“You don’t understand. There are too many eyes here.”
His gaze returned to her. “The Black Raven cowering to the mob? You should go to her.”
“I would not wish to upset her.”
“How long has it been, since you saw her?”
“Five years, seven months, and a dozen or so days.”
He looked shocked and waved her away. “Don’t waste this opportunity. You may not get another.”
“Like the opportunity you didn’t get? To say goodbye?”
Bellamy’s eyes narrowed. “Yes. And to ask him questions, about the speculation, Blackhurst and… you.” He looked at her with such a searching look. Heat took over her body and sizzled all the way to her toes. She broke the contact, uncomfortable with the way he made her feel. When she chanced another look at him, he was frowning.
“It seems your sister is not the only member of your family here tonight.”
Lisbeth turned and gasped as her grandmother came limping towards them. Despite needing the aid of a walking stick she was moving at an impressive speed towards them. Her face was a mask of grim determination.
Bellamy bowed. “Lady Fortesque, what a pleasure.” His tone sarcastic.
“Bellamy,” her grandmother acknowledged. She gave no indication she had noted his tone.
She turned towards Lisbeth. “Marie is here.”
“Yes, I just saw her.”
Her grandmother’s eyes narrowed. “You spoke to her?”
“No, I have not spoken to her. I merely saw her in the crush.”
“Good. You and Bellamy must leave,” she said, waving her arms in a shooing motion.
Bellamy stepped forward. “With all due respect, we will leave when we are ready.”
“Do not make a scene,” her grandmother hissed, turning towards Lisbeth. “Your coming back among us is already bad enough.”
What other kind of response did she expect? “Does she know I am here?”
“Not to my knowledge, and I want to keep it that way.”
“I think it should be up to her whether or not she wishes it.”
“I agree,” Bellamy said.
“Stay out of this, Bellamy,” Lady Fortesque said, before she looked around her quickly then turned back to Lisbeth. “Do not be a fool and ruin it for everyone. I will try and organize a meeting… at the opera… next week. I cannot guarantee your reception.”
Lisbeth was dumbstruck for a moment. Her grandmother was offering to set up a meeting between her and Marie? “Thank you. I would never make a scene or do anything to hurt her.”
Her grandmother studied her for a moment, nodded, and walked away.
“You shouldn’t let her dictate terms with you. Seek out your sister on your terms.” His tone was irritated.
“I would if I thought it would be the best way, but my grandmother is right, in this at least.” Lisbeth looked down at her hands clenched in her skirts. She had an overwhelming want to sink to the ground and sob her eyes out in despair and happiness. But the Black Raven would never do such a thing.
Without a word, Bellamy stepped forward and offered her his arm. She took it and together they left the ballroom, her sister, and Selbourne’s armoire behind.
*
