“Do you know anything about the Star Maiden?”
“Apologies, sir, but I can’t help you.” She strode away before he could say anything.
What had she said about not regretting posing for Valentine? Well, she’d been wrong.
Perry workedhis jaw as Edith strode away from Sir James. Whatever the doctor had told her must have bothered her if the way she closed her fists and hurried out of the ballroom was any indication.
He started to follow her, but his uncle swept in front of him, blocking him.
“Perry, I know this isn’t the right place, but we should discuss the details of your renunciation.”
He craned his neck to see Edith disappear behind a corner. “I’ll ask my secretary to arrange a meeting.”
Uncle Neville’s expression became serious. “You know I care about your health. What you went through was horrible. Of course, you won’t lack anything afterwards.”
“Thank you, Uncle. Your affection for me is touching although I don’t understand why you told Miss Winkworth I’m the cause of your broken engagement.”
His uncle didn’t flinch. “I’ve never said such a thing. I merely told Edith about my past. She came to whatever conclusion she pleased. So shall we discuss this affair?”
Bollocks. “I’m afraid I can’t now. If you’ll excuse me.” He ignored Uncle Neville’s narrowed eyes.
He traced Edith’s steps as discreetly as he could, weaving through maids, footmen, and guests. The hallway was empty and, thankfully, wasn’t as brightly illuminated as the ballroom. His eyes were grateful. At the end of the corridor, the door to the conservatory stood ajar.
“Edith?” He slid inside, breathing in the scent of wet soil and blooming jasmine. “Are you here?”
“Perry.” She was sitting on a bench in a froth of pink fabric. Her forlorn expression gave a dramatic tone to the sight.
“What did Sir James tell you?” He sat next to her.
Roses and orchids created the perfect frame around her and her lovely pink gown. The moonlight added the last magical touch to her profile.
A little crease appeared between her eyebrows. “He’s after the Star Maiden. Apparently, the rumour of me posing for Valentine has spread, and Sir James is interested in buying the painting.”
“Not bloody likely.” He nearly growled.
A quick smile smoothed down her frown. “The rumour worries me.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Valentine himself spread it. He’s quite unreliable, and gossip is the best source of publicity. I’msure Sir James isn’t the only one who wants to buy the Star Maiden.”
“I didn’t choose my friends well as of late.” She tugged at a ribbon on her skirt. “I have so many regrets, and the worst thing is that I ignored my inner voice telling me not to do certain things when I was reckless.”
“I went through your same journey, and I can tell you this, the sense of guilt will go away after a while. Give yourself time to heal.”
“You’re always so kind.” She held his hand.
He couldn’t ignore the little shiver dancing down his neck. Exactly as it’d happened in the library, even a small touch started a stir in his chest.
“There’s one thing I regret to this day, though,” he said.
“What is it?”
“Not having kissed you that Christmas night.” He pointed up to where a branch of mistletoe hanging right over their heads. “Mistletoe.”
“Actually, that’s snowberry.”
“Does it matter?”
“It depends. What do you want to do?” She grinned, teasing him.
