Page 52

Lenora understood. She’d seen his sadness as well. “So, little changed, then?”

Amelia’s expression turned thoughtful. “Oh, he’s changed.” She shifted toward Lenora. “And you’re trying to change the subject, aren’t you? You never answered my question. Do you have a tendre for Asquith?”

“If I do,” Lenora said carefully, “my feelings are unrequited.”

“Discreet of you,” Amelia said with a wry twist of her lips.

“What did you mean when you said he’s changed? I’ve known him most of my life. I cannot perceive a change.”

“Well...” Amelia tilted her head. “Back then, he never had a single hair askew, a crease in his clothes, or a wilted starch in his neckcloth.”

Lenora jerked back. “Do you mean he was a dandy?”

“No.” Amelia shook her head. “Fashion wasn’t his aim, but order. The Asquith I was introduced to during my first Season certainly wouldn’t have lugged a young lady’s pelisse around a room full of animals and done so with an occasional smile.”

Lenora chuckled. “That proves nothing but his chivalry.”

“Chivalry?” She made a sound like an aborted laugh. “Asquith?”

Lenora straightened. “I am his ward. He’s looked out for my sisters and me for years.”

Amelia lifted a shoulder. “If you say so.”

She did.

Asquith was not effusive.

However, he had diligently undertaken arduous duties on behalf of his wards. To enlarge their dowries, which had been merely adequate at the time, he’d prepared Willowhurst for sale. To allow them to live with Lady Asquith without causing excess talk, he’d moved out of his own house and into the Albany. And to assure himself that she, Millie and Nettie were comfortable living with their new brother-in-law, he’d even journeyed to Ravenswood.

She had ample proof of his thoughtfulness and care, but she had little insight into his heart.

“Has he...” Lenora hesitated. Asquith wouldn’t be pleased to know they’d discussed him, but she was desperate to know more about his past. She decided to ask. She might not have another chance to inquire. “Has he ever shown partiality toward a young lady?”

Amelia’s brow quirked up. “Not in my presence. He always did his duty and danced, but he invariably took himself back off to Lords Neville and Blackwell. He was rarely without those two. They were his protection.”

Protection? Asquith needed armor, too? She couldn’t imagine him ever being afraid.

Her gaze wandered back to Asquith and Preston. They had both finished their ices. A server must have collected the dish because Asquith was now leaning against the rail, with both his arms and boots crossed.

Do I appear panicked to you?

For an instant, her thoughts returned to the gloom-filled stables. The truth is, I am not sure why the thought of you makes me panic.

Even in memory, his reluctant admission hurt.

“You know,” Amelia mused, “I thought Lady Asquith’s invitation today came from Asquith. He and I have always been cordial, but given his prior disinterest in a closer acquaintance, I was convinced his true motive lay with my father’s horses. Several young men have attempted to get close to my father through me.”

“How fiendish!” Lenora paused. “That is, unless you wanted to spend time with those young men...”

Amelia snorted. “Not in the least. My debut was eight years ago. I’ve danced with every eligible young man in the ton. Not one has inspired my fancy.”

Lenora’s heart panged with sympathy. Never having loved at all seemed a lonelier fate than loving without return. Then again, she hoped Asquith would return her love... eventually.

“Asquith and I have danced on several occasions,” Amelia went on. “The last one was the Season before you and your sisters moved into Asquith House.”

Lenora smothered a spike of jealousy. How fine they must have looked together.

“He asked me, no doubt, at the suggestion of his mother. She’s somehow related to mine, so her concern for my welfare had some merit.”