The moment my feet hit the garden path, the weight of unseen eyes settled over me again. It prickled my neck and made my stomach tighten. But I refused to look over my shoulder. Eyes straight ahead, I followed Derrick inside the manor.
Chapter 4
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Derrick asked as I descended the staircase for dinner. “After what happened earlier, no one would blame you if you wanted to rest and have a meal sent up to your room.”
I pressed a hand against my chest in mock horror. “What, and miss out on all the sympathy points? No way. I plan to milk my near arrow impaling for all its worth, and I intend to do it while enjoying a four-course meal.”
“That sounds like you.” Derrick shook his head and held out his arm. “You look beautiful tonight, by the way.”
“Thank you. Dodging arrows really brings out my youthful complexion. You should see me after a knife fight—I practically glow.” I winked and rested my hand on his forearm. “You don’t look too bad yourself, Detective.” He’d dressed for dinner in a black tuxedo jacket and a crisp white shirt. Silver cufflinks gleamed at his sleeves.
Smoothing damp palms across the waist of my gown, I struggled to remain as confident as I sounded. In truth, my nerves made my skin feel tighter than my cinched bodice. Which was saying something.
I’d applied some tinted cream to conceal the cut on my cheek, and outwardly, I appeared cool and composed. But looking the part was only half the battle. At least, that was what I told myself. Whether it was true remained to be seen.
Still, I was determined to make dinner a fresh start. It was a chance to get to know Derrick’s family in a more relaxed setting. I planned to keep my magic locked tightly away—not only to please Cynthia, but to show them I could be just like every other girl, and a good prospect for their son.
How hard could it be? Everything was going to be fine.
We walked into the dining room side by side, and conversation halted when everyone turned to stare. My plastered smile became painful under the intense scrutiny. Cynthia stepped forward, regal in her hunter-green gown, with massive emeralds dangling from her ears. A diamond-encrusted necklace with a matching pendant circled her neck.
She grasped my hand with icy fingers and creased her brow in concern. “Tessa, we were just talking about your ordeal in the woods. I feel responsible for suggesting you go for a walk. My husband Harold is going to report the incident to the village authorities in the morning. These poachers must be stopped.”
Harold inclined his head and placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “I’m sorry your first day at Fairwood has been so difficult. But we’re happy you’re here and hope you can put what happened behind you.” His tone was warm and kind; a direct contrast to Cynthia’s frosty welcome. Maybe Derrick’s father was willing to give me a chance?
“Of course, sir. Thank you for your concern. I’m sure the authorities will handle it.”
“Indeed,” Cynthia said before Harold could respond. She dropped my hand and gestured to the other guests standing around the elegantly set table. “You already had the pleasure of meeting Isabelle earlier, but I’d like to introduce you to her parents, Richard and Lila Snow.”
I recognized Lila from tea. She tilted up her nose at the greeting, and her ebony hair gleamed beneath the chandeliers. Considering she wanted Derrick for a son-in-law, I didn’t expect a perfumed hug or an air kiss, and I got neither, but the look swirling in her eyes took me by surprise.Emptiness.There wasn’t any other word for it. However, it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Richard patted his wife’s hand, seeming oblivious to the way she flinched, and flashed me a wide smile. “We’ve heard about your unique abilities, and how you’ve helped Derrick at the agency. I find I admire you already.” His mouth curled into something hinting at indecency, and I rubbed my arms to dispel the unease crawling across my skin.
Derrick squeezed my hand. “Tessa has become an integral part of the agency. She brings a whole new aspect to the investigations. I couldn’t do without her.”
“I’m sure you’ll adjust after you accept the promotion,” Cynthia said.
The mood in the room chilled even though a roaring fire crackled in the hearth, and for a moment, the snap and crack of the flames was all we could hear.
“Mother, now is not—”
Edward banged his cane against the floor and made a motioning wave with his hand. A servant rushed forward and began to fill the wine glasses.
“I’m starving—shall we eat?”
“I’ve placed you near the end, Tessa.” Cynthia pointed to my seat, which was thankfully near Edward but also the farthest from Derrick. I wouldn’t be conversing with him over dinner unless I wanted to shout.
Isabelle claimed the seat on Derrick’s right and tried to shift her chair closer to his. She caught me looking and raised a sculpted brow in challenge. Her chair scooted another inch, and I bit my tongue, refusing to make a scene. I might not trust her, but I trusted Derrick, and her petty attempts at winning him over only made her appear desperate.
Just in case, I sent Derrick a look that said he was free to drop food in her lap.
Edward leaned in, sending a wave of musky cologne in my direction. “I may not be as handsome as your young fellow, but I make an excellent dinner companion. I hardly ever chew with my mouth open.”
I pressed my lips together to contain a laugh. “Your dinner manners sound impeccable.”
“Watch and learn, my dear, watch and learn. I may even use the correct fork.” He winked and pretended to count the tines on his salad fork.
Everyone had taken their seats when there was a commotion in the hallway. Andrew strolled into the dining room sipping deeply from a wineglass. The glass plunked heavily down on the table, nearly tipping, as he pulled out the chair on my left.
