“Hmm?” Willoughby’s lips formed a line. “Yes, of course. Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Just that you’re staring longingly at Jocelyn again,” I said. “You look sad.”
He waved dismissively and stood. “I should fetch us more wine.”
“Daniel,”I tried.
“Leave him alone,” Cyrus muttered. “Stop meddling.”
“Meddling?”I narrowed my eyes. “Tell me, Ser. Did you speak to her about whatwespoke of?”
“No,” Daniel said.
“And why not?” I asked.
“Svana.” Cyrus lost his grin.
“I’m just asking a question, my love,” I said.
He turned to my knight. “You don’t have to answer her questions, Dan. She’s nosy. Stop being nosy, Swan.”
“I’m notnosy,”I argued. “I’m caring. I care about our friends.”
Willoughby nodded. “I’m alright. I’ve simply decided I’m not going to tell her of my fears. There’s no reason.”
“No reason? What?” I shook my head. “You don’t think she deserves to know?”
“Sure, she would, if I intended to declare myself, but I don’t, so she doesn’t,” he said.
“I thought youlovedher?” I asked.
Cyrus’ eyes widened. He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I don’t think this is your–”
“You can’t just take that back,” I explained. “Words like that matter. They matter deeply to us women.”
“Yes, I know,” Daniel said. “That’s why I never extended them to her.”
“Itold her,” I said. “I told Josie you loved her.”
His face lost its color. “You told Miss Jocelyn that I loved her?” he asked. “Why? Why would you do that?”
“Svana,” Cyrus worried. “You did not? Did you?”
“Well, it’s not as though I ruined anything. In fact, I think I likely saved whatever it was between you. Oh, don’t look at me like that. She was very upset. She thought you believed yourself better than her because of your father might–”
“Ah! Soyoudisclosed my fears regarding my father?” he asked. “Grand.”
“I didn’t–I didn’t mean to harm you. I just… She’s my friend.”
“I’myour friend,” he said.
“Yes, but–”
“Iam your friend,” Ser Willoughby said.“I’m your family. Your blood. I told you of all that in confidence. How would you feel if I went and told everyone of your affair with Cyrus?”
Cyrus locked his jaw. He stared at him. Willoughby sighed.
“I’m not going to,” he said. “But the idea is rather lousy, don’t you agree, cousin?”
