Hyacinth blew out a breath. “I realize that, and that’s why I came to say—”
She didn’t get any further, because he turned and strode away from her without another word. Hyacinth stood there, watching his broad back as he walked away, and tried to recall a time when she’d felt as utterly invisible as she did right now. It was as if he’d snapped his fingers, and she’d disappeared in a puff of smoke.
She should have been glad for it. She’d apologized, just as she’d intended, and she hadn’t wept, or cast up her accounts, or fallen into a swoon. She hadn’t done anything she need be embarrassed about, aside from the stammering.
All and all, it had gone far better than she’d dared hope.
Then why wasn’t she flying out the stable doors, muttering prayers of thanks to heaven for granting her such an easy escape? Or perhaps the better question was, why was she going after Lachlan Ramsey, and stopping him with a hand on his forearm?
She didn’t have time to answer these questions, because he whirled around at her touch, astonishment plain on his face. His hard muscles jerked under her fingertips, a trace of black hair tickled her palm, and for a moment, Hyacinth could only stare up him, strangely breathless.
“What the devil—” he began.
“Noteveryonein London believes you a murderer, Mr. Ramsey. Finn doesn’t believe it, and neither does Iris, or Lord and Lady Dare. Even my grandmother has admitted, albeit grudgingly, that she isn’t quite ready to condemn you to the noose. Surely these are the people who truly matter?”
“What about you?” He took two long strides forward, until he was towering over her.
Hyacinth’s hand dropped away, and every muscle in her body urged her to back up, or to flee, but some latent streak of stubbornness made her hold her ground. “Me? What about me?”
“Don’t you matter?”
For the first time Hyacinth noticed his eyes were an unusual greenish brown color. Hazel, just like Finn’s. “Of course I believe you innocent, Mr. Ramsey. How could I not? I think we can all agree your brother is very much alive.”
Lachlan grunted. “For now he is.”
For now?Oh, dear. Surely that was a joke? A nervous giggle escaped her, but he only stared down at her without a trace of humor in his hard face.
Hyacinth swallowed. “Yes, well….um, my point is, if you wish to take a place in London society, Finn and Iris will do whatever is necessary to see that it happens. As the Marquess and Marchioness of Huntington, they hold considerable influence over theton.”
“What about you?” He repeated a second time.
She snorted. “I hold no sway over thetonwhatsoever, I’m afraid.”
“I mean, Miss Somerset, what willyoudo to ensure I’m able to take a place in London society?”
Hyacinth blinked up at him. Was it possible he didn’t understand of how little consequence she was? She would have thought it was obvious, but then he was new to London, and might not recognize social obscurity when he saw it. “When I said I regret my actions of the other night, I meant it, Mr. Ramsey. I wish to make whatever amends I can, but I’ve no power over theton, despite my aristocratic connections. I’ll be of very little use to you, I’m afraid.”
Before she could say another word, the black scowl she recalled from the other night returned. “It’s more convenient for you that way, I think.”
Her mouth dropped open. “What in the world does that mean? It sounds as if you’re accusing me of something.”
His face hardened. “Me, accuseyou? Is that a joke?”
“No! I don’t…I only meant—”
“Don’t trouble yourself about me, Miss Somerset. The best way for you to make amends is to stay away from me, before some othermisfortuneoccurs. Now, is that all? Or do you have something else to say to me?”
“No.” In fact, Hyacinth suddenly had quite a lot to say to him, and none of it pleasant, but of course she’d neverdare—
“Good, because there’s no point in arguing. You said yourself you’d be little help, and I agree.”
Then again, perhaps shediddare, after all.
Hyacinth drew herself up to her full height, which was, admittedly, not quite as high as his shoulder, and met his cool gaze with a furious one of her own. “Is this how you accept a lady’s apology, Mr. Ramsey? By insulting her?”
He shrugged. “I’m sorry you find the truth insulting, but that’s nothing to do with me.”
“Oh, you’re a dreadful man!” She was so angry, she actually stamped her foot. “You were right the first time, Mr. Ramsey. Youdobelong in the Royal Menagerie. What a pity they already have—”
