We exchanged a glance. She cleared her throat. “It was an accident that we both…” she gestured at me, her words evading her.
“I found her when she didn’t wish to be found.” I pressed my lips together.
“Yes.” She nodded.
Lady Tottenham didn’t blink as she surveyed both our faces. “There is no need to explain yourselves to me.” Her mischievous grin persisted. “You have surprised me, that is all. I do enjoy being surprised.”
I could practically see the protest rising up under Anne’s skin. She looked near to bursting as she opened the outside door and walked into the corridor. Lady Tottenham and the gentleman with the spectacles walked past, but not before she threw a knowing glance in my direction.
I stood with my arms crossed, staring at the floor as Lady Tottenham led her guest around the corner toward the vestibule. As soon as she was out of sight, Anne pivoted toward me. In the light, she looked angelic. Her dark features contrasted with her white gown, and the additional blush on her cheeks was endearing. I hadn’t known she could blush like that. She would likely scold me for smiling, but I couldn’t help it.
Anne covered her face with both hands. “What might she be thinking? The…theassumptionsshe must be making….” She shook her head, uncovering her eyes. “She is going to send me home.”
I stepped forward, keeping my voice quiet. “No, she isn’t. Did you see how happy she was to find us there? This is what she wants from her house party. Nothing brings her greater joy that discovering romantic encounters happening in hidden alcoves.”
“It wasnota romantic encounter,” she snapped, the red on her cheeks climbing higher.
I shrugged, tossing her a smile. “If you say so.”
She cast her gaze heavenward, releasing an exasperated sigh. “I suppose you’re right.”
“That it was romantic?”
“No.” She shot me a glare. “Lady Tottenham is nothing but pleased with what she saw. She has no reason to send either of us away prematurely.”
I tipped my head to one side, studying the desperation in her features. She disguised it well, but she seemed just as eager to complete the twenty days at Birch House as I was. “If you were sent away for any reason…where would you go?”
She tugged at a loose thread on the ribbon of her gown. “I don’t know. I would like to stay in London until Miles returns, but I cannot afford a lease at the moment.” She lifted her chin and met my gaze. “So I must remain in Lady Tottenham’s favor and stay here.” She paused. “Where would you go?”
“My situation is similar to yours. Unfortunately I can’t afford to leave either. I too am eagerly awaiting Miles’s return, but not for the same reasons you are.”
She frowned. “What are your reasons?”
I bit the inside of my cheek, shaking my head. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“I might.”
“I already know of your inclination to trust him over me. I would rather not waste my breath.”
She groaned, drawing a step closer. “Alexander!”
The sound of my name on her voice sent a wave of warmth through me. I stared at the gold streaks in her hazel eyes, the dark lashes surrounding them. She looked so sincere; I almost explained everything to her. But this was a woman who claimed to bein lovewith Miles. She was his ally, and therefore my enemy. I desperately needed to remember that, or I was in grave danger. If I wasn’t careful, she would give me something to lose—and losing to Miles wasn’t something I ever wanted to do again.
I looked down at the floor. “How you regard him is not my business. I won’t say anything to poison your opinion of him.”
“My opinion isn’t as malleable as that.” She laughed under her breath. “My opinion isn’t formed by gossip or words alone. I formed an opinion of him through our interactions. It won’t be swayed by what you say, though I am still curious.”
I gave her a skeptical look. “You had an opinion ofmebefore you even knew me.”
“Yes, but—” her tone was defensive.
“Your entire opinion was formed off the opinion of someone else,” I continued, walking close enough to see the light freckles on her cheekbones.
She held her ground, scowling up at me. “The facts were quite condemning.”
“Facts.” I gave a slow nod, anger welling up inside me. “I invite you to make your own investigation of my character.”
She was silent for a long moment. She drew a deep breath, her brows pinching together. “Moving forward, I will disregard the things he has said about you.” She looked down. “Likewise, I will disregard the things you say about him. During this house party, I shall remain…neutral. I hope the two of you will find a way to heal your animosity someday.” She finally met my gaze again. A hint of doubt crossed her features, but then it was gone.
