Phoebe suppressed a snicker, and Thea elbowed her.
“Behave,” she whispered, though the elder Voss was just as unrepentant as her younger brother.
Before Thea knew what she was about, Phoebe slid her arm through Thea’s and tossed her brother a dismissive wave of the hand. “You cannot monopolize all her time, Frederick.”
Abandoning him to Mrs. Norfolk, Phoebe turned Thea away whilst leaning in close to mutter, “You would think our being in mourning would be enough to discourage speculation.”
“Mrs. Norfolk means well,” whispered Thea, but before the ladies drew more than two steps away, Frederick caught her by the hand (which elicited a dramatic gasp from Mrs. Norfolk, who fanned her face as though this was as good as the “grand announcement” she’d been hoping to hear). Ever eager for an audience, Frederick brushed his thumb across Thea’s knuckles, and though their gloves absorbed most of the feel, her face flushed as though his lips had touched that sensitive skin.
“May I call on you tomorrow?” he asked, though he kept his voice low enough that only she could hear—though the others were clearly attempting to eavesdrop.
With an apologetic grimace, Thea shook her head. “I fear Mama has me quite busy of late, and with my cousin coming for a visit, it will continue to be so for some time. I do have plans to go riding on Tuesday, but perhaps I might…” Shaking her head, Thea winced. “I fear I have neglected my poor horse of late. I really ought not to abandon her to the groom yet again.”
Frederick held up a staying hand. “Tell me the time, and I shall be there.”
Straightening, Thea frowned. “You do not care for riding.”
“No,” he acknowledged. “But I care for you, and if that is the only way I can pass an hour in your company, it is an easy price to pay.”
It would not do to swoon. Not that Thea was prone to such fits, but she felt decidedly lightheaded at that declaration. It was as though the ground beneath her feet dropped away, leaving her floating across green fields of vibrant clover and wildflowers. Warmth wrapped around her as tangible as a cloak on a cold winter’s day, and despite her best efforts, the smile that stretched across her face made her feelings clear.
Not that she cared whether or not Frederick knew how thoroughly ensorcelled she was. That was no secret, and their courtship had given rise to much speculation long before any official label had been applied. There was no doubt as to whom her heart belonged. Just as she knew Frederick’s would always be hers.
Yet what did one say to such a confession? Thea knew she ought to say something. A cheeky retort was the best avenue when facing down a Voss, but Thea couldn’t think of anything witty or clever to say. Her wits fled, leaving her a nodding simpleton.
“I will see you at two in the afternoon,” she said, grateful that anything came out.
“I will be there.”
Frederick’s gaze fell to her hand, and Thea felt the phantom press of his lips there; he’d done so often enough over the past few months that her memory supplied the details.
But with so many eyes on them, he wouldn’t dare—
And the moment Thea thought that, she knew she’d misstepped. Frederick’s eyes gleamed in challenge as though he’d plucked the thought from her mind, his grin growing smug, and with a grand flourish (taking his hat off and all), Frederick bowed low over her hand, pressing a kiss to her glove.
“My lady. I am yours to command.”
Gathering all her strength, Thea fought not to blush or laugh as either reaction would only encourage more mischief, but though the spirit was willing, the flesh was weak, and it betrayed her by bringing forth a blush to her cheeks, which all and sundry could easily see—just as they could clearly hear her strangled giggle that accompanied it.
And when Frederick straightened and plopped his hat on his head once more, his eyes were alight with laughter. The bounder. Yet that silent epithet only made her redden and laugh all the harder. Matters weren’t helped when he raised his fingers to his lips, blowing her kisses as Phoebe dragged her away with a huff.
“He enjoys playing to a crowd,” muttered his sister.
“And his enjoyment only increases the more uncomfortable his audience becomes. Ignoring him is the best defense, though I have yet to discover how to do so,” replied Thea, holding fast to her friend. “But we know what sort of man he is and love him for it, so we cannot chastise him for being precisely what he is.”
“You are nauseating. Both of you,” said Phoebe. “I do not know why I put up with either of you.”
“Because I am your dearest friend, and he is your brother. You cannot escape us. And one day, when you are well and truly hooked by some dashing young gentleman, we will have immense pleasure watching you behave just as nauseatingly.”
Phoebe scoffed. “Heaven help me, but if I ever find love, I will not be so ridiculous as to fall for someone like my brother. I blame Frederick for addling your wits.”
As their feet pulled them farther away from the man in question, Thea couldn’t help glancing over her shoulder at him, but Frederick was already absorbed by the crowd as gentlemen surrounded him, drawing them in with an ease that Thea wished she could mimic. If only she were so easy around others.
But then, she supposed she didn’t need to possess the trait herself. Once married, she could make use of his talent as often as she wished when he was at her side all the day long.
A happy thought, indeed.
Chapter 2
