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“Stay.”
That soft command arrested her movements. Theo turned around. He had not lifted his regard from the letter but had been aware of her every movement. Sebastian opened the letter, but he did not read it, handing it to Theo. She took it, watching him carefully. He walked over to the window, and braced and elbow on the pane, staring out into the forestry.
Theo walked over to him, and started to read,
Dearest Sebastian,
I had intended to stay at Rosemead cottage, but then I realized surely you would come to find me here. I am not ready to return home. I promise to do so in time for Lady Michaels’ midnight ball in June. Forgive me the worry I have caused you and mama, but I must do this.
Your sister,
Perdie.
She had anticipated him going there and sought to reassure him. Theo folded the letter and drifted closer to the duke. “I believe as reckless and silly as Perdie is, she is very much safe for now.”
The tension leaked from his shoulders and he lowered his elbow from the window. The duke faced her. She fought the urge to fidget under his unwavering regard.
“She has promised to return home in a few weeks.”
“Yes.”
The sardonic curl to his mouth became more pronounced. “She expects me to trust her alone for that long.”
This was perhaps not the wisest thing to say, but Theo murmured, “What men have done…ladies can most certainly do.”
Astonishment lit in his eyes before they shuttered. He leaned close—close enough to breathe deeply of her, which shockingly he did.
“Then what do you suggest I do. Sit idly and simply hope my sister will not fall prey to a villain.”
“Not to sit idly or to sit in fear. But perhaps accept that Perdie is determined to have a few days to herself.”
“Don’t you mean weeks? Lady Michaels’ ball is almost a month away.”
“She is not hapless. Perdie is a witty, smart, and capable young lady. We can continue searching…but you need a break from the intense pressure you’ve placed yourself under these past few days. That break would come if you chose to trust in her just a little bit.”
His eyes darkened and he made a sound of incredulity. “Why the hell do you care the pressures I’ve endured.”
She lifted a shoulder in an inelegant shrug, quite aware of the pounding in her heart. “I just do.”
They stared at each other, and though it was tempting to look away, she held the fierceness of his stare.
“And how do you suggest I pass the time?” he drawled, almost mockingly.
“Attend a village festival with me.”
He blinked and she almost smiled. “The annual festival?”
“Yes. Drink, dance, and make merry. At least for one night, and then tomorrow…”
“Tomorrow I continue searching.”
“Yes.”
A wry smile twisted his mouth. “I have the oddest feeling if I do not slow down and see you…I might regret it.”
That soft, almost befuddled confession robbed her of air. Theo did not comment on it, instead saying, “So I shall see you tonight in the village then.”
He dipped and brushed his lips over hers. “How curious are you now, Theodosia?”
