Page 86 of The Lady’s Great Escape

He looked at her in surprise. “They do?”

“Yes. But don’t fear, she’s taken with you, despite Lord Marsden’s interest.”

“Blighter,” Kit mumbled into the cool evening air.

He turned to face her fully. “The truth is, I do plan to ask for her hand tonight. I’m just working up the courage to do so. I find myself more nervous than I expected to be while doing something I want to do.”

“You’re going to marry Lady Willa?” Celia nearly choked.

“Yes. Why do you seem surprised? After all, that is why I asked you to help me find a potential bride.”

“But she was the first woman you’ve met. How do you know she’s the one?”

“I guess I just know.” He shrugged.

Shrugged. As if he’d just been asked if he wanted lemon or orange tea cakes.

“This is a very important decision, Kit.”

“I understand. Thus, the reason for the nervousness I mentioned previously. You’re not helping Celia. Perhaps you should go.” He turned back to the blackness.

“I’m sorry. I’m just surprised by the timing of it. It seems I haven’t seen you in days. Did I imagine you are avoiding me?”

After a long silence he shook his head. “No. I needed time to myself to think.”

“I see. I hope now that you’re done with that, we can be friends again.” She smiled, but he didn’t laugh at her joke.

“In time, I’m sure that will be possible.” But not now. He didn’t say as much, but she heard it nonetheless. He’d wanted distance from her.

“I am very happy for you, Kit. I’m so glad you’ve found someone and it appears all your dreams will now come true.”

“Do you mean that, truly?” he asked.

She didn’t know what he expected her to say, but she offered the truth. “You are my very best friend, Christopher. Of course, I want you to find happiness.”

“Thank you, Celia.” He was looking at her again, and if he wasn’t about to go off and propose to another woman, she might have leaned up to kiss him. “How do I look?” he asked and brushed a hand over his coat.

“Dashing as ever,” she answered with a grin.

“Can I see you inside?” he asked, holding out his arm to escort her back to the ball. Always the gentleman.

“No need. I’m fine here for the moment. I believe I’ll stay and take some air.”

“Very well, then. I guess I’ve delayed long enough. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck, my friend. You only need to follow your heart.”

He winked at her. He was quite handsome, especially when he grinned in that boyish way.

And he was getting married.

Her mind hummed as he walked away from her. She stood frozen as that fact settled in. Of course, this had been the plan all along. To find a suitable wife for Kit.

They’d been successful in that endeavor, making the next step in the plan for him to propose and secure said bride. Willa would obviously accept his offer and they would be wed. A year from now their first child would arrive, but would Celia be told or just hear about it from Gray?

After all, when Kit married, she would lose him. She knew they would never be lovers again—that had been made perfectly clear even before he’d found a bride. But he would no longer take meals with her and Gray, he’d instead dine with his wife. She and Kit would never again sit together and talk late into the night about all sorts of things. Or share their mornings together.

She was certain the stabbing pain in her chest was from her corset rather than grief for a friendship she was about to lose forever. She swallowed and put a smile on her face that was not quite sincere at the moment, but it would be when she saw Kit was happy with the woman who would make his dreams come true.

Stepping inside the ballroom she tried to catch her breath. It felt as if a piece of her heart ripped free when he’d walked away from her. Kit was getting what he’d wanted and she was genuinely happy about that. She only wished it didn’t mean she was left alone.

Except… she didn’t have to be alone. After all, she’d had her own plans.

She looked across the crowd and spotted Lord Rathmore watching her. She smiled and he offered an enticing grin. It seemed Kit wasn’t the only person to get what they wanted tonight.

She sauntered through the crowd to stand before Rathmore.

“Lady Hamlin, you look exquisite this evening. Would you care to dance?”

“Actually, no. I’d prefer it if you would escort me home.” She was done playing at this game. She decided to just say it straight out.

Fortunately, this tactic worked. For his smile grew wider.

“I would be honored.”