He cleared his throat. “Rash decision, ma’am?”
“Your refusal to teach my niece martial arts. That is why you are here,” the lady concluded triumphantly. “You have come to your senses and realize that Glory would make the perfect pupil.”
Wei furrowed his brow. As he tried to formulate a reply, Glory cut in.
“May I discuss the matter with Master Chen in the garden, Aunt Patty?” she asked. “It is too lovely a day to be cooped up inside. And I would like to show him Mama’s peonies.”
“Very well,” her aunt said. “I will chaperone here from the window, so mind you don’t wander out of sight.”
“Master Chen and I will observe all proprieties,” Lady Glory promised. “Won’t we, sir?”
There is a first time for everything.
“Of course, my lady,” he said.
When he offered his arm, the chit took it with a bright smile. The mere brush of her fingers against his forearm sent an alarming rush of heat to his groin. For once he was glad to be dressed in the English fashion, his arousal obscured by the folds of his frock coat.
There is no room in your life for selfish desire. You must focus on vengeance. You cannot fail again.
Resolved, Wei squared his shoulders and committed to doing what was right.
No matter how he longed to do the opposite.
Twelve
The garden was alive with spring, brimming with blooms and birdsong. Glory led Mr. Chen to the rectangular walk. Lined with manicured hedges, the path had several points of interest, including her mama’s prized flowers, statuary, and a stone fountain. Glancing back, Glory glimpsed Aunt Patty standing at the drawing room windows.
If you want to know if Mr. Chen has any romantic inclination toward you, then you must act now. Don’t be a wilting violet.
Glory slid a look at her guest. He was as austerely handsome as ever, the stark tailoring of his smoke-grey frock coat and dark trousers emphasizing the honed muscularity of his frame. Beneath his chin, his neckcloth was tied in an unfussy yet elegant knot. The thick waves of his hair gleamed like a raven’s wing, his gaze clear and fathomless.
She tried to summon the courage to ask him what his purpose was, but the words got stuck in her throat. Blocked by the fear that the reason might be the opposite of what she wished.
“I am glad you came today,” she said inanely.
“Needs must, my lady. We have unfinished business to discuss.”
At Mr. Chen’s blunt statement, her excitement fizzled. Even though she was a novice at courting, she wasn’t an idiot. He did not resemble a lover about to declare his undying devotion. In fact, he looked more like a fellow being marched to the gallows.
“Why don’t you call me Glory as my friends do?” She nervously laced her fingers as they strolled. “After everything we’ve been through, formality seems unnecessary.”
“Decorum exists for a reason, my lady,” he said severely. “And that is why I have come. To beg your forgiveness for my unpardonable behavior last evening.”
Of course that is why he’s here. To apologize. Because he regrets kissing me.
The realization should have come as no surprise, yet she felt her bottom lip wobble. Luckily, pride saved her from acting like an utter ninny.
“Think nothing of it, sir.” She managed what she hoped was a professional smile. The kind she’d seen Charlie use when dealing with bureaucrats and men who talked too much. “Ruses are part of the job. As an experienced agent, I assure you that I have participated in my fair share of them.”
“Have you?”
Mr. Chen’s gaze was so dashed intense that she couldn’t lie.
“Well, not that particular kind of ploy.” Her cheeks heating, she blundered on. “But only because I haven’t worked with a male partner before. Well, there was Hawker of course, but he was more of a driver, and he would never have taken liberties—not that you did, of course,” she said in a rush. “I was an equal participant in the stratagem. In fact, it was my idea. If anyone is to blame, it’s me—”
“You are faultless.” Mr. Chen’s tone was grim. “You are an innocent young lady, and I bear full responsibility for what happened.”
“I am not that innocent,” she protested.
