“I gave my consent, of course,” her father continued. “And he seems certain that she will accept him. If he hurries up, we can hold a joint engagement ball for them as well as Phoebe and the duke at the end of the month. Save your mother and me a bit of coin,” he said with a wink.
Alex hummed in approval. This was excellent news. Nothing could impede a deal with the Ericsons now. Her plan had worked even faster than expected. Why, both her sisters could be engaged and married within the year. Just as a strange heaviness began to settle in her chest, Lucien finally entered the box.
And all I have is a fake paramour who can’t stand me.
Their eyes immediately locked and any relief she might have felt at his appearance dulled considerably at the thought.
“You know, Alex,” her father murmured, “you could end your little agreement sooner, if you wished.”
She managed to tear her gaze from Lucien. “Why?” she asked sharply. “Did he say something to you?”
“No, not at all.”
“Because I do still need his help to convince the board that I can take over one day.”
“Yes, but…” Her father hesitated. “I’m worried that you might get hurt the longer this goes on.”
Alex let out a laugh that sounded too loud to her ears. “That’s absurd.”
“Is it?” Her father glanced over at him. “He’s a good-looking lad with a sharp mind and plenty of drive. You’ve a good deal in common.”
Alex shook her head. “We’re only—” Lord, she couldn’t even say they werefriends. “We both understand the situation,” she finished.
He watched her for a moment. “Not everything bends to logic. The heart least of all. And yours is still made of flesh and blood, my girl. Just like the rest of us.”
She followed Lucien as he moved through the crowd toward her, all while his gaze never left her own.
“But his heart was spoken for long ago.” Alex hadn’t realized she’d said the words aloud until her father chuckled.
“Do you mean Freddie?” Alex gave a reluctant nod and his gaze turned thoughtful. “I remember he would follow her around the estate with stars in his eyes. But the affections of boyhood rarely endure the realities of adulthood. And it is rarer still for it to blossom into real, lasting love. Remember that,” he murmured before addressing Lucien. “Hello, there. So glad you could join us.”
“Sir, my apologies,” he said in a rush. “The omnibus I was waiting on took nearly an hour to arrive.”
Her father shot her a frown. “I thought you were finding him a flat nearby.”
“I did,” Alex insisted. “There is one available in The King’s Arms.”
Which wasn’t very far from their offices. She had found it days ago but hadn’t had the chance to tell him yet.
He then looked between her and Lucien. “Well, what are you waiting for?”
For him to respond to me.
“That is my fault, sir—”
“Get it sorted by tomorrow,” her father insisted. “We can’t have you traipsing in from the country three times a week. This won’t work.”
“Yes, of course,” Lucien said hastily.
Just then Aunt Winifred came to her side and murmured by her ear. “Whoisthat large, terrifying man talking with your sisters?”
“Inspector Holland,” Alex replied. “He is an acquaintance of Margrave and Phoebe.”
Her aunt’s eyes gleamed with interest. She didn’t look the least bit terrified. “Hmm. I’d better introduce myself.”
Alex smiled as her aunt hurried away. It appeared Freddie had some competition from her namesake.
The theater lights then flashed. “You should take your seats,” Father said as he gestured to a pair of chairs at the end of the row. “The show is about to begin.”
