Elowen’s pulse quickened. She forced herself to remain still, nodding to a passing remark while her awareness shifted wholly toward the man across the room. He noticed her too; his eyes caught hers and lit briefly before courtesy demanded his attention elsewhere.
A flutter of fear accompanied the giddiness that rose within her. She was beginning tohope—a dangerous indulgence. She could not allow herself that luxury, and yet when he looked at her…
She needed to step away. The room was getting far too hot for comfort. Elowen glanced at her mother, who was too engaged in conversation to notice her, before she slipped away, heading towards the terrace.
The cool night air met her like a balm, scented faintly with climbing roses. She crossed to the balustrade, resting her hands lightly upon the stone. Moonlight silvered the garden below, soothing her restless thoughts for a moment.
A door creaked. Footsteps. She turned—and her breath caught.
Lucas stood framed in the doorway, the light behind him. For a heartbeat, he hesitated, uncertain, but whatever he saw in her expression must have reassured him.
“Elowen,” he said softly.
“Lucas.” Her voice was calm, though her heart raced.
“Forgive me. I had not meant to intrude.”
“It is no intrusion. The air is very pleasant.”
He joined her at the balustrade, leaving a careful space between them. “Indeed. The room grew stifling too quickly.”
She smiled faintly. “I had feared it was only my own nerves that made it so.”
“Then we share the fault,” he said.
They stood side by side, hands resting near but not touching. The silence that stretched between them was not uncomfortable, only heavy with unspoken things.
At last, she asked, “Do you enjoy these smaller gatherings?”
“I prefer them,” Lucas said. “Less spectacle, fewer games. The conversations have more weight.”
“And you prefer when they are weighty?”
“With the right company, yes.”
Her breath caught again. She looked down at her hands. “Then Lady Harwick has done us a service.”
“She has,” he said quietly.
Laughter drifted faintly from indoors.
“You are thoughtful tonight,” Elowen said after a pause.
“I am often accused of that.”
“And do you plead guilty?”
“Without hesitation.” He turned slightly toward her. “But what of you? Are you enjoying the evening?”
“I am. More than I expected.”
“Because a certain gentleman is not present?”
Her lips curved despite herself. “Perhaps that improves it. You notice such things quickly.”
Lucas’s smile flickered. “I shall not name him—for we both know.”
“You are very generous,” she said, laughing softly.
