He spoke harshly, but she did not take offense. Instead, she smiled. “You believe it is a memory. You referred to it as that.”
“But I don’t know.”
“Still, you wish to find out. You know there is a truth waiting for you, Mr. Steele. Truth matters.”
It did.
Beck leaned toward her. “After I left the military, I started searching every brothel in London trying to find Madam’s house or anyone who could give me information. I wanted to know who the woman in the dream is.”
“Did you have any luck?”
“After twenty-five years or so? No. That world is always changing.”
“So you are going to Colemore to poke around, to see what you can learn.”
“Yes.”
“And perhaps meet your father?”
“My father is unimportant.”
“But is he?” she challenged. “Aren’t you at least a bit curious?”
“No.”
She shot him a look as if she knew better. “This is a good plan. You really have no other choice. Your other avenues for learning who you are have been closed off. Do you believe the woman in your dreams is still in danger? Is it possible this is a premonition, andthatis the reason you feel an urgency to find her?”
Beck hadn’t considered that. “I don’t know. I’m not one to believe in a spirit world. The dream woman might not even exist.”
“Oh, she exists. This is important to you.”
It was.
“I’m glad I am going,” Gwendolyn said. “I can help you search for this woman—”
“You will do no such thing.”
“I must. This is a mystery. I adore a mystery.”
“Miss Lanscarr, you are there to play cards—”
“And to help you,” she said confidently. “I can be very resourceful.”
“No.”
“I can be a great help.”
“You help me by doing as I say.”
She had the audacity to smile at him.
It was a heart-melting smile. It declared louder than words that she would do anything for him. He remembered his true purpose in talking to her privately. He needed to be direct.
“You must stop this infatuation with me,” he said. “It is not returned.” He spoke firmly. “Do you understand? I despise being brutally honest, but I don’t want you to feel misled.”
Her brows gathered like miniature storm clouds. “Don’t claim you don’t feel the attraction between us. It is too strong to belong to myself alone.”
“There is nothing there,” he lied. “You are a lovely woman, but there are many lovely women.” Although few as vibrant and intelligent as Gwendolyn.
