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“I am, ma’am.”

She looked as if she wished to say more, but Mrs. Chumley spoke next. “It truly is such a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Fernside. Your daughter has been an utter delight on our journey. Has she not, Mr. Chumley?”

Mr. Chumley cleared his throat with a nod that looked very much like it pained him, and Lark couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

Penelope had been right. Mrs. Chumley certainly ruled the roost, or Lark would have been vanquished from the expedition long ago.

“I am so pleased to hear that,” Mother said. “More of the world needs to discover how charming my daughter is.”

She glanced again at Mr. Branok.

“And her knowledge is unmatched,” Mrs. Chumley continued. “She is even giving our resident expert a run for his money.”

Mother homed in on Mr. Branok. “And I take it you are the expert?”

Mr. Branok gave a rigid smile. “I am no expert, ma’am.”

Mother leaned toward Lark, speaking in a voice loud enough for all to hear. “Is he being humble, daughter?”

Lark met Mr. Branok’s gaze. “Very much so.”

“I thought as much.” Mother smiled. “I have heard great details about your expeditions over the years, Mr. Branok. My daughter seems to speak of nothing else. She takes a keen interest in your books.”

Lark blushed, stealing a glance at the gentleman.

Before, Mr. Branok would have teased her with knowing glances and sparkling eyes. Now, he merely ducked his head with modesty as Mother continued.

“Do tell me what is so engaging about your volumes of work that makes my Lark so obsessed with them.”

“That I could not tell you,” he replied. “She may be the only other person who has read them.”

The group laughed.

“Nonsense,” Mrs. Chumley said. “My husband has read them, have you not?” Mr. Chumley nodded. “And I, myself have managed a page or two. Though, I admit, I am not your target audience.”

“My daughter certainly is,” Mother continued. “Mr. Branok was the sole reason she signed up for your tour, Mr. Chumley.”

Mr. Chumley snapped a condemning look at Lark. She’d never told him that Mr. Branok was the reason she’d attended, fearing he would never say yes if he knew the truth. However, there was no purpose in hiding it now.

She raised her chin, then glanced at Mr. Branok, who watched her carefully with an unreadable expression.

Was he upset? Sorrowful? Did he regret ever speaking with someone who was so clearly obsessed with him?

“Now tell us, Mr. Branok,” Mother said next, “does your…your wife go with you on your many excursions round the world?”

Heavens above.

“No, I am not married. My expeditions do not allow me the luxury.”

Mother’s look of disappointment was clear, but she brushed it aside and smiled anyway. “I find when one wants something badly enough, one can make anything possible.”

Her eyes lingered on him, and Lark gave a subtle nudge to Mother with her elbow, praying for the man to find some relief.

However, distraction came in another form as Mr. Taylor from before stood beside Lark with a toothy smile. “Miss Fernside, may I have this next dance?”

Lark stared, only aware in that moment that the music from the previous dance had ended and another was about to begin.

“Oh…” Lark hesitated.