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Sebastian knew Victoria’s soft heart, and he knew she was not up to all the plotting her sister was involved in. And as much as Sebastian didn’t buy into an idea of love so strong it could sever familial ties, he certainly hoped it would become true for Victoria.
Sebastian did not care who she was infatuated with, as long as this someone convinced her to stay in England where she was safe and would not be sucked into any political drama.
But her relations aside, Sebastian also worried that Victoria was too young and naïve. She had lived a sheltered life, and she could have been easily tricked. What if the man she had fallen for was already married? That was a road leading to a disaster.
No, Sebastian would not allow that to happen. He would watch Victoria’s every move and make certain that her paramour was worthy of her affections.
If only Sebastian knew who it was who caught her fancy, he could steer her away from him, or at the very least investigate the fellow and make certain that he was a perfect candidate for a husband to Sebastian’s beloved niece.
Victoria sailed past a few more people and sat across from Sebastian.
“You seem particularly gloomy today, my lord,” she noted.
Sebastian narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. “Since when are you calling memy lord?”
“I am to call you that in public, am I not?” She crinkled her brows adorably.
She always did that when she was confused, ever since she was a little girl. Actually, he’d seen this exact expression on her face a lot more often when she’d moved in with him and Frau Elinor all those years ago. Sebastian smiled. It seemed just like yesterday.
“Yes, you are right. I am just not used to hearing that from you. And I am not gloomy in the least. I am just trying to guess who is the man who caught your attention.”
Victoria smiled broadly. “As if I would be careless enough to give you or the gossips in this room any indication of who he is.”
“Ah, so he is here,” Sebastian said, leaning forward and watching Victoria with narrowed eyes.
Victoria raised her brows as she watched him in challenge. She didn’t break eye contact, but her eyes narrowed slightly. “Why are your eyes red-rimmed?”
Sebastian leaned back with a sigh. “I haven’t been sleeping well.”
“Ah.” Victoria smiled knowingly. “Did some lady catchyourfancy?”
Sebastian grinned. “What would you know about that?”
“Oh, nothing. How could I know anything about falling in love, my lord?”
“I am certainly not speaking about falling in love, Victoria.” He avoided Victoria’s gaze now because even though she wasn’t fully right, she was at least partially correct.
He had spent the night thinking about, or rather drawing, a lady. Not that it was any kind of indication of his feelings. Muses were just that, muses. They came to provide inspiration and once the portrait was done, the interest would disappear. The only thing of note was that it was the first time since his arrival in England that he’d found any inspiration at all.
Well, it was bound to come sooner or later. The lady was just a catalyst. If it wasn’t her, it would be someone else. But if he admitted as much to Victoria, there would be no end to her teasing. So he kept his lips pursed as he scanned the room.
Hadn’t he given out invitations for this house party to every guest of the ball? If so, then why hadn’t his muse arrived?
“So, who is it?” Victoria’s voice cut through his thoughts.
“Who is what?”
“The lady who caught your attention,” she said with a smile.
“There is no one,” Sebastian answered irritably. “And even if there was, it is of no importance. Far greater importance should be granted to the gentleman of your choosing. Because while I am not interested in taking a wife, at least not in England, you, my dear niece, have to marry. Appropriately.”
“I thought you found most gentlemen in England rather… boring. And undeserving of my hand.”
“Undeserving of you, yes. Boring? No. In fact, I find it quite entertaining winning money from them in Vingt-Un.” Sebastian flashed Victoria a smile. “Now, shouldn’t you be the one socializing and charming men, luring them into a wedded trap?”
Victoria stood with a light giggle. “Indeed. You just seemed slightly troubled, and I wanted to lighten your mood. It seems like I have achieved my goal, so I can go back to my other mission. Luring men into a trap.”
She winked and sailed away.
