I studied the side of his face. “What happened?”
His throat shifted with a swallow, his forehead creasing. “It didn’t go according to plan.”
I wanted to ask another question, but he turned to look at me. “I was not accepted in the parish, and had to make other arrangements. Fate sent me on another course, and I am grateful to be a barrister now.”
“At least youcouldmake other plans. The only choice I have is to marry.”
Alexander regarded me seriously. “What will you do if Miles doesn’t propose?”
A wave of fear washed over my skin, but when I found his eyes in the dark, it subsided. He looked genuinely curious. “I cannot think of that possibility yet. He has given me reason to believe he will. He wrote me a letter before I came here.” I took a deep breath. I hadn’t mentioned it to Alexander yet. “It was essentially a proposal.”
His brows lowered. “What did it say?”
“He said his travels to India gave him time to reflect…and he declared his intentions of spending his future with me.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened as he turned his attention to the stars. He said nothing for several seconds. My heart hammered in my chest. Was he…disappointed? I couldn’t see him clearly enough in the dimness. He sat up slowly, stretching his arms out in front of him. “Well.” He took a deep breath. “I hope he is true to his word.” His voice was stiff, lacking the playfulness I had grown accustomed to.
I watched him as he stood from his chair, casting his gaze around the room. “The first order of business is to find you a comfortable place to sleep.” He extended his hand to me. I took it, and he tugged me to my feet. He didn’t release my fingers, guiding me by the hand toward the one sofa that rested beneath the rifle on the wall.
“But where will you sleep?”
“Don’t fret over me.” He held tight to my hand. “Go on.” He nodded toward the sofa.
“Alexander—” I planted my feet where I stood. “I don’t think I’m capable of sleeping. I’m too nervous that the door will open at any moment. You should try to sleep on the sofa, and I will stay in a chair near the door.”
He laughed under his breath. “That is not an option. I would never be able to sleep knowing you weren’t comfortable.”
“I’m not tired.”
He gave my fingers a squeeze, a slow smile curving his lips. “Don’t lie to me, Anne. Your eyes are practically falling closed.”
“They are not.” I suppressed a yawn in my throat.
“You’ve had an eventful evening. You solved the riddle, you found the key, you kissed me in front of all the guests at Birch house…” his smile took on a teasing edge, “that is enough to exhaust a person.”
His references to the kiss were enough to make sleep far more appealing. It meant I could ignore him. I dropped down onto the cushions, tugging my hand from his grasp. He chuckled as I lay down and nestled my head onto the arm of the sofa. There were no blankets or pillows to be found throughout the room.
I watched Alexander with concern as he lay down on the rug beside the sofa. He tucked one arm under his head, sprawling out with his chest against the floor. His eyes closed, his dark lashes creating two crescents on his cheeks. A smile tugged on my lips. He looked so endearing. He shifted as he tried to find a comfortable position, and I found myself staring at him for far too long. With his eyes closed, I took the opportunity to slip the heart-shaped key inside the bodice of my dress, keeping it close to my own heart.
I shifted toward the edge, one of my arms hanging off the sofa. “You look terribly uncomfortable,” I said.
He opened his eyes, his mouth spreading in a smile. It was strange to be laying beside Alexander, even if I was elevated on the sofa. He patted the floor. “No, I assure you, I am quite comfortable.”
“You’re lying tomenow.”
His smile was contagious.
“Is there nothing you can use as a pillow?” I cast my gaze around the room.
He shook his head. “My arm is sufficient.”
I sighed.
“Sleep well,” he said.
“Wait—what are we to do in the morning?” I asked in a hushed voice. “We must leave the moment the servants unlock the doors.”
“We will.” His eyes settled on my face. “But Lady Tottenham will be disappointed that her trap didn’t result in an engagement.”
