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“Once more, this was all a great deal of fuss for such a simple answer.” The truth of the matter was that I did not know what to say, as I had not truly looked upon the gardens.
“Lady Monthermer.”
We both stopped and saw Tristian before us, and my heart stirred in the most uncomfortable of ways. “May I be allowed to speak to the Lady Aphrodite more privately?”
I turned to my mother, eyes wide, begging her not to leave me, hoping she would allow me more time to brace myself.
“Yes, of course. I will stand by a short distance,” she replied and released me. Upon turning her back to him, she whispered, “Be gentle.”
“Lady Aphrodite…a walk?” He held his hand out toward the path.
I only nodded, allowing him to lead.
“The queen thinks highly of you. In fact, everyone thinks so highly of you that it makes me all the more nervous—”
“Please say no more!” I stopped, unable to stand this any longer. He turned to me, and I instinctively did my best to smile, but how did smiling help at this moment? “Mr. Yves, you are a man of great reputation and kindness. And I know what you are about to ask, but I must request you do not, for I cannot give the answer you seek.”
“Have I offended you?”
“Not in the least.”
“Do you find me distasteful?”
“Of course not.”
“Forgive me. I am confused.” He frowned, now stepping back. “Is it because of my current lack of title, if so—”
“I care not of titles!” I exclaimed. “You are a good man, a kind man, but I feel no special way toward you. Forgive me if I led you to believe otherwise. I sought to try at least a little, but I could not…I could not…”
“Forget about the duke?” he asked.
I hung my head. “Forgive me.”
“I am aware you and he had…a history, but I was sure by now you would see him as most unreliable.”
“I do.”
“And still you wait for him?”
“I wait for no one,” I stated angrily. “I simply do not wish for you to be with someone who cannot match your feelings.”
“And that cannot change over time? For I can wait,” he said.
“I do not believe so. And as one who has waited in the past, I can tell you it is a painful experience.”
He looked down, nodding to himself. “Forgive me. I must go.”
“Yes, I understand,” I whispered, allowing him to leave me among the hedges.
“Well, you have successfully ruined a very good match.”
I glanced to see Damon now beside me. “When did you arrive?”
“Just in time to hear that man’s heart shatter upon the earth. Mother could not watch and asked for me to stand guard.”
“Even she felt for him, and he was not her choice?”
“It is hard not to feel for the innocent.”
