She adjusted her position, curling protectively within.
She supposed she should feel grateful Fee had behaved for the rest of the party and hadfinallyagreed to take a nap. Grateful, too, that Delmare had been a model little gentleman and was now studiously working on his sums.
And yet, how could she dwell in gratitude when, somewhere below, one man’s presence had charged the atmosphere like a pending storm charges the air?
He was only one of many guests, and yet she couldfeelhim as if he were a ghostly presence skulking through the house. The sensation made even the thin hairs on her forearms stand on end.
He was a walking, talking threat. She could handle him, of course—such was the only benefit of her experiences—but she mustn’t let down her guard.
“Mrs. Mont.Rose.”
She opened her eyes to Delmare’s indistinct features.
“I’m sorry, Delmare.” Gently, she pushed him back from his scrutiny. “Were you trying to get my attention?”
“Not me.Him.” He gestured toward the door. “Uncle Heven.”
She swiveled toward the entrance. Hurtheven was, indeed, lounging against the door, though his feline gaze was anythingbutrelaxed.
He’d been intimidating in a muddied greatcoat. He wasdevastatingin brushed-to-a-sheen afternoon dress. She hoped she would not be expected to take dinner with the family as usual. In tailed-and-fitted eveningwear, he just might be deadly.
“You see?” Delmare spoke to the duke. “I told you she was resting, not ill.”
Had Delmare and the duke been speaking?Howhadn’t she noticed? Her gaze flew to the duke, fully expecting to see an echo of his earlier condemnation, but his attention was focused on the child.
“If you thought she was ill,” the duke asked. “What would you do?”
Delmare chewed on the side of his lip. Then, he brightened. “Ask her if she felt faint. Test her skin. Get help.”
“Well?”
Delmare placed the back of his hand against Hera’s forehead.
“Thank you.” Hera plucked away the boy’s fingers. “I am quite hale.”
Delmare glanced to Hurtheven for further direction.
“You have discharged your duties,” he said. “You may go.”
Ugh. Arrogant nob.
Delmare shifted his gaze to Hera. At leastsomeoneremembered who was responsible for the schoolroom.
“You may finish your sums later.” Picking a fight now would not do her any favors. “At present, you may play.”
Delmare grinned before shuffling off to the opposite corner and its shelves of books and toys. She tucked her hair back into her cap before rising to her feet.
“I had plans for Delmare’s lessons,” she said smoothly, even though she hadn’t been giving Delmare her attention.
“I apologize. My purpose was not to disrupt his studies.”
His apology only increased her pique. “It is your right, I suppose.”
“My right?” he echoed.
“You have a great many rights, I’m sure.”Curse her tongue.
Unexpectedly, his ghost-smile returned.
