She did not smile back. If anything, her eyes narrowed just a bit as the line of her lips tensed even more. For a moment, he thought he saw a flicker of distrust…or suspicion on her gaze. Then she purposefully looked away.
Confusion swept through him until he recalled the brief seconds in Mishra’s shop when she’d looked down at the drawing of the bridal necklace. At the time, he’d thought he saw a flash of recognition in her eyes. But he’d discounted it as impossible.
Perhaps it wasn’t.
Did the lady know something about the necklace? It seemed a far-fetched assumption. But it might explain that odd look in her eyes. Of course, it was also possible that she’d simply taken a dislike to him, but he much preferred the first option.
A tingling sort of anticipation swept through him. Though it was extremely unlikely, believing there was even the slightest possibility that she knew something of the necklace gave him a solid reason to talk to her.
However, after her first unsettling glance, she absolutely refused to look at him again—something that surely would’ve happened by accident at least once or twice in the following hour if she were not being so intent on avoiding it.
Fortunately, Phineas could be patient when the potential reward warranted it. And eventually, Lady Lydia excused herself from the group and subsequently left the room. Then Miss Martindale became engaged in a lively conversation with two dashing young gentlemen who couldn’t’ve been out in society much longer than herself. That left only the marquess, but even that formidable gentleman eventually became ensnared in the delicate clutches of a society matron and her two daughters.
Since there was no telling how long the lady’s stuffy older brother would remain occupied, Phineas didn’t waste a moment. Circling the outer edge of the room, he managed to step up beside Lady Eleanorbefore she realized he was there, leaving her with no opportunity for retreat.
The sudden flinch of surprise that jolted through her when she did finally notice his presence made him feel a moment of regret for employing such a tactic.
He smiled, hoping to set her at ease. “Good evening, Lady Eleanor. My apologies,” he said with all the charm at his disposal. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Her posture didn’t relax even a little bit. If anything, she stiffened even more. “Lord Waring. I’d hoped you wouldn’t approach me tonight.”
As soon as the words left her lips, she closed her eyes and turned her face away. “I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have said that.”
Phin chuckled. “On the contrary, I appreciate the honesty. But may I ask why?”
Though clearly still distressed by her own outspokenness, she pressed her dusky lips together and turned her gaze back to meet his. The moment their eyes met, a jolt shot through him from the top of his skull to his heels.
But a small frown shadowed her stare. He could see she hadn’t expected his question.
“I…I suppose…” After failing to find the words, she gave up with a small huff and an obvious drop of her shoulders as she glanced away again. “I don’t know.”
“I can understand why you might not desire my company,” he said in a tone of light commiseration. “It’s my handsomeness, you see. And my devil-may-care charm. Most people simply can’t believe I could be so overly blessed. I no longer get offended.” He sighed. “It’s a burden I do my best to carry with graceful humility.”
Her eyes widened in shock at his conceit until he gave a quick wink to assure her that he was only teasing.
She blinked with a flutter of lashes, then narrowed her gaze. “Youare…absurd.”
“I prefer impish or mischievous.” He paused then added, “But I likewickedbest.”
The blush that darkened her cheeks was distinctly alluring. But instead of gracing him with even a small smile of appreciation for his brazen charm, she glanced away.
“I might give youvillainous,” she replied under her breath.
“I’ll take it,” he whispered.
The fine muscles of her jaw tensed as she took a swift breath through her nose.
“Now that I am here, do you wish for me to walk away?”
Phin watched her proud, elegant profile, trying to read her thoughts. She gave very little away in her expression.
“I assume you had some purpose for interrupting my brief moment of solitude.”
“You enjoy the solitude?” he asked. It was obvious she did, but he was curious as to the why.
“I crave it,” she answered quickly then rolled her lips in between her teeth, as if she wished she could draw the words back in. But he rather adored that she had such a tendency to say exactly what she was thinking. It was a rare quality.
Phin tilted his head, trying to see more of her expression. “Is London society such a bore?”
