“Hmm...” He scratched his chin. “I’m not certain. He doesn’t look familiar at all.”
“While talking with him,” Nicole continued, turning her gaze back on her prince, “he mentioned he came with his friends Glynn Nickerson and Steven Larson.”
“Oh, really?” Uncle Michael’s tone of voice lifted slightly. “Now that is interesting.”
Nicole pulled her attention away from the stunning man from across the room and settled it on her uncle. “What is so interesting about that?”
“Mr. Glynn Nickerson and Mr. Steven Larson are owners of Liverpool’s Railway. Rumor has it that in the last few months, they have taken on a new partner, Mr. Ashton Lee, the Earl of Easton’s youngest son. I haven’t met the earl’s son, but I heard he is a real ladies’ man.” Uncle Michael nodded in the direction of her prince. “I wonder if that is the man I have heard so much about.”
“Indeed that is very interesting.” When she rested her focus back on her prince, she couldn’t keep the grin off her face. If Mr. Ashton Lee was the stranger who had been charming to her so far this evening, it was good to know he was wealthy and had good connections. Not that she was after a man with wealth or one with a title. On the contrary. She had her own little stash of money resting safely inside a bank from her share in solving some cases. But it was nice to know that the man she found so fascinating wouldn’t like her just for her money. Maybe he would be the first get to know the real Nicole Bastian.
Then again, she had never let anyone get that close to her before. Not even her own relatives. She knew how criminals loved to torture the family members in order to get the detectives to talk.
The next hour passed by in a blur of rainbows of silks and glittering costumes. Although a few more men asked her to dance, she still couldn’t keep her eyes off Prince Charming. Remarkably enough, she found his attention on her most of the time, as well. It was good to know she wasn’t the only one interested.
It didn’t take long for the room to become extremely stifling. So many people filled the small space, taking away any remote chance to find fresh air. She wanted to remove her mask so badly, but unfortunately, the time to reveal her identity was not at hand.
After dancing with a short, plump man dressed as Napoleon—of all people—she excused herself and hurried out the side door onto the terrace. The night air felt so refreshing against her flushed face.
She walked to the gated edge and held on to the steel railing. Closing her eyes, she tilted back her head, enjoying the coolness against her throat. She took in large breaths, hoping the different temperature would also rejuvenate her insides.
When she finally gazed across the manicured lawns and the lanterns littering the walking trails, she realized not many people were out enjoying the evening and the invigorating cooler air. A few couples strolled along the gardens, but she really couldn’t tell if anyone was farther back in the shadows of the trees.
A lone figure captured her attention from down at the end of the walkway. The man was tall, and his stance was striking, reminding her of someone she had not been able to keep out of her thoughts. She studied his build as she moved away from the railing and walked down the few steps and onto one of the trails. Half of him was in the shadows, and by studying the other half, she knew without a doubt that this was Mr. Ashton Lee. No other man was dressed as regal as her Prince Charming. And for certain, no other man at this party had made such an impact on her mind, either.
As if her legs had mins of their own, she moved toward him, trying not to rush and draw attention to herself. He must have been lost in thought because he didn’t hear her approach. His gaze aimed toward the road, yet there was nothing really to see. She wanted to say something, but she didn’t want to startle him, either.
Softly, she cleared her throat, hoping the noise would jerk him out of his daydreams. But when that didn’t work, she knew she would have to do it again, but louder. Either that or she would actually have to say something.
Trying again, she swallowed and cleared her throat. “For a moment there, Mr. Lee, I thought you might be lost.”
His body stiffened, but he didn’t jump as she expected him to do. However, his head snapped toward her. It took only a second before his mouth stretched into a wide grin.
“Me, lost? No, my dear, it is you who are lost.” Slowly, he turned and faced her. “Because you cannot possibly be out here with me without a chaperone.”
Funny, but he hadn’t denied his identity when she called him by name. It made her happy that he was the man her uncle suspected. “I can’t? And why not? You didn’t escort me out here. I came on my own.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “But if others see us together this far away from the main house, they might assume that you came with me.”
“Then perhaps I should leave.” Nicole took a step and turned, but he gently grasped her elbow.
“Please, don’t go.”
She wasn’t really going to leave, but she was happy to know he wanted her to remain with him. “Then I shall stay.”
He released her arm, exhaling deeply, and folded his arms across his wide chest. “Tell me, Cinderella, how do you know my name?”
“So, you are Mr. Ashton Lee?”
“Yes, but how do you know me? I think I would have remembered meeting someone as enchanting as you, but my mind is blank. I honestly don’t think we have been introduced.”
“No, we haven’t. However, my uncle thought he knew you.”
Mr. Lee cocked his head. “Do I know your uncle?”
“I actually don’t know, but I had mentioned Mr. Nickerson and Mr. Larson to my uncle, and he had heard of your friends. My uncle says you are one of the co-owners of Liverpool’s Railway. Is he correct?”
“Your uncle has heard right. I am that man, and my office is here in Meols. But now, I think it is only fair that I know your identity. I’m aware we still have a half-hour before the time to remove our masks, but I hope you will let me see you now.”
