May patted her cheeks in vain.
And then, he had the gall to tell her how highly he thought of her. Why was this man eschewing every reasonable expectation of a duke’s behavior? How was she meant to resist? The worst part of it was, this time she had been as true to herself as she could be, and still, he was not deterred by her lack of manners.
It made her want to believe in a world where they could be something.
Morning light streamed through the sheer curtains as May attempted to get herself together for the day ahead. However dire the state of her heart, she still had a job to do if she was to recover her mother’s necklace. What she needed right now was to stop daydreaming about Elias and obtain proof of Lord Spencer’s nature, preferably in direct proportion to his faithfulness.
When May descended into the breakfast room, Lady Hannah and Lord Spencer were laughing warmly, sitting next to each other at the table, shoulders together, his fingers brushing stray crumbs off Lady Hannah’s lips.
As their heads whipped in May’s direction, the couple broke apart. Lord Spencer immediately busied himself with a newspaper. They were not meant to be left unchaperoned, but clearly, they were growing more and more bold in stretching the bounds of propriety. Much better to discover them like this, than….
“Cousin! I did not think you’d return so soon.” Despite the interruption, a genuine smile blossomed on Lady Hannah’s lips.
May frowned, confused. “I apologize for disturbing you.”
“Not at all. Lord Spencer was just going.” With a meaningful frown, the lady of the house motioned her betrothed to make some vague excuse to depart. Then, her gaze was right back on May. “Sit next to me?”
She did.
“I wish to thank you for what you did yesterday. It meant more than I can possibly say. You made the evening bearable.”
It never failed to shock May how theton’smost illustrious members could be the most cruel and heartless. “I am sorry that your celebration was spoiled by such inconsiderate fools.”
“It was never truly mine.” She smiled wistfully. “My brother can be very single-minded. I know it meant a lot to him. I just wish that he would see that he is not toiling for my sake… Never mind. Let him have his way. There are only three weeks left.”
May frowned. “I am sure the duke only wants what’s best for you.”
“He’ll be glad, then, for I already have it. But never mind that.” Lady Hannah affectionately squeezed May’s hand. “I am sorry, I have not been as supportive upon your arrival as I ought. I know it must be hard to be plunged into the maws of London’s upper class. I have grown up part of it, yet I can’t quite get used to it myself. But for you to come to London for the marriage mart—you need to brace yourself for its brutality.”
“Isn’t that how you met Lord Spencer?”
“Oh, no! We met up North while I was visiting a friend. I’ll tell you the full story one day, but for now, let me assure you I’ve known him in my childhood and had absolutely no expectation of seeing him again until he turned up at a ball. He was the most dashing and brave colonel I’ve ever seen… and the worst dancer. Truth is, if it were London, he would not have even been invited to attend. It does not matter an iota what they think, for I would not have anyone else but him, but my brother is having a hard time believing in honesty these days. He’s only ever known London society, and everyone here keeps their true heart concealed. I cannot blame him for protecting his own.”
Lord Frenwick’s biting words from the altercation in Elias’s study came to May’s mind. That walled look on the duke’s face when she asked him if he was fine…
“Is it something to do with his past engagement? What I heard of it made it sound… hurtful.” May shouldn’t have asked. Not knowing made it easier to keep her distance. And yet… she couldn’t help wanting to learn every little thing about him.
“He told you, then?” Hannah looked aside. “I was quite young back then, but I do remember. Elias was so in love—you know, I’ve never seen him that happy since. Then my father intervened, and I never saw her again. I heard she was after the money. That’s all they’ve told me of it.”
May quieted. These added details filled out an already sad picture.
“I have to thank you for cheering Elias up. It was so nice of you to invite him out today. He looked quite happy.”
“Invite him out?”
Lady Hannah frowned. “I thought you summoned him to the gallery? He left as soon as he got your note.”
What note? “A note? From me?”
“Yes… It was delivered at breakfast.”
May stood up abruptly. Something was very wrong. “In that case, I should not keep him waiting.”
She left the confused Lady Hannah in the breakfast room as she rushed to Elias’s chambers. The opened note still sat on the table.
Your Grace,
I humbly ask the chance to make up for my disappearance the other night. Should you wish to give this another chance, I will be waiting at the Dulwich Picture Gallery at midday.
