“You do!”
“Aria, I?—”
She opened the door, pushed him inside, and slammed the door behind him.
The crying woman looked up. She had yellow hair, a few shades darker than white, and her face was tear-streaked and pale.
Remmy ran a hand through his hair. “I, erm, do apologize for interrupting. I can leave.” He put his hand on the door.
“No, I’ll leave, Mr. Ives.”
He took a step closer to her. “Are you well, Miss…”
“Carter. I’m Miss Carter. Yes, I am well.”
“I can see that. I’m almost speechless.”
“Are you?” She ducked her head and wiped a tear out of her eye. “How so?”
“Beauty does that to a man.” Her cheeks flushed prettily, and he moved closer. “Tell me, how many suitors do you have? I like to know my odds.”
“Oh.” Her smile was small but growing. “One. I think. Perhaps not even that.”
“Good odds then. Excellent.” He crept even closer.
“Oh no, Mr. Ives, your odds are horrible.”
“Are they? I don’t see how.”
“I am in love. With a man other than you, and even if Iwere not, I do not think it wise for women like me to associate with men like you.”
He sighed. “I suppose if you are in love, my odds are nonexistent. A pity. You’re too pretty for whatever boot brain has succeeded in stealing your heart.
A true flush rushed across her cheeks. She was pleased. “Thank you.”
“If you’re in love, why are you here alone and distressed?”
“I… I will not burden you with my disappointments.”
“Oh, I’m happy to be burdened. But I think… we might burden someone else instead?” He offered her his arm. “Do you know where your suitor is right now?”
“Breaking his fast with the others.”
“I’m feeling famished. What about you?”
She blinked at his offered arm, her hand hesitant at her belly, then she capitulated and let him guide her from the room. A pale face flashed from behind a large potted plant on the side of the hallway—Aria, grinning broadly.
Remmy rolled his eyes. “Do not worry, Miss Carter. I happen to know that jealousy can be quite illuminating.” When they reached the breakfast room, he whispered, “Which one is he?”
She pointed to a young man frowning at a large pile of eggs in front of him.
“Sit across from him,” Remmy said. “I’ll bring you some food.” They parted, and he headed for the sideboard, slowing only when he saw a flash of red hair close to a golden head. Damn Tilbury. He sat next to Tessa a few places down from Miss Carter’s suitor, deep in conversation.
He would ignore them both. Aria wanted him to play Romeo, so that’s what he’d do.
He fixed two plates and joined Miss Carter, placing one in front of her. “There. Everything a beautiful woman needs to conquer the world.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ives.”
