It must have been planned, because he did not spare her a glance. Doing so would confirm the rumors. Instead, his focus was on Lady Cecily.
“I heard you needed a lesson about the artifacts on display today,” he said smoothly. “I think it’s certainly rare for a lady to have such an interest in history and archeology. I was just discussing a cursed Roman tablet with Lord Havisham. He was horrified that he didn’t know he was harboring one here in his very own home. Would you like to see it?”
Lady Cecily most definitely did not want to see it. The wordcursedmade her pale. However, she would never miss an opportunity to receive a private lecture from the Duke of Stonewynn himself.
“Your Grace!” she exclaimed, blushing furiously. “I would be absolutely honored. I do have a passion for such, er, things.”
Lucy tried her utmost best not to roll her eyes. Meanwhile, Daniel’s smile did not waver. He offered his arm to Lady Cecily. When he turned, though, his coat brushed against Lucy’s shoulder.
It could be interpreted by some as her being in a spot she should not be in, as if she were the one crowding them. Still, nobody could tell that the brief touch made her skin hum.
She had to admit, though, that the most dominant feeling was relief. The spotlight was no longer on her. Losing interest or following Lady Cecily around, the ladies who had been crowding her dispersed.
Just when she thought Daniel had completely forgotten about her, a footman approached her with practiced discretion. He passed by her with a silver tray. She expected some treats and was grateful. Her stomach was certainly growling. However, she only found a folded scrap of paper.
“For you, My Lady,” the footman whispered. “A gentleman insisted that you receive it without delay.”
Lucy took the note, almost ruining the secrecy with her trembling fingers. She turned away from the other guests to open and read it. The handwriting was bold and sharp.
Don’t sleep tonight. Wait up.
Her breath hitched. She had just crushed the paper and slipped it into her reticule when Joshua’s unmistakable footsteps announced his return.
“Was that woman bothering you?” he asked, frowning. He turned to look at the backs of Daniel and Lady Cecily. The twoseemed engrossed by the cursed artifact Daniel had mentioned earlier. “Was she trying to make you angry? Bait you?”
“It was nothing,” Lucy said dismissively, waving her hand. “She saw me wearing a beautiful dress and wanted me to feel bad about even trying to look better.”
Joshua stepped closer, as if that was still possible. His hand gripped her shoulder. Lucy guessed he was trying to comfort her, but he applied more pressure than necessary.
“I have told you again and again that I will protect you, Lucy. You should have called for me. Perhaps next time someone dares speak to you in such a way, you would call for me immediately.”
“I appreciate that, Brother. However, I believe I can handle myself.”
Joshua’s eyes flashed with disbelief. He didn’t know she could be defiant, too.
She could feel something within her fighting back.
More and more.
Later at home, the hours after midnight dragged. After all, Daniel did not tell her when he would be coming. Did it mean that he was not certain either, or that he was not coming at all?
Her mind flashed to Lady Cecily. Perhaps they did enjoy their conversation, after all, and she just thought of herself too much. Still, she watched through her window, wearing a thin nightgown. Her hair hung loose over her shoulders.
Everything suggested that she should be resting in her bed now, instead of hoping Daniel would still grace her with his presence.
“I should sleep,” she muttered.
She was about to turn around and climb into bed when she caught a flicker of movement. At the far end of the estate, the greenhouse stood like a smaller glass cathedral. A light burned inside.
Was that him?
Did he bring a lantern?
Then, she saw the silhouette of someone tall and broad. Someone unmistakable.
She gasped. With her pulse racing, she grabbed a velvet robe and quickly put it on. Of course, she did not call for a maid. She didn’t expect it would be that kind of call.
A candle would have revealed her in the dark hallway, so she navigated it by mere instinct. She knew every corner of Marsleigh House, but she still walked slowly just to be certain.
