“We went to the races the day before. And I saw someone from Gabriel’s past, and it reminded me of a note I found in his possessions. It was signed fromW.”
“A threat?”
“More or less. ‘Meet me at dawn,’ that sort of thing.”
“Who did you meet?” His brow furrowed for a moment, as he studied me. “Oh…” he drew out that syllable with a knowing tone and I was caught. “You’ve met a man.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Liar.” There was no accusation, just an infuriating smirk. “Who is he? Do I know him?”
The stubborn part of me considered insisting on my ruse, but really, what purpose would it serve? “William Hart.”
His eyes widened in response before settling into a studious squint and he added a circumspect, “Hmm.”
“Hmm, what?”
“Nothing.”
“Michael…”
“Nothing, truly. At first it seemed a surprising choice, but then I considered it further. He’s a good man. You would be good for each other.”
“Why surprising?”
“You like to see and be seen. He prefers a more solitary life. Also, the difference in stations. But I’m not one to speak in that regard. I expect you complement each other.” He was perfectly sincere, earnest and genuine in expression and voice.
“You truly think so?”
“I do. Of course, I think any man you grace with your affections is lucky. But there are certainly those less worthy.” He took a sip of his drink before continuing. “Do you ever wonder? Why we never considered making our arrangement more official? I cannot regret it, of course. I would not give up Jules for the world. But we could have been good together. We were good together for a time.”
“I hadn’t given it much thought, to be quite honest.”
“I suppose I always knew that. It’s why I didn’t contemplate it either. Neither of us was ready, perhaps. I was still angry with my father and Hugh. You were still grieving Gabriel.”
“You’re not wrong. Though I think it was always friendship, not romance, between us.”
“Of course, I never meant otherwise. But there are marriages built on less. Or maybe we both knew there was someone morerightout there for us.”
“You think so?”
“You don’t?”
“Oh, I mean, of course, Lady Juliet is wonderful and you both seem so happy. I just meant…”
“For you?”
“Yes.”
“I always have done. I want it for you. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you, Cee. I hope it’s Will. But if it’s not, then there’s someone else. Your life didn’t end with Gabriel’s.”
“I know it. I do. It’s just…”
“Risky?”
“Yes.”
“Did I ever tell you what I did when I realized Jules and I were falling in love?”
