“Remarkably so.” I read along as Alexander spoke the riddle aloud.
To find the prize which you now seek to claim
Search for the letters that spell out his name.
You’ll find the keyunderfoot of the game
With which you’ll unlock her heart in its frame.
Alexander fell silent for a long moment, studying the words again. “His name? Who ishe?”
I snatched the foolscap from his hand again, squinting down at the clue. “There is also a mention of ashe.” I pointed at the last line. “The two must be associated.”
“Yes, that would make sense.”
“I have considered the possibility that it could be two other guests here,” I said. “Perhaps others who are forming an attachment. Mrs. Pike and Mr. Lymington? I have also wondered if thehemight be you.” I glanced up at him. “Lady Tottenham has observed our attachment, so she might have associated my next clue with the letters of your name.”
“Let us hope that isn’t true. My name has a lot of letters,” he said with a laugh.
I exhaled through tight lips. “‘Unlock her heart in its frame’ must involve a painting or portrait of some kind. I don’t think she could be referring tomyheart.”
“In that case, she likely isn’t referring to my name,” Alexander added.
“That’s true.” I tapped my foot on the rug. “Do you think Lady Tottenham could be referring to herself or one of the past ladies of Birch house? There are several portraits of women who once lived here.”
Alexander’s contemplative expression shifted to realization. “She has romanticized her marriage to Lord Tottenham many times. She mentioned that the entire game was in honor of him. It makes sense that he would be the man she’s referring to.” He bit his lower lip. “Do you know her late husband’s name?”
“Lord Tottenham?” I said with a dull laugh.
He smiled. “If only it were so obvious. Our first item of business shall be to learn her late husband’s Christian name. Then we may begin searching for the letters.”
“That does seem like a reasonable place to start,” I said.
Alexander stretched out his long legs in front of him, crossing his ankles. He leaned back, propping one hand behind his head. “It seems I do have a way with riddles.”
I maintained my straight posture, glancing at him over my shoulder. “Perhaps I shouldn’t involve you,” I said with a grimace. “You’re already far too arrogant.”
His eyes slid to me with a proud smile that confirmed my words. “You’re the one who asked me for help.”
I pursed my lips, fighting a smile. “I’m already regretting it.”
He sat up, rotating toward me. One of his dark brows lifted. “If your faith in me is so lacking, I’m forced to believe that your true motive was to spend more time alone with me.”
I gasped, a surge of laughter in my stomach. “You’re ridiculous!”
His eyes softened. “You’re beautiful.”
“Stop that!” I stood from the sofa, marching a few paces away. At a safe distance, I turned to face him again.
He stood, straightening his jacket before taking two strides toward me. I held my ground, though I was tempted to back away a step. His effect on me was unsettling, and avoiding it was becoming more difficult. Each time he moved close to me, I was torn between two decisions. Tug him closer, or push him violently away. The contradiction was infuriating, and it induced far more anxiety than I could manage.This is Miles’s younger brother, I reminded myself. Developing any feelings for him would be a disaster. Separating Alexander from Miles would be the worst mistake I could make. Observing their many differences, it was easy to forget that they were brothers. But keeping the two connected was the only way I would be able to remain immune to Alexander’s obvious charm and flirtation. I had no wish to betray Miles just weeks before his return.
I caught my breath, holding it for a moment as I gathered my composure. Alexander was standing so close, those dark eyes gleaming with…what was it exactly? Amusement? It was deeper than that—more layered and complex.
More serious.
His lips still smiled, but his eyes held a riddle of their own. It was impossible to solve. “Am I not allowed to pay you a compliment?” he asked, his voice deep. “You’re beautiful. I want you to know that.”
My heart fluttered against my will. I tried to swallow, but my throat was suddenly too parched. “You’re already forgetting the very first rule on my list,” I said in a weak voice. “Flirtation is only allowed with an audience.”
