He looked back at her and smiled. “As soon as I sent the valet on his way, it’s where I expected you to be, but when I entered and all was dark, I thought you may be with Delilah or Violet somewhere.”
Pleased that he did not expect her to meekly wait for him, she rose on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m so glad I came.”
His brow lowered, but he smiled, clearly uncomfortable. “I admit, it may not have been a good decision, but you are of great help.”
She grinned. “And that’s exactly why you should be happy I’m here.”
He still didn’t look certain, but he turned back to the door and doused his lantern before opening it. Light shone through the slit between the back piece of the china cabinet.
When he didn’t immediately move forward, she assumed someone was in the room.
They seemed to stand there for almost twenty minutes, but for all she knew it was only three. Finally, he moved the cabinet doors to the side and stepped out. She closed the door to the room behind them before following, then clicked the secret opening back into place. She had just closed the glass doors of the china cabinet when Anthony spoke.
“Lord Leighhall, just the person we’d hoped to see. Daguette was admiring that tea service you have on the top shelf. The one with the pansies on it. Where did you find that?”
She spun about to look inquiringly at Leighhall. “I really must purchase one. My dear mother had one quite similar, but instead of two flowers, it only had one.”
Leighhall strode over and examined the set. “Hmm, I believe my own mother purchased that from Fortnum & Mason. But that was years before I was born. I doubt that you’ll find it.”
Anthony pulled her against him. “Would you consider selling this one?”
The viscount shook his head. “I’m sorry, Bellamore. It’s my mother’s, and she would not forgive me.”
As the man looked to Lissa, she let her lower lip stick out, and he laughed, chucking her under the chin like a child. “Now don’t be sad, mademoiselle. I’m sure young Bellamore here will purchase something even nicer for you.”
She glanced at Anthony then looked to Leighhall. “My lord, you are indeed a good son.”
For some reason, that made the man laugh. “You found yourself a gem, Bellamore.” At that moment, the servants began loading the side table with food. “I just hope she hides as well as she pouts.”
A shiver raced up her spine. “Hide? Why would I hide?”
The man’s grin did not reach his eyes. “Because today we hunt. Did Bellamore not tell you? You are the prey.”
Startled, she looked to Anthony, who quickly shook his head. “Actually, I had planned to let Daguette do the hunting. As you can see in her purple dress, she would be far too easy to find, and I wouldn’t want her accused of cheating.”
“Ah, I see you wish to follow the rules. That’s wise of you.” The man nodded, clearly impressed. “Now come and eat, for there’s a frost on the fields and you’ll need a full stomach. Sometimes the hunt can take hours, and—” Leighhall’s head snapped to the doorway. “Alberta.” Without another word, he left them to escort his other mistress, who was as dark and voluptuous as Selene was light and whisper thin.
Lissa leaned in. “What am I hunting?”
“Me.”
She raised her brows, surprised and not a little concerned. “Surely I’m not expected to kill you.”
“No.” Anthony led her toward the sideboard. “You’re expected to find me in the wood, and there is no cheating or you’ll have to return to the house naked.”
She lifted her chin. “I don’t need to cheat. I’m an excellent tracker.”
“Exactly why I chose to be the prey.”
Flattered that he remembered her skill, she felt a strange gratefulness for his thoughtful decision. “And for that, I promise not to kill you.”
He chuckled before handing her a plate with which to choose her food.
Despite what Leighhall said, she did not choose much, as she didn’t wish a full stomach if she were to track. Once they had what they wanted, they settled at the table and were soon joined by Delilah and Rothbury as others trickled in.
There was much laughter and sense of anticipation as everyone enjoyed their tea and cocoa, making the hour rather enjoyable. It reminded Lissa of eating with the curious ladies, and she hoped Eleanor was enjoying her time at Dory’s.
Eventually, Leighhall rose. “This morning we shall have a hunt of a special nature. You shall choose one of you to be the hunter and the other to be the prey. For example, Alberta here could be my prey. Her challenge would be to hide in the east wood without being found by me. Once I find her, I would bring her back to the tent at the entry point.”
