Page 53
Lenora rolled her eyes. “Lady Asquith is related to everyone.”
“So she lets on,” Amelia said. “But I’ll never forget what my cousin Peter said to me that night.”
“What did your cousin say?”
“He said he’d heard watching Asquith and me dance was like watching two icebergs collide.”
Lenora looked back and forth between Asquith and Amelia. She understood why people might see Amelia as an iceberg, but she was too loyal to agree.
“At the time I was hurt—for both of us. I eventually embraced the ethos. But Asquith... I’d like to see him thaw.” Amelia sighed. “And I think you’re just the one to spark the fire.”
Lenora pointed to herself; Amelia nodded.
“Why?” Lenora asked.
“Asquith’s unreadable mask shattered when my brother found an excuse to draw you into an embrace. He was furious.”
A cold sensation trickled down Lenora’s spine. On the one hand, she wanted Asquith to notice her, but his fury was the last sentiment she wished to inspire.
She’d inspired her father’s fury simply by existing.
“What are you suggesting?” Lenora asked.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Amelia smirked. “Just hang on Preston’s every word whenever you have the chance, and Asquith will slowly unravel.” She gazed at him thoughtfully. “I’d like to see him happy but watching him come undone for love would also be the most fun I’ve had in London in years.”
“Oh, no!” Lenora shook her head. “I cannot deceive Asquith.”
“Not even for his own good?” Amelia asked.
Lenora sighed deeply.
Extremis malis, extrema remedia. She’d already deceived him. But was every “desperate measure” appropriate?
In the end, all she desired was her safety and his happiness.
“Why would you offer your help?” she asked.
“As I said, a thaw would be in Asquith’s best interest. And you might be the first genuine person I’ve met in years. I think you’d suit.”
So did she. But Asquith thought the opposite.
“Thank you.” She smiled to show her gratitude. “I’m glad we met and hope we have many opportunities to deepen our friendship. But I don’t think I’d be wise to accept your challenge.”
“I’m glad I met you, too, though I am disappointed you won’t engage in subterfuge.” Amelia dug back into her ice. “Preston usually does as I ask, especially if I offer to give a regal cut to any young man out of favor with him. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“I will,” Lenora replied, certain she would not.
She’d stolen time with Asquith by blackmail, but she didn’t want to win Asquith through performance, especially after what he’d said today.
You are enough. She sighed.
She wanted him to choose the real Lenora, the Lenora her sisters knew and loved, the Lenora who, even now, retreated when intimidated, or she didn’t want to have him at all.
Her safety. His happiness.
She glanced back toward the rail. Preston was now standing with the group of “Corinthians” Amelia had noted earlier and speaking to a man in the cluster who was older than the rest, perhaps even older than Asquith.
The stranger was attired similarly to Preston, but he was much taller, had a more distinguished air, and his nankeen trousers had a flawless drape. Though he listened to Preston, his gaze was fixed on Asquith.
