“What is that suppo—?”
“I miss you, too,” he said. “You also taught me.”
The exasperation that had gathered at the tip of her tongue dissipated and she stared at him, baffled. They had arrived in front of her great-aunts’ house and he exited the carriage, holding out a hand to help her down.
“Miss Beaulieu, I would like to see you again, but I won’t pressure you to say yes,” he concluded. “Thank you for your company.”
If he’d been Luc Lémy, he might have punctuated their conversation by reminding her once again how pretty she looked, declaring that her hair was as dark as midnight. Hector was not Luc, and he’d say no such words.
She looked at him carefully, and saw a man. Not the romantic notion of a man she’d glimpsed before, her vision colored with memories of books and plays. A man, flawed and sad, who’d hurt her once, but whom she nonetheless esteemed. She saw, too, his genuine regret and the honest emotion lurking in his eyes.
“Have you been to the aquarium?” she asked.
“I had to fetch a shark from it at one point,” he replied cautiously.
“Did you look around it?”
“Not on that occasion.”
“I am headed there tomorrow morning. I should be arriving aroundeleven. I wouldn’t think to demand that you escort me, and I imagine you are busy. But should you find yourself in the vicinity—”
“I will be there,” he said at once.
He kissed her hand and she did not know whether to smile or not.
What kind of fool am I?she wondered. Because she could feel it there, in her chest, that flutter of affection, the thrill racing down her spine. She disliked it somewhat, how easily it came, and yet she lingered at his side for one more moment.
Chapter 8
HECTOR WOKE UP RATHER EARLYand he dedicated himself to his reading before finally heading to the bathroom for a hot shower and a shave. He always dressed well, knowing the kind of outfit that befitted a gentleman—he was studious, had learned to copy others—therefore, he should not have lingered before the mirror as he did, contemplating his reflection.
When it came to breakfast, he had no appetite and could hardly make himself drink his coffee.
It was because he had not slept well, he thought. He had not returned from the party at an untimely hour, but he’d had a fitful sleep.
It was too warm in the city. It felt more like summer than spring, and even if he left the window open, it did not help. There was no breeze to cool his bed.
That explained it, then, the restlessness, he told himself.
He boarded a carriage two streets from his home and arrived at the aquarium at the appointed time.
He saw Nina standing by the entrance and was relieved.
He had wondered if she might desert him. He offered her his arm and she took it.
The aquarium’s ceilings were high, of cast iron and glass, allowing the light to flood the interior of the building. The floor was decoratedwith bright mosaics featuring mermaids and sea lions. There were many tanks filled with water and sea life, bright fish beckoning at every corner. Several tanks were shrouded with velvet curtains, and an attendant would pull them apart, giving people a chance to peruse the sea creatures, creating a sense of drama. Nina stood before each one of the tanks, whispering to him about the animals they were looking at.
Sometimes she’d stop, her back too straight, as if she’d remembered an important detail, and the smile that was blooming on her lips died. But it was not as painful as he’d imagined it, even if, for an instant, it might feel like his palm was sliding upon a piece of broken glass. Because she would also look eager and forget whatever worries plagued her, and her voice would rise and dip as they watched the animals.
When they were done observing the fish, they went to a seat by the fountain that guarded the entrance of the building, a stone mermaid spilling water from a conch. Nina had done most of the talking during their visit, but now, outside the aquarium, she grew quiet.
Even when he was young, he had not been terribly eloquent with women, and now the endeavor was doubly difficult, but Hector decided there was no point in sitting there in silence.
“May I ask you what may seem an indelicate question?”
“What is it?” she replied.
“Is Luc Lémy courting you?”
