Page 63 of The Lady Glass
She met his eyes. “He says he has been watching out for me and not to worry. It’s signedGodfather.”
“Godfather?”
“Do you recall when he gave me the purse of money? When I tried to refuse him, he said to think of him as my godfather. Do you know what is even more remarkable? I saw him the day weall went shopping in town, but just like today, he left before I could speak to him.” She held up the letter again and began to reread it.
Rolland scratched his jaw. “But what does he mean by watching out for you? I don’t care for the idea of an old man following you about.”
Her eyes left the paper, and she looked up at him. “He’s harmless. I can tell.”
He leaned forward in his seat. “But did he follow you all the way from London?”
“I cannot say. Could it have been a coincidence? Perhaps he recognized me that day outside the millinery and he has been watching out for me ever since.”
“It’s possible, but the chance meetings could be contrived too.”
“The thief in the streets could not have been. That was by no means purposeful; you must agree.”
“I suppose.” His knee bumped against hers, and it was hard to focus on the mysterious godfather when all he could remember was her in his arms.
She seemed to catch the same memory, because a soft blush caressed her creamy cheeks. He enjoyed watching her struggle to look away, but she finally accomplished it. She cleared her throat. “What do you think he means when he says not to worry? I cannot make anything of it.”
“I’m not certain, but let’s take the sentiment to heart. I will ask around about him. In the meantime, let’s not worry about any of this. Lady Glass has enough on her plate as it is.”
Her smile returned, but only just. “Will you let me know if you discover anything?”
“Of course.”
She folded the letter and slipped it into her sleeve, relaxing back against the red-velvet seat. “What an unexpected day. Were your parents truly unharmed? Your mother was quite pale.”
“Frightened, but well.” He almost shared his suspicions, but without proof, they were just that. Most of the guests, even with their complicated histories, were likely harmless. Regardless, there was no reason to cast doubt on such an obtuse situation without more reason. “What about another story? Perhaps from Mrs. Stone’s seminary?”
“You can hardly say it’s my turn already. You left your turn unfinished.”
He grinned. “Did I?”
She sucked in her lips, fighting a smile of her own. “You know what I mean.”
“Do you want me to pick up where we left off or begin anew?”
Her cheeks went the color of the velvet behind her. “You’re the worst sort of tease.”
Tease? Who was teasing? Did she think he would kiss her for sport? He hoped he had more honor than that. “I never jest about how I feel. You can ask anyone who knows me.”
The tension between them was thick and heady. He wanted nothing more than to pull her to him.
“Who will vouch for you?” She tilted her head in an irritatingly and completely alluring way. “And how do you propose I frame my question? ‘Excuse me, Your Grace, can you tell me if Captain Reese always kisses women when he prefers not to divulge information?’”
Rolland choked on his laugh, coughing into his hand. “A little less specific might be better.”
Her lips came up on the sides, and it was clear she was taking far too much pleasure in turning the conversation on him. “How about this? ‘Is it singing or a rolling landscape that induces Captain Reese to display his affection?’”
Oh, she was enjoying this too much, but two could play this game. “You don’t have to askthem.”
“No? Not your parents? You did say I could ask anyone.”
He chuckled. “Come sit beside me, and I’ll tell you the answer myself.” He patted the seat beside him for emphasis.
She folded her arms against herself and purposefully turned her head to the window. “You’re impossible.” He knew by her smile that she was fighting the same feelings he was.
