“And Jenkins? Remain nearby. This will not be a lengthy conversation.”
Lady Forsythe swept into the study moments later, her presence filling the room like a woman whose manners were those of someone who was entirely unused to the wordno.She moved through the world as if every path were cleared for her express passage.
She was dressed in a gown that emphasised her considerable assets, her expression carrying the confident certainty that had served her well in London’s social wars.
“Trevane. You’ve been avoiding me.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Busy.” She pronounced the word with evident scepticism.
“You’ve been in London for two months. You’ve attended every significant social event of the season. And yet somehow, every time I attempt to secure your attention, you vanish.”
“Perhaps that should tell you something.”
“It tells me that you’re playing a game I don’t understand.” She moved closer, her skirts rustling against the carpet.
“The old Trevane would never have been so elusive. The old Trevane enjoyed being pursued.”
“The old Trevane was a fool who didn’t know what he wanted. It appears that our new Trevane has become perfectly apprised of the situation.”
“And what does the new Trevane desire?”
Rhys met her eyes directly, without the charm or deflection he had employed for so many years.
“I want something you cannot offer. Something I’ve found elsewhere and intend to keep.”
Lady Forsythe’s expression flickered, surprise giving way to calculation.
“There’s someone else. Someone in Cornwall, perhaps? The scandal sheets have been speculating about your extended visits there.”
“The scandal sheets can speculate whatever they please. My private life is none of their concern.”
“Your private life has always been their concern. It’s what made you interesting.” She tilted her head, studying him with renewed attention.
“You’ve changed. I don’t know whether to be impressed or disappointed.”
“I don’t particularly care which you choose. What I do care about is making myself clear.” He gestured toward the door. “I am not available for whatever you came here seeking. I will not be available in the future. I suggest you redirect your attention to someone who is capable of appreciating it.”
Lady Forsythe stood very still, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she smiled.
“She must be remarkable,” she said quietly.
“Whoever she is. To have accomplished what no woman in London managed in all these years.”
“She is.”
“I hope she knows what she has.”
“I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure she does.”
Lady Forsythe nodded once, a gesture of acknowledgment rather than approval. Then she turned and walked toward the door, her departure as dramatic as her entrance had been.
At the threshold, she paused.
“Good luck, Trevane. Whoever she is, wherever you found her, I hope she’s worth the transformation.”
“She is.”
