“I think I saw him heading toward the cardroom.” Julian kept hold of her elbow and gently steered her toward the wall, where they wouldn’t be in the way. “Would you like me to go and find him for you?”
“If you would.”
“Of course.” He bowed. “Please excuse me.”
He walked as far as the door of the cardroom and saw Lieutenant Greenwood striding toward him. He wore his dress uniform, which bristled with medals from the recent conflict with the French.
“May I speak to you for a moment?” Julian asked.
“I’m a little busy, sir.” Lieutenant Greenwood looked down from his superior height. “There’s a lady expecting me for a dance.”
“Unfortunately, Lady Smythe-Harding has ripped the hem of her gown and has gone upstairs to have it fixed. She sends her apologies.”
“Hmph.” Lieutenant Greenwood frowned, his moustache bristling. “Damned shame. Excellent woman.”
“I’m sure she’ll come about, sir, and will be ready to dance with you at the next available opportunity,” Julian said smoothly.
“Jolly good.” The lieutenant disappeared back into the smoke-filled cardroom.
Julian returned to Carenza, who looked hopefully up at him.
“Alas, the lieutenant was occupied, my lady. Perhaps I might take his place?” He offered her a charming smile and his arm.
She didn’t move an inch. “What have you done?”
“Me? I merely did as you requested.”
“You put him off, didn’t you?” Carenza held his gaze.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because …” She hesitated. “Youknowwhy.”
“Because I am still waiting for an answer to my offer and you have spent all evening deliberately avoiding me?” Julian asked. “If you wish to say no, don’t be a coward—just say it.”
Her eyes flashed. “I am not a coward.”
“Then let’s find somewhere quieter to talk, and you can tell me exactly why you are finding it so difficult to give me an answer.”
He took her hand and led her back into the main hall, down a corridor, and into the library.
“How did you know this was here?” Carenza asked suspiciously.
“I went to school with Callum Ross. I stayed here once when my parents were abroad.”
He took a moment to bank up the fire and light more candles so that he could see her properly. He stood up, dusted off his hands, and turned to face her. She’d gathered her shawl around her shoulders and held it tightly over her bosom. Her expression was hard to read.
“Well?” he said.
She sighed. “If you want the truth. I don’t know what to say to you.”
Her honesty was disarming.
“Why not?” Julian asked. “We are still friends. You can speak freely to me.”
“That’s just the point. I am intrigued by your suggestion, but it is difficult to think of you in terms of being my lover when wearefriends.”
“Surely that should help?”
