Once the carriage arrived at Alain’s flat, Lucien made sure to climb out before Markham could open the door. It was dashed odd, having a man he had known since boyhood suddenly wait on him.
“Goodnight, Markham. Thank you for the ride,” Lucien said lightly, hoping it might dispel any awkwardness.
But as he looked up at the driver’s seat, there was no trace of disapproval in the older man’s face.
“My pleasure, Mr. Taylor. Glad to see you are doing well for yourself.”
Lucien ducked his head. “I’m trying, at least.”
“Your father is very proud, you know,” Markham said after a moment. “And we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
“Thank you.” Given that Markham had been promoted to head coachman on account of his father’s condition, Lucien wondered just how much the man wanted him to fully recover if it meant a demotion. But Lucien appreciated the sentiment anyway. “I’m sure I will see you again soon.”
“Yes,” Markham said with a nod. “I’m sure you will.” Then he gave Lucien a little salute before flicking the reigns.
Lucien remained on the pavement and watched the carriage progress down the road. It was not lost on him that if his father had never fallen ill, he might very well have been the one manning the carriage this evening. Or if Lucien had never gone to Paris, he would have followed in his father’s footsteps and become a coachman himself.
You need to go somewhere far, far away from here.
And against the odds, Lucien had managed to do it, thanks in large part to his father’s generosity. But it was unsettling to realize just how easily things could have been different for him. As well as the impact Alex’s words that night long ago had made on him.
Lucien tilted his head back to gaze up at the sky, but only a few of the very brightest stars were visible overhead. It took him a moment to realize that the tightness in his chest was a longing for Bunbury. For evenings by the fire in his parents’ little flat while his father read aloud from an adventure story, a warm cup of his mother’schocolat chaudin his hands. For a scene he could never return to, no matter how much he wished it.
Lucien brushed his cheek and stared at his wet fingertips for a moment, then let out a surprised laugh.
You’re just exhausted. And overwrought.
He had vastly underestimated the toll this deception would have on him. Because he could not afford it. Idly he wondered if Alex was experiencing the same kind of strain but then dismissed the thought. She was used to moving through this world. And she seemed able to control her emotions with an iron fist. No, it could not be the same for her.
Lucien then made his way inside the building and trudged up the stairs to the flat. He was relieved that Alain was working late at the hotel this evening, for Lucien was in no mood to talk with anyone at the moment. He needed to sleep.
Several days later, Alex found herself in the music room of the Turners’ Belgravia mansion glowering as Lucien handed a cup of punch to a beaming Freddie across the room. Tonight’s outing wasthe kind of invitation Alex usually ignored and Freddie delighted in, especially if it provided yet another opportunity to flirt shamelessly with Lucien.
Alex’s brow furrowed even deeper as Lucien leaned in closer to listen to whatever drivel her sister was spouting. If he didn’t return to her side soon, Alex would have to go fetch him herself even though it went against her every instinct. But otherwise, people might begin to talk. Aunt Winifred had already cast her three urgent looks and she was liable to drag Alex across the room herself if she waited any longer.
This was turning into a mortifying ordeal. At least Alex was upholdingherend of their agreement. Lucien had left the LaSalles’ salon with a stack of business cards in his pocket, but it would be far more difficult to sell their courtship if he made his interest in Freddie any more obvious.
“You know, it might be more effective if you just called Freddie out directly.”
Alex snapped to attention and found Will beside her. “When did you get here?”
“Just now. Phoebe’s talking to Mrs. Turner.” He gestured to her least irritating sister.
“Will you be my second?”
He smiled at the quip. “Even I am not foolish enough to get involved in an Atkinson sisters quarrel.”
“We aren’t quarreling. Freddie is behaving abominably, as usual. It’s a disgrace.”
“Hmm,” Will said as he eyed the pair. “It looks to me like she’s simply talking to Lucien.”
Alex huffed. “Yes, but they are standing far too close and she hasbeen monopolizing him for—” She pulled out her pocket watch and frowned. Huh. Seven minutes. That wasn’t so bad. She could have sworn it was far longer.
Will tilted his head, awaiting her response. “Well?”
Alex shoved the watch back in her skirt pocket. “Never mind,” she grumbled.
“I never thought I’d see the day,” he marveled. “You’re jealous.”
