There was something very important I was failing to remember, and it grated against my mind. When I finally did remember, I tore my lips from Clark’s, a sudden awareness of my surroundings crashing over my shoulders. We were hidden from view, but not entirely. My throat tightened with emotion as I stared up at Clark’s face, his soft eyes, and the lips I had just so thoroughly kissed.
And then a confession slipped out of my mouth. “I am going to ensnare Sir William tonight.”
Clark’s hands fell from my waist. “Ensnare?”
“Kate and I have a plan. It is the only way to secure him quickly enough.”
Clark was silent. Did he agree that it was necessary? Part of me hoped, desperately, that he would convince me not to do it, but he remained quiet.
I looked at his cravat instead of his face. “I would have tried to court him the traditional way, but because of the time I spent with you, I have little left. What else can be done in so short a time?”
Clark stepped back, a deep scowl on his brow. “Perhaps there’s a way,” he said in a gruff voice. I could see how it tortured him to think of me tucked away in these same gardens with SirWilliam. “Would your brother not pay the loan if he knew the danger Frederick was in?”
I shook my head fast. “He wouldn’t care. Even if he did, he doesn’t have the money to spare.”
“I could obtain my own loan in order to repay his.” He looked up, his features tight with determination. “Perhaps with Colin’s recommendation, a creditor would grant me the sum.”
I covered my face with my hands and turned around. “You cannot. This is not your burden to bear.”
“Itismy burden.” I heard him walk up behind me, and then I felt his breath rustle against the back of my neck. “If it means that I can’t be with you.”
I drew a deep, shaky breath and turned to face him. “You may try to find a way, but I cannot waste any more time. I must do what I can for Frederick on my own.”
“Don’t try to ensnare William tonight. Please. I will think of something.”
I studied his face. Could I trust him? His entire ruse had started because Colin had been trying to keep me away from Sir William and other men whose fortunes I might pursue. How did I know for certain that he wasn’t leading me astray again?
In his eyes, I saw the reflection of the lanterns behind us. Every feature of his face cried out in sincerity.
I believed him.
My heart thudded, but I gave a small nod. Even if I didn’t ensnare Sir William that evening, I would still have to find him. He had asked me to meet him there. I wasn’t in a position to reject his attention, so I would encourage it as well as I could.
“Very well,” I said in a broken whisper. “I won’t ensnare him.” I couldn’t promise anything more. Clark understood that—I could tell from the fragments of pain in his eyes. I touched his chest, meaning to push myself away, but my hands curledaround the fabric instead. My heart raced with longing. I didn’t want to let go.
“We ought to return before someone notices your absence,” he said softly.
“You say that as though you intend to escort me back.”
His mouth curved faintly, though there was strain beneath it. His fingers traced my chin, and then he pressed a soft kiss to my lips. I held his jacket tightly and counted to three. And then I let go.
I left the cover of the hedges first, composing myself with several deep breaths as I located Aunt Julia on the lawn. She was still with Colin. He glanced up at my approach, an obvious tension releasing from his shoulders. Aunt Julia had likely been prattling on about the waters of the Roman Baths and how they had already made improvements to her health. It had been her favorite subject besides my courtship to the man whom she believed to be standing in front of her.
“There you are.” She blinked up at me as if the passage of time had escaped her entirely. I glanced at the bench by the path, expecting to see Clark stepping out from the shadows. He wasn’t there.
Colin excused himself, setting off in no particular direction, and then Aunt Julia grabbed my arm. “Mr. Campbell wished to ask where I acquired this necklace. He wants to purchase a similar one for his mother. Is that not so very thoughtful?” She clutched the pendant with a distant smile, as if she were still living in the moment that had just passed. I couldn’t blame her. I was doing the same thing…and I feared I would be for a very long time.
“Did you see the fireworks?” Aunt Julia looked toward the sky above the sham castle, a folly built on the hills beyond the gardens.
I couldn’t tell her why I had missed the display, so I gave a faint nod.
“You seem quite unimpressed.” She pursed her lips again. “But that does seem to be happening often.”
It was clear that she was referring to Mr. Campbell.
I held my chin high, choosing not to react. I didn’t dare imagine the gasp that would escape Aunt Julia if I told her the entire story. It was better that she believe I had been courting Colin all along—and that I hadn’t fallen in love with his twin—and most certainly that I hadn’t just been kissing him in the gardens.
Relief flooded my stomach as I caught sight of Kate. She wore a pale pink gown, a large white feather sticking straight out of her honey-hued curls. Without a word to Aunt Julia, I started in her direction, tapping softly on the back of her arm.
