Or grayish blue, rather. To call them mesmerizing made Leopold sound too much like some blathering poet.
“Both of us, I hope.” But he had a few questions of his own. “You’re surprisingly calm for a lady in your position.”Aside from her little stunt with that knitting stick.“Why is that?”
“What does it matter to you? Isn’t your job easier if I’m not screaming and crying and carrying on?” She didn’t raise her voice, and the tears she’d nearly shed earlier had already dried up. Then she tilted her head. “Or was that what you wanted?”
“God, no.” he answered. Was that fear in her eyes? Some degree of wariness would be expected, sensible, but her expression remained mostly placid. Normally, he had no problem reading people. But this woman… “You believed me, didn’t you? When I promised I wouldn’t hurt you.” It would be incredibly naïve of her but was possibly the best explanation for her composure. Had Foxbourne believed him as well? Was the entire family oblivious to the dangers of this world?
That might explain why Foxbourne was messing around with Crossings.
“You told my father you were going to let me go soon. Why wouldn’t I believe you?”
Good God. She really was that naïve. He shook his head. He might not pose a threat to her, but others did, and she’d be wise to exhibit caution. “I didn’t offer any timeline. Besides, I could have lied.” He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw, sending her a look that terrified some of the toughest men on the docks.
She blinked. “Did you?”
Leopold exhaled. “No.”
“Would it have made a difference?” she asked. “If I had fought harder?”
“No. But you’d do well not to be so trusting—especially where men are concerned.” It was a fair warning.
She sent him a brittle smile. “My entire life has been decided by men—my father and brother. After I marry, every important decision will be made by my husband. I find I’m much happier if I can convince myself to trust that they will act in my best interest.”
The second the words left her mouth, Lady Amelia’s expression seemed to crumple for just a second.
Leopold frowned. He would never put his future in another person’s hands. When he did Malum’s bidding, it was because he chose to do so.
And yet, he recognized some wisdom in her thinking, even if it made her seem foolish.
Regardless, she needed to understand the gravity of her situation.
“Don’t imagine you’ll see your family anytime soon.” If Foxbourne wasn’t careful, it was possible she’d never see them again.
Most humans, he realized, would feel some sympathy for the Foxbournes.
But not Leo. Since he knew little to nothing of his own parents, sympathy wasn’t something that ever touched him.
This woman had lived her life in luxury—with a maid, cooks, and drivers. She’d never had to sleep with an empty belly, huddled with other foul-smelling orphans to keep warm, or fear she’d be stabbed before waking.
He’d be a fool to waste his sympathies on the likes of her.
“How long, then?” she demanded in a cultured voice, not yet prepared to relinquish her dignity.
Leopold watched her carefully. “Weeks—perhaps months. I expect you’ll miss most of your precious Season.”
Leopold waited for the tears that would surely come now.
“That’s fine with me.” The corner of her mouth twitched. “I didn’t want to go anyway.”
Few people had the ability to surprise Leopold; he hadn’t expected Lady Amelia to be one of them.
“Why not?”
She lifted one shoulder and then dropped it. “Where do I start?” She was being flippant. He’d just kidnapped the woman at gunpoint, by God, and she seemed almost… relieved.
She must be in shock.
“Oh, I don’t know. The truth?” He didn’t like playing games.
