Lord Berwick must have sensed his concern. “Berry, stay within this hall and come back to us immediately if you spot Lord Hawthorne in attendance. I am aware of what has been going on and am quite concerned.”
She nodded. “I understand.”
“I’m sure we will be permitted to tour the exhibits shortly, and I want you to remain with me and Lady Berwick during that time. Mr. Knight, would you mind accompanying us?”
“Not at all. It was my intention.” Gideon turned to Berry. “You mentioned that you are a scholar of Greek and Romanart. Would you guide me through those exhibits and point out whatever might be of interest?”
Her eyes once again sparkled. “It would be my pleasure.”
She and Lady Berwick strolled off.
Lord Berwick gave him a friendly pat on the back to regain his attention, for he had been staring at Berry. “You and she seem to have hit it off well. Perhaps a little too well?”
“She’s charming. Doesn’t everyone think so? You needn’t worry that I will ever step out of line with her. I take my responsibility toward her very seriously. I won’t disappoint you.”
“I didn’t think you would.”
Gideon arched an eyebrow. “But you’re just making certain?”
Lord Berwick laughed. “Honestly, I’m not sure what to think at this moment.”
“What do you mean?”
“Come talk to me if ever your feelings for Berry become ardent.”
If ever?
He was there already. He hardly knew her and yet he felt as though he had known her forever.
It was their orphanage connection. And a month of exchanging glances from a distance as he worked on his new home.
Even if they’d had none of that, five minutes in her company would have been enough to seal his fate. His heart had felt their connection at once.
“Oh, hell. Hawthorne’s arrived,” Gideon said, his view to the museum’s entry unimpeded because of his height. “He’s with those same three wastrel friends. If you don’t mind, I would like to fetch the ladies and bring them back to our side.”
“Go to it, Knight.”
Berry and Lady Berwick were chatting with some of their Society friends, but Berry looked up at once when she saw him approach.
Her smile faded. “Is he here?”
Gideon nodded. “With friends.”
“Oh.”
“Lady Berwick, your husband has asked me to retrieve you and Lady Berry.”
The ladies begged their friends to excuse them and returned to Lord Berwick’s side.
Berry immediately went on her tiptoes and craned her neck to look for Hawthorne. “Where is he? Do you see him, Mr. Knight?”
“Yes, he’s off beside the potted ferns drinking with his friends.”
“Has he seen us yet?” she asked.
“No, but he’s now scanning the hall and I’m sure it is you he is looking for.”
“Drat.” She edged closer to him. “Are we permitted to tour the exhibits yet?”
