiled again and turned her face toward the window as the carriage began to roll forward. Outside, the sun shone bright over the estate, and the air was sweet with autumn roses. Inside, her heart felt very still.
If Jasper Everleigh had made himself a promise to end the Harrow line, she realized, she must make one, too: to endthis.
Only, it was only the beginning of their time together as godparents, and she had to live through the day first. The bells of St. Aldwyn’s rang out across the crisp autumn air. The baptism had drawn nearly everyone of consequence within twenty miles, including but not limited to family, friends, and acquaintances all eager to celebrate the new heir of Aberon.
Inside the church, the scent of wax and lilies hung delicately in the air. Evelyn stood radiant beside her husband, with her child cradled in her arms, while the vicar prepared the silver font. Matilda took her place opposite Jasper, each of them named as godparent to the infant.
It was Evelyn’s idea, of course. She had said it was only fitting that her sister and her husband’s closest friend should share the honor. Matilda had agreed readily enough when asked weeksbefore. How could she not? But standing there now, beside him, the irony stung.
Shefelthim before she saw him. The quiet weight of his presence enshrouded her and the warmth that seemed to follow him like an afterthought overwhelmed her. When she finally dared t glance sideways, she saw the familiar line of his jaw. He looked every inch the nobleman: composed, courteous,untouchable.
And she, heaven help her, had once imagined he could feel.
“Are you quite well?” came Jasper’s voice, pitched softly enough that only she could hear.
Her gaze remained fixed on the font. “Perfectly, Your Grace.”
There was a pause. “You are pale.”
“It is merely the light from the windows.”
He hesitated, then added quietly. “I feared I might have?—”
“Pray do not trouble yourself,” she cut in, not giving him a single glance as if that could scorch her. “I am quite content.”
He said nothing more, and the vicar’s gentle voice filled the space where his words might have lingered. The child cooed softly, Evelyn smiled through tears, and the ceremony unfolded with gentle solemnity.
When it came time for the godparents to speak their vows, Jasper’s voice was deep and steady as he promised to guide and protect the child in spirit and honor. Then came her turn. Matilda’s own words emerged clear and calm, though her throat felt tight.
