Following dinner last night, they’d agreed to stop by Bow Street first thing and pass on the information they’d learned to Kendrick.This would now have to wait, though she hoped not too long.
“Just be sure not to share too much information.”He sent her a sharp look.“She’ll only report back to Harlowe with it.”
As much as she hated the accusation he made against her friend, Samantha knew he was right.Trusting her foster sisters with details about her private life would be foolish.
She crossed to where Adrian stood tying his cravat, and took over the chore.“You know, we could consider hiring a temporary valet until we receive word from Murry.”
“I can easily manage without as long as you’re here to assist me when needed.”
His comment produced a surge of warmth within her breast.She finished creating the elegant knot, tucking the end of the linen carefully into place, and set her hands on his shoulders.Rising onto her toes, she placed a tender kiss against his clean-shaven cheek – allowed herself to get drunk on the masculine fragrance that clung to his skin.Aromatic soap with notes of pine and the sandalwood oil he favored as his cologne.
Honestly, she wished the world beyond this room could wait another hour or two, but it was already past ten o’clock and she had yet to speak with Melody.
“Let me know when you’re ready to depart,” she told him as she left the room, aware that he’d need at least five more minutes to finish dressing.
She descended the stairs and entered the parlor where she found Melody waiting by the window, looking out onto the street beyond.At the sound of the door being opened, she turned, allowing Samantha to see the anxious look in her eyes.
Something wasn’t right.“What’s happened?”
Melody forced a smile.Her gaze shifted toward the table where a maid had placed a tray of tea things.“Can we sit for a bit?”
Samantha crossed to the nearest seat while Melody did the same.“I don’t have much time.Adrian and I have some things to attend to.We were preparing to head out when you arrived.”
“Oh.Sorry.It’s just that…” Melody pressed her lips together.“I know you warned me away from Marsdale and I understand your reasoning.It makes sense even though it doesn’t seem fair.”
“What’s not fair is for him to fall for a woman who wasn’t pursuing him for the right reasons.”
“Yet that is precisely what happened to Croft, is it not?”Melody scoffed.“Your arrangement has worked out well in the end.”
“Not easily, I can assure you.”Sensing Melody’s displeasure, she said, “Consider what Marsdale has been through, Melody.If he falls in love again, it should be with a woman who has been open and honest with him from the start.Not with an illusion that’s destined to lead to additional heartache.”
“I know.It was never my intention to like him as well as I do.”
Samantha smiled at that.“I think it would be impossible not to do so, Melody.He’s a very likable man.”
“A man with whom I could see myself being happy, if only I’d been born into wedlock and never met Harlowe.”
“Circumstances that may have prevented you from making Marsdale’s acquaintance in the first place.”
Melody nodded.“At least I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with him.”
“Melody, I—”
“You need not worry, Samantha.”A slight crack in her voice revealed the extent of her emotional struggle.Most surprising was her seeming reluctance to try and hide it.“Lady Heathbrooke shares your opinion.Did I mention that she’s Marsdale’s godmother?”
“Um…”
“She wishes to travel to Italy to visit an old friend.As her companion, I am expected to join her on what she describes as her nostalgic journey.Which it may well be though there is no doubt it’s also a very deliberate effort to put some distance between me and her godson.An entire continent, in fact.”
“Oh, Melody.I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be.I’m sure I’ll be lounging in the Mediterranean sun while you endure the English winter weather comprised of sleet and rain.”Her expression sagged a little.“I just wanted to tell you first hand.”
“For which I’m grateful.”Samantha wove her fingers together and placed them in her lap.“When do you depart?”
“In the morning.”
“So soon?But… Does Harlowe know?”
