Page 109 of A Lady’s Guide to Subterfuge and Science

“Right?” Dameer echoed. “Right about what?”

Amelia propped her chin in her hands with a dreamy air. “I predicted that Kalila’s true identity would be revealed to a man who would fall desperately in love with her.”

“That may be true,” Dameer conceded, “but it’s only a minor detail.”

Amelia straightened. “Minor? It’s the most important part of the story!”

“And not worth arguing over,” Kalila interrupted. “I don’t think—”

“I’m inclined to agree with Miss Southcott,” Oliver put in with a cheeky grin. “It is the most important part of the story.”

Amelia clapped her hands together in triumph. “See?”

“As I was saying,” Kalila said, “I don’t think there’s much more we can do tonight.”

Caroline nodded. “I agree. I think everyone could use a good night’s sleep. You’re welcome to stay here if you’d like, Mr. Booth.”

“I couldn’t,” Oliver said. “In fact, I suspect I’m expected back at Rosewood.”

“You are?” Kalila asked, disappointed despite herself.

He nodded, clearly unwilling to elaborate further. “I should, however, like to do one thing before I leave.”

Caroline stood and began to smooth her skirt down. “Which is?”

“I’d like to speak to Kalila. Alone.”

Kalila’s heart dropped to her stomach. She knew what Oliver wanted to discuss, and while she was finally ready to—

She’d imagined having a bit more time.

No more hiding, she reminded herself. It’s time to choose.

“Of course.” Caroline shooed Amelia off the chaise. “Dameer?”

Dameer grumbled as he was herded away from the window. “Fine. But the lot of you make it impossible for me to be a good chaperone.”

“Don’t worry, Dameer,” Amelia said as they left the room, “you were never any good at it to begin with.”

Kalila felt the quiet settle over her shoulders as soon as the door to the room had been shut. It was a quiet she knew well, the one that always seemed to chase her out of crowded ballrooms and noisy gatherings.

“Here we are,” Oliver said. His voice was soft and tender, and she resisted cutting him off with a kiss. “The quiet after a big event.”

Kalila smiled. “I was just thinking that.”

“I told you once that loving someone meant wanting them to share in the quiet, intimate moments of your life,” he murmured. “I find myself proven right, because I cannot imagine being here with anyone but you.”

Kalila nodded.

“We’re at a crossroads, Kalila.” He attempted to give her one of his boyish smiles but was unable to mask the vulnerable uncertainty in his warm eyes.

Choose.

“I don’t think we are.”

“We aren’t?”

She shook her head. “I lied to you earlier. I don’t think I could fall in love with you.”