Without needing to discuss it, both men unlaced their gloves, letting them drop, and stepped out of the ring. A table was set out a little way off, with jugs of water and cups waiting.
“You might see me more than you expect,” Stephen said, draining a cup of water and immediately pouring himself a second.
Tristan’s eyebrows rose. “Oh?”
Stephen let out a long sigh, steeling himself. “I have been considering rejoining Society. We shall move back to Redcliffe Manor in the next couple of days.”
Tristan paused, his cup half-raised to his lips. “You truly mean it?” he said at last. “The Duke of Redcliffe will reveal himself at last? Orion’s identity will be made known?”
“One thing at a time, but perhaps.”
Tristan let out a long breath. “I must say, Stephen, this is surprising news. I thought you’d stay hidden for the rest of your life. People still talk about the death of the Duke of Redcliffe and the disappearance of his son. They assume there’s something wrong with the estate, or some legal business, which has prevented them from finding the next heir, and I always keep my mouth shut… but you really mean to come back? After all this time?”
Stephen nodded tightly. “It is what I intend to do. You’re my friend, so I am telling you now, but you ought to know that I want it kept secret for now. I want to break the news myself.”
“Well, of course, of course! But this is excellent news! We can be friends openly, you and I. You can meet Madeline properly, meet our children…” Tristan trailed off, grinning widely, and shook his head. “You’re making the right choice.”
“Well, I’ll do what I must to have more chances to beat you in the ring.”
Tristan snorted. “Good luck with that. I must say, you’re exceptionally distracted today. I boxed your ears twice. You were once my favorite opponent, and today you’re so distracted that it’s simply no fun to beat you.”
Stephen gave a bark of laughter, shaking his head. “Don’t get used to it. This won’t last.”
“You admit it, then. Youaredistracted.”
“Every man has an off-day, surely?”
Tristan narrowed his eyes, tilting his head. “What distraction is weighing on your mind, then? You can tell me.”
Stephen swallowed, suddenly back in the cool, moonlit water, watching Amelia dart through the undergrowth. His mouth was dry where it had not been before, and he took a long sip of his water.
“I caught unexpected prey,” he responded at last.
Wisely, Tristan did not question him further.
CHAPTER 12
Apparently, the breakfast room was only for breakfasting. Amelia had returned there at seven o’clock sharp, only to find it dark and silent. The butler had kindly pointed her toward the dining room.
Nancy and Marjory had already found their way there. They had no good clothes for dining in, of course, but Marjory had had the foresight to dress herself and their sister up in their Sunday best, which were their least darned and newest gowns, in a blue sprigged muslin and a burgundy satin, respectively. Of course, a girl of Marjory’s age shouldneverwear burgundy satin, but the material had come at a good price and had worn fairly well. Beggars could not be choosers, after all.
As for Amelia, the day had slipped away from her between the library and Letitia’s private parlor. To her shame, she was aware that she’d let her sisters roam the house more than they ought.
I will have to do better in the future. If we are going to be here all day, I mustdo better.
The plain fact was that at home, she spent most of the daylight hours at the modiste’s. Marjory did her writing and helped keep the house, while Nancy spent time with their neighbor, and their dog. But now, Ameliawas the one at a loose end.
Quiet voices drifted out of the dining room. Amelia paused, swallowing thickly, and smoothed down her own Sunday best gown. It was a dark green muslin, in an old-fashioned style, but one that she felt still suited her.
Careful, Miss Vanity,echoed a warning voice in her head.Think less about how pretty you might or might not look, and concentrate on looking modest and neat. Over-attention to one’s looks never did anyone any good.
That was Mama’s voice. She was not strict, exactly, but she firmly believed that a young woman should not consider her looks at all, and she strictly avoided any kind of vanity.
It seemed like a strange opinion to have, considering that she had spent decades living as a man’s mistress. But then didn’t people give up everything for love?
Stop dawdling,Amelia warned herself.
Pushing open the door, she stepped inside.
