Maggie leaned back in. “These things are much simpler for the man.”
“It depends on what he wants out of the arrangement,” Gabriel argued, shifting closer. “An heir? Any old girl will do. But a wife? A true companion? That requires some carefully laid snares to catch the right one.”
Maggie made a face.
“Thank you all.” Marlow turned round to face us, without the slightest bit of gratitude. “So helpful.”
I couldn’t hide my smile. Nor the urge to tease him alongside Gabriel. It felt better, pretending not to feel affected by a woman as beautiful and accomplished as Lady Diana. “Tell her she has lovely eyes. That ought to do it.”
“So cliché,” Gabriel groaned, but still, he winked at me. “Tell her she has a lovelymouth.”
Marlow stood, scowling down at us, and Maggie covered her laugh with her hand. “Hush, now, both of you, or he might end the night early just to spite us.”
“Should I take her hand while I’m at it?” Marlow leaned against the railing, and his eyes burned into mine. Just mine. “Would that make you happy?”
I was instantly on alert. Had I angered him? He’d never looked at me like this, not even before we’d had a proper conversation. My heart flew into my throat. I felt as though I’d been chided, but I couldn’t account for why.
“Or should I go even further—should Ikissher?” His nostrils flared, and he swiped a hand down his face. “How would you feel about that?”
“Depends on where I’m sitting, if I’m being completely honest,” Gabriel muttered.
As warm as it was in this box, I went cold. Marlow’s words were meant to bruise, and they were ice to my heart. I was certain I’d upset him.
“You’re acting strange,” Maggie said, scrutinizing Marlow.
“Not what you were expecting? I am sorry to disappoint.” He turned then, his hands on the railing as he peered down at the stage.
My eyes pricked with heat, cheeks burning. “I can tell you whatisn’tattractive in courtship.” I tried to keep my voice even. “An unaccountable temper.”
Gabriel focused on his boots. His jaw popped, but I could have sworn he fought a smile.
A moment later there was a knock on the door, and Marlow straightened, cursing under his breath. But he quickly strode over and lifted his arm to welcome Lady Diana back. Her mother beamed. So did his.
“Whatever does he mean?” I whispered to Maggie, eyes set on Marlow.
She leaned close, her expression between worry and hope. “I suppose he does not want us to interfere. Curmudgeon.”
Gabriel leaned over, all seriousness. “Leave it alone.”
Maggie tightened her lips into a smile as Marlow led Lady Diana to the seat in front of us. I had a perfect view of her flawless profile. Sweet perfume permeated the box.
“And, you, Your Grace,” she said in a soft, airy voice, touching Marlow’s arm. “Are you excited forHamlet?”
“No Kean this year,” Marlow said, gruff.
Lady Diana responded with a small smile. “Indeed, he will always be the truest Hamlet to me.”
Lord Reynolds returned, and tea was served. The show began, and I tried to pay him attention. I tried to listen to hisconversation, react appropriately, laugh at his side remarks. I even let him touch my arm during the duel between Hamlet and Laertes.
But I also saw Marlow smile down at Lady Diana when she whispered something close to his ear. I felt her laugh like a press to an open wound in my heart. And when the show concluded and Marlow stood, his trousers and jacket wrinkled, and his eyes puffy and tired from a long day of work and duty, it was she who asked him, “Are you well, Your Grace?” And him giving her assurances that he had enjoyed the play.
“I promised to take you straight home after this,” Lord Reynolds said, holding out his arm for mine just outside the box. The others started down the wide hall. “And I am terrified of Duke Marlow enough to oblige.”
I laughed and took his arm. Lord Reynolds reminded me of Peter. Witty, sweet. In truth, he felt like Sir Ronald had. Only now, even that wasn’t enough.
“Though, if you aren’t opposed ... I’d love to see you tomorrow.” He swallowed, his eyes hooded as he waited for my reply.
Marlow walked ahead with Lady Diana on his arm. Maggie said something at his side that made him laugh, and Gabriel was talking to Her Grace.
