“A mischievous child,” Miss Smith explained when the introductions had been made. “Exactly like this charming sculpture.”
Vexen regarded it critically and then looked Sarah over in much the same manner, a half-smile lurking on his lips. “They are both charming, certainly, though Miss Sarah has the advantage in beauty, and I cannot imagine she was ever as naughty as this child.”
“Hah!” Hammy exclaimed.
“Why,” the duke continued, returning his attention to the sculpture, “this child looks as if he could get up to anything, even throw fruit at one’s back in passing, just to test his aim. Acquit Miss Sarah of such imprudence.”
“Of course, I acquit her of it now,” Hammy said.
“In that case, I feel brave enough to offer my escort,” the duke replied, smiling.
Sarah smiled back in polite acceptance, but his words inspired a twinge of unease. Why would he think of throwing fruit at someone?
Because it had happened to him…
And now that she thought of it, in the strange interlude after Arcadi’s invasion and her song, had he not mentioned apple tarts?
Yes, but there were apple tarts, and she was being silly, examining everything through her own guilt.
Even though I am not guilty. He is…
Tea was served in the music room, where chairs and tables had been set out. Inevitably, as people mingled and Sarah was joined by old Whitmore friends, Vexen and she were separated. Although she was eager to look around and see if he watched her, she controlled herself, and in time was rewarded by his return, along with the fashionable lady and the gentleman who had called her beautiful.
Vexen performed the introductions. The newcomers were a Mr. Shaddleton and his sister Lady Loxley, who looked thoroughly amused by the names presented to her.
However, to Sarah’s surprise, Miss Loxley sat down next to her and smiled. “So, have you lived for long in Whitmore?”
“A little over a year.”
“And is one of those charming paintings yours, perhaps?”
“Oh, no,” Sarah replied. “I am not nearly good enough for such recognition.”
“No? But you do study accomplishments here? What is your favorite?”
“Singing.”
“Ah.” Lady Loxley smiled. “Perhaps you are involved in tonight’s musical evening?”
“I do have that honor,” Saraah admitted, and could have sworn an expression of annoyed surprise flashed through the other woman’s eyes.
However, at least she held her smile. “Then I can see why His Grace wishes to stay longer. He is devoted to music. Which is one reason he and I suit so well.”
Sarah hid the pained catching of her breath. “And does your husband also enjoy music?”
“He did when he was alive,” Lady Loxley drawled.
“Forgive me, I did not know,” Sarah said awkwardly. “I’m sorry if I caused you pain.”
Lady Loxley waved a careless hand. “Not at all. I have grown used to the advantages of widowhood.” She smiled, her gaze flitting to the duke.
So, was Sarah meant to understand that Vexen and Lady Loxley were engaged? Or merely lovers? Either made no difference. That the older woman was subtly warning her off was in fact a triumph for Sarah, because Lady Loxley clearly felt her position threatened.
Well you may have him, Sarah thought contemptuously. When I am done.
“You have not got your tea yet,” Vexen noted to his friends. “Let us move to a different table so that we do not cramp these ladies.”
Lady Loxley smiled. “Afraid we’ll swap secrets about you, my lord duke?”
Sarah had never seen anyone’s eyes grow so icy so quickly. It was almost frightening. “No,” he drawled, holding Lady Loxley’s chair, “for the simple reason neither of you knows any.”
Sarah could only be relieved when he took them away. For once, it seemed to be someone else who had committed the cardinal sin of vulgarity.
Only as she and Hammy left the assembly rooms did she speak to him again. Most of the ladies were leaving, as the gentlemen were about to begin an auction for the works of art. But Vexen stood outside, gazing through a gap in the cottages toward the sea. He looked dark and brooding and extraordinarily handsome.
But he glanced round at their approach and smiled spontaneously as he walked toward them. “Would you like me to buy any items for you?”
“Thank you, no,” Sarah replied firmly.
“But you will return for the banquet?”
Was that a trace of anxiety in his voice? Was he actually afraid Lady Loxley’s unsubtle hints had upset her? “Of course,” she replied.
“Then may I take you in, Miss Sarah?”
“I believe the seating is already arranged. But if we do not meet at dinner, I’m sure we’ll meet later in the music room.”
“I shall make certain of it.” His eyes bored into hers with intensity. Then, with a flickering smile, he bowed and strode back inside the assembly rooms.
***
“I have given her many chances to understand that I know who she is, Mr. James, but for some reason, perhaps fear or mere stubbornness, Miss Sarah refuses to acknowledge me, to admit we were nearly engaged two years ago.”
Mr. James chuckled and blew out a smoke ring from the cigar in his hand. “Did it ever occur to you, Your Grace, that she is playing a bit of cat and mouse with you?”
Leonard’s brow arched in question. “She is too young to be that jaded, Mr. James.”
His secretary obviously disagreed, for his mouth tightened before he spoke again. “I have been with you for six years, sir. And I recall the very moment you returned from meeting her—how disappointed you were that she was not ready for marriage. You had struggled with the idea of marriage in general, but once you identified Miss Sarah as a perfect match through her father, your doubts eased, I believe.”
“Indeed, they did.” He would not deny the range of emotions he experienced when he climbed into his carriage and traveled to meet his soon-to-be bride. The anticipation, the hope she would suit him… It had all been undone by apples and a gloriously mischievous child in a tree. He grinned.
“Ah,” Mr. James said. “You are fond of the memory, then?”
“I appreciate it, for it has brought me to this moment, has it not?”
Mr. James nodded.
“How often do you get a second chance, Mr. James?”
Just then, the French doors opened, and Lady Whitmore and her companion joined them. “I am sorry to intrude, Your Grace, Mr. James,” she said. “But the moment to announce the winners of the silent auction has arrived. As my guest of honor, the pieces you have won will be shared first. It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the sculpture you wanted, the one with the mother and child, is most certainly yours. You outdid the closest bidder by a hundred pounds!”
“Well…”
“I believe you are aware that some of the proceeds raised tonight are donated to the Whitmore Fund that supports underprivileged young ladies in need of education.”
“I will not deny it, Lady Whitmore. I like what you do here.”
She tapped him on the shoulder with her fan. “You are certainly full of surprises, Your Grace.”
Leonard bowed respectfully, that odd sensation that he had met this lady before making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. When he raised his head, he found her gazing at him—her blue eyes filled with warmth and sadness. It pained him to think this gracious woman harbored pain inside her heart.