The fluid way he said Sandro’s name surprised me almost as much as his words. “Oh, my goodness.” My dancing posture slackened, and my elbows dropped to my sides. “Where is he? Why did he leave me? When can I see him again?”
He smiled, eyes brightening. “I’m only a messenger. You’ll have the chance to ask him these questions. He’s waiting for you in Lisbon where the ship will dock in two days.”
A warm shock of surprise ran through me. “Sandro.” I’d see him in two days.
Mr Marston threw another glance over his shoulder towards the gloomy figure of Rennie. “I don’t need to tell you it would be better if your companion didn’t know about the meeting.”
No, he didn’t need to tell me. But on second thought... “Why?”
He stepped to the left in rhythm with the music. “Again, I’m following Sandro’s instructions, but he believes your bodyguard will prevent you from meeting him. Apparently, your parents don’t want you to see him.”
I was repeating myself, but... “Why?”
Mr Marston heaved a sigh that caused the blond tendrils of his hair to brush against his jaw. “Alas, this is something you must discuss with Sandro himself. I can only tell you this. He’s a good man. He would never do anything to harm you or your reputation. Your parents must have taken a dislike to him for some misguided reason.”
Mr Marston’s words didn’t make much sense. In fact, he sounded defensive towards Sandro, as if Sandro had already damaged a lady’s reputation. But I wanted answers, so I nodded. “Thank you, Mr Marston. I look forward to seeing Sandro again.”
“There’s more. Miss Fitzwilliam, you must know there are people who wish him harm.”
My breath stilled. “What do you mean?”
“He’s a prince and a wealthy, rich man. He has many enemies. Hence the secrecy. You understand, don’t you?”
“No, not really.”
Impatience flickered over his face. “Sandro will explain everything to you. It’s his story to tell. Not mine.”
I frowned. The conversation wasn’t making much sense. But then again, if I wanted answers, I had to see Sandro.
Rennie shifted his weight. His hard stare was trained on me, and I wondered how I was going to flee from my bodyguard.
