Page 42 of Courting the Wrong Duke

“It makes no sense whatsoever.”

Nelly considered that for several moments.

“No,” she said at last. “It makes rather more sense than you realize.”

They emerged onto the small rear balcony, where only a handful of guests had ventured.

The evening air carried welcome relief from the warmth inside, and for the first time since arriving, Rosalind felt able to draw a full breath. The gardens below lay half in shadow, lit only by scattered lanterns bordering the paths.

Nelly rested her hands against the cool stone balustrade. “You did well tonight.”

Rosalind looked out over the gardens, watching lantern light flicker across the winding paths below. “I do not feel I did.”

“You came.”

Rosalind smiled without humor. “I nearly left twice.”

“But you did not.”

Rosalind thought of Sophronia's polished cruelty.

She thought of William's apology.

Of the dowager's reassurance. Of Augusta's impossible mixture of warmth and reserve.

Every conversation had left her feeling as though she had learned something important without understanding what it was.

“No,” she said quietly. “I suppose I didn't.”

A familiar voice interrupted them.

“I was beginning to think you had escaped without me.”

Rosalind turned to where William stood just inside the balcony doorway, one hand resting lightly against the frame. His gaze flickered briefly toward Nelly before returning to Rosalind.

“I hope I am not intruding.”

“Not at all.”

Nelly remained beside the balustrade, making no attempt to withdraw. William seemed almost relieved by her decision to stay.

“I wished to finish what I was trying to tell you before.”

At once Rosalind's attention sharpened. “It concerns my father?”

William inclined his head. “It does.”

He stepped nearer, lowering his voice so it would not carry beyond the balcony. “This afternoon I spoke with one of the auctioneer's clerks. He remembered your father very clearly.”

Hope stirred before Rosalind could stop it.

She had become so accustomed to disappointments that she scarcely trusted the feeling anymore.

“He confirmed your father did not merely place a bid on the stallion.”

William held her gaze.

“He paid the first installment the day before he disappeared.”