“I cannot understand why she is so cold,” he said as they walked out the doors to the terrace. They were close enough to the dancers that she was not worried about calling her aunt to accompany them.
“It must be something I said,” Simon continued. “The curse of it is, I can’t remember what.”
She folded her fingers over his arm. “If you are looking to catch a glimpse, she has been spending her mornings with the horses. She loves to ride.”
Simon nodded. “Well, I’m a bit of a rider myself.” After a brief pause, he added, “Has she said anything about me?”
“She said you are not seeking a wife.”
Simon winced. “She might have misconstrued my intentions, but I am willing to make amends.”
She squeezed his arm. “I will speak to her.”
“She’s a remarkable woman,” he said, staring out at the dark gardens. It was easy to guess what he was thinking.
“But you are worried about the Duke of Canterbury.”
The muscles of his arm tensed. “I take it you did not have the pleasure of meeting his late wife?” His lips thinned. “She was a beautiful, spirited woman—before her marriage. It was awful to see her change, night after night, retreating into herself. His Grace treated her like a wild mare to be broken and bred. I cannot see that happen to Miss Angelica.”
A shiver traveled down her spine. His assessment matched with her feelings about the man. “I agree with you, sir. The problem is—”
“Money. I know. Your sister explained. I do not have the means to provide Miss Angelica with all that she deserves.” Heclosed his eyes. “I had a fortune once. But for my hubris, she could be mine.”
The anguish in his voice resonated within her. Like Simon, she longed for someone who felt out of reach. The difference was that Simon now seemed willing to marry her sister. All she had to do was nudge them and her problem with Canterbury might be solved. She would still search for Basil, but she would not need to rush.
“There you are.”
Leo stood in the doorway to the ballroom, dressed in dark-blue livery. His arms were tucked behind his back, his hair perfectly coiffed. His lips turned down as he looked beside her to where Simon stood.
“Evening, cousin,” Leo said. A palpable tension formed between the two men until Simon released her and bowed.
“If you will excuse me, I promised Miss Morgan a dance.” He strolled off with confidence and what Saffron thought was a new sense of purpose, leaving her to shuffle awkwardly before their host.
“I saw you dance,” Leo said.
She swallowed the saliva that suddenly flooded her mouth. He had been watching her, after all. But why? To ensure she was completing her end of the bargain?
“I have not yet questioned everyone,” she said. “Have there been any other attempts to steal the painting?”
Leo prowled closer. “No. What did the Duke of Canterbury say to you? I tried to follow, but Simon spilled champagne on my trousers.”
She swallowed again. “He wanted me to know that if I made a scene again, he would cut us off, financially, after he marries my sister.”
It would have been easier to lie, but a small part of her wanted him to get angry on her behalf. It made her feel special,wanted. Like she was back by the fountain, being comforted instead of shouted at.
But rather than explode in a burst of temper, Leo closed the distance between them and tucked her fingers into the crook of his arm, then goaded her back toward the bright lights of the ballroom.
“I won’t let that happen. You are far too important…”
Her lungs seized, her heart thumped, and she nearly reached for her head for fear it would float away.
“I’ve never met anyone so good at solving problems,” Leo continued.
She crashed back down to Earth. Of course, that was what he wanted. Practical Miss Summersby. Always putting others’ needs first. Never thinking about herself or pursuing her own desires. Her entire world revolved around her family. She had no actual plan for her own future beyond finding Basil and preventing Angelica from marrying the Duke of Canterbury, because saving her siblings was all she cared about.
For once, I wish someone would put me first.
She noticed her aunt sitting with Lady Allen and was about to head toward them, when a waltz started. Leo led her to the dance floor, his hand splayed on her hip, pulling her close as they swirled around the other couples.
