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“You did, but then I saw him and remembered how little I trust him.”
“We must get through the night at least. Did you notice anything wrong with Marcella?” I asked.
“Marcella?” he said her name as though he did not recall her even being there.
“Never mind.” I would speak to her later that evening, for I was sure something was not right.
Evander
She had banished me.
Not far but a banishment, nonetheless, as she could not take my so-called “brooding” while they finished preparations for the night. I placed men throughout the house and had warned the staff to exercise the highest level of vigilance. My last check was on Emeline, who had all but kept to her rooms.
When I entered, her nanny was sitting beside her on the actual floor, could one imagine, reading to her. Why not on the bed or the settee? Truthfully, the nanny was quite an odd one, long-necked and round-faced. I was surprised my godmother would hire such a woman, but then I knew little of what made a good caretaker, as evidenced by my history.
“Papa!” Emeline exclaimed.
I placed my hand on her head. “How are you?”
“Fine,” she said. “Can I go to the ball? Please?”
I grinned, kneeling before her. “What do you know of balls?”
“There is dancing, food, and more dancing.”
“Can you dance?”
“Nanny Phillipa has taught me some.” To prove it, she stood up and slowly began to do the steps…like a little lady.
I clapped for her. “Very well done.”
“Then I can go?”
“Unfortunately not,” I replied and she pouted.
Ever since Aphrodite came, Emeline seemed to be getting bolder and more expressive. I wondered if it was simply the effect of having a woman, a real mother figure, especially one like Aphrodite, present in her life, or if it was a matter of age. Verity had also changed over time, though it did not feel the same. Either way I was pleased.
“Please, Papa.”
“How about a compromise?” I said. “You and I may dance in our own ball, but you remain here.”
“You will dance with me?” she exclaimed.
“I shall.”
She quickly turned to her nanny. “Miss Phillipa, we need music!”
“Emeline, the piano is downstairs. We can dance without music.”
“Miss Phillipa has a box!” she said.
“A box?” I repeated, glancing at the woman who now held a music box in her hand. Where it had come from, I was not sure. Emeline pulled me farther into the room. “Emeline, remain calm. I am here.”
“Papa, we have never danced before,” she said. The amusement fell from me as I realized that she recognized such a thing.
I never sought to ignore her, but I could not say I had been very attentive either. It was hard for me, but what excuse did I have when Aphrodite had taken to her so? Despite everything that had happened, despite what the girl’s mother had done, Aphrodite already cared for the child greatly.
“Are you ready?” the nanny asked.
