His gaze searched hers, as if testing to see if her words were authentic, or if they were a choice she’d been forced to make. “And you’re certain?” he replied, his grin at war with the tension in his body. How had she come to know his nuances so well?
“I’m certain that you will evaluate the circumstances and see things the very same way, that this is your certain way to freedom . . . and maybe mine too,” Liliah answered.
Luc nodded. “Then this is farewell.”
Liliah forced the lump in her throat to go away as she swallowed. “I believe so.” She didn’t trust herself to say more.
“Then”—he paused and lifted her hand, kissing her knuckles so softly it was only a whisper of a touch— “may I just say that it was a pleasure, Lady Liliah. In absolutely every nuance of the word.” He slowly bowed, released her hand, and without a backward glance, melted into the crowd.
Taking her heart with him.
Yet she didn’t regret her decision.
She only hoped that it wasn’t in vain.
As she watched Luc’s retreating back, she closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to have a moment of self-pity, of longing, and then she turned to seek out Meyer once more.
The hardest part was over; all that was left was convincing her friend of the plan’s ideal merit. Meyer wasn’t difficult to locate, and his confusion was evident in his expression when she approached. Surely he expected her to spend her time with Luc.
The first waltz began, and Meyer extended his hand by way of greeting. Liliah took it readily, her heart pounding with anticipation for the conversation that needed to take place, and that she wished were already completed.
As Meyer led her to the dance floor, he whispered, “Is something the matter?”
Liliah offered a weak smile. “It doesn’t have to be,” she answered honestly.
He didn’t reply, simply held her in the frame of the waltz and started to blend among the other dancers. “Care to elaborate?” he asked after a few moments.
“Yes. But it’s going to be difficult to explain. And you’ll surely need to consider it, but I have faith that you’ll see the promise of such a plan readily enough.”
Meyer nodded. “This sounds serious.”
“It is, my friend,” Liliah answered. “You see, because neither of us has been able to disengage from the betrothal, I’ve somewhat resigned myself to the marriage. But because our friendship will never be more than friendship, regardless of the marriage contract, and there will certainly be expectations your father, and mine, will wish to see fulfilled as a result of our marriage. . .”
Meyer frowned, then closed his eyes. “An heir.”
“Which would be betrayal of the worst sort to our sweet Rebecca. Fate has potentially offered us another alternative.” Liliah hedged, hoping she wasn’t being too forward. It would be months before she knew if she carried Luc’s child, yet they didn’t have time to figure out the details.
“And what is that alternative?” Meyer asked, his eyes narrowing, suspicion deeply evident.
“It would seem that I could already be carrying an heir for us,” Liliah whispered so low she wasn’t sure Meyer heard.
“Dear God, Liliah,” Meyer whispered, his gaze flickering from her face to her belly, then back. “What a bast—”
“I’m not certain, mind you,” she finished. “And while I could demand he make amends, the question I have is if we were to publicize the information, would your father or mine believe it, act on it, and null the betrothal?”
Meyer’s wide-eyed gaze was cast downward as he frowned, as if deep in thought. “As much as I wish to say yes, I’m afraid that they would simply put forth the lie that it was my doing, and the wedding would be hastily completed. They’ve both been beyond reason, so why would they see it now? Especially when this could be the opportunity they need to hurry things along. Besides, they would then know the heir wasn’t mine, and would await another.” He shook his head.
“That is what I suspected as well. And I’ve had no luck in discovering why there is such a push. It’s beyond reason,” Liliah answered.
“Indeed it is.” Meyer sighed, his gaze kind as he regarded her. “I see no other option either, my friend. And I must say that as much of a trial and heartbreak this is for you, it certainly does solve several problems, loath as I am to admit it.”
Liliah nodded once.
“Liliah,” Meyer said gently.
She glanced up at him questioningly.
“Do you love him?”
