Atlas nodded. “I agree to that too.”
I could not take their compliments or focused attention any longer. “You two are just as interesting and pretty. There. Now may we change the subject?”
“You think I’m pretty?” Atlas asked. He put his elbow on the table and set his chin on his fist. “What part do you favor? The hair? The jawline? The—”
“Your nose!” I shouted, cutting him off before he listed his mouth.
He sat back and coughed into his hand, likely smothering a laugh of his own.
Augusta shoved a bite of scone into her mouth. “Upon my word, I am positively stuffed.” She winked at me and pushed to her feet. “Estelle, I’ll be waiting for you in the library when you’re finished.”
What? She was leaving me now?
“I have a very intuitive sister,” Atlas said as soon as Augusta disappeared from the room.
“She certainly is determined when she gets an idea in her mind.”
I poked at my eggs, unable to eat with the butterflies swarming my stomach. I hadn’t expected to be alone with Atlas so soon.
“Indeed. She usually applies her energy into sending her governesses packing. She has never turned her scheming on me before. Though, I dare not question her methods. I enjoy how she conveniently keeps leaving us alone together.”
I could not withhold my smile. “She is rather adept at it.”
Atlas caressed my face with his soft gaze, his own plate completely abandoned. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“I did. Did you?”
“Indeed. I woke up thinking of you.”
My blush must have reached my toes. “And I woke to roses by my bedside. Thank you for your thoughtful gift. I love roses.”
“I know. And now when you see your favorite flower, you will also think of me. Wasn’t I clever?”
I put my napkin to my mouth to keep my giddy laugh from escaping. “Clever, intelligent,andgenerous.”
“Then I am delighted to have fooled you. Did you read the card?”
“I loved it.”
“Is that a yes?”
I pushed against the back of my chair. “It is.”
He grinned and reached for my hand, entwining his fingers through mine.
I anxiously glanced at the door. “Someone might see us.”
“I don’t care,” he said, tugging me closer. “Anyone can know my intentions.”
His words relaxed and comforted me. But they also reminded me of the promise I made myself. I had to tell him the truth before this went any further.
“There is an important matter I had hoped to discuss with you.”
The butler interrupted, stepping into the doorway. “Excuse me, Lord Camden.”
I instinctively tried to pull my hand out of Lord Camden’s grip, but he held it firm—even squeezing it to reassure me.
“Yes, Mr. Barnes?”
