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Thislove business was messy and confusing.

Justin case anyone noticed her unusual happiness for Owen, she sought a distraction.

“I want a puppy as a companion too. I’ve already named her Zenobia.” AtAlthelia’s abrupt declaration, every person in the room swung their attention to her.

“Darling, of course, you can pick one of the puppies.” Papa’s indulgent smile didn’t quite meet his dark blue eyes. She had been unpardonably impolite and trampled upon Owen’s moment. “You only had to ask.”

“Thank you, Papa, but I want Zenobia to go wherever I go. Inside the house, the coach, everywhere.” She held her breath as her parents exchanged an unreadable glance.

“That’s something we shall discuss later.” Mama accepted Papa’s hand and stood. She faced Owen. “Permit me to offer my congratulations as well, Owen.”

“Thank you, YourGrace.”

Adiscussion usually meant no.

Lipspressed together, Althelia nodded and dared to raise her disillusioned gaze to Owen’s.

Compassionsimmered there, and instead of pleasing her, perversely, it made her angry.

Ashappy as she was for him, it didn’t escape her that had he been a woman, none of the things he now celebrated would likely have come to pass. The tension she’d assumed was excitement only an hour ago now thrummed like a Highlander’s drum behind her eyes.

Intruth, she felt quite wretched.

Simmsentered, bearing a tray with champagne-filled flutes.

“Ah, Simms. Your timing is impeccable.” Papa gestured Owen forward. “Come everyone, gather ’round and celebrate with us.”

Altheliaoffered a weak smile, blinking against the haziness that had descended upon the drawing room. Those little squiggly lines and dancing dots before her vision were the queerest things. “Please excuse me. I’m not feeling myself.”

Shepivoted to leave, but instead of moving forward, she tottered, her knees crumpling as if made of syllabub.

“Althelia!” Mama’s frightened cry came from a great distance.

Thelast thing Althelia recalled were iron-like arms catching her and pressing her to a marble-like chest.

Andit was wondrous.