Page 54 of Married By Twelfth Night
His face went from surprised to disappointed, but he quickly masked it with a false smile. “I see. Is there an understanding between you and this man?”
“No.”
He studied her for a moment. “But your heart is committed to him?”
She swallowed and gave a slow nod.
Their butler stepped in the room and announced the arrival of Mr. Graham.
Her breath caught in anticipation. He had come. Finally!
Richard stepped into the room like a man straight from a fashion magazine, his smile alone made her want to take up painting to remember it forever. His eyes scanned the room, stopping on her.
And then his smile reached his eyes, stopping her heart in the process.
But when it reached Mr. Craig, it dropped a good two notches. “I hope I am not interrupting,” he said.
Mr. Craig looked between the two of them and sighed. “Not at all. It seems my time here has come to an end.”
“Good,” Richard said. “I mean, it was good to see you again.”
Mr. Craig stood. “I certainly hope so. For me, it has been a pleasure.” He dipped his head to Mrs. Steele and Richard before turning back to her, dropping his voice yet again. “If it had been anyone less worthy, I might not have givenup so easily.”
She almost laughed in surprise. Mr. Craig had known without her saying anything more. Had her feelings been so obvious? “I thank you for being such a good sport, Mr. Craig.”
“I am nothing but that. Goodbye, Miss Steele, and good luck to you.”
He bid the others farewell and departed from the room. He might be her last hope in Wetherfield, but she could not wish him back.
Richard took his place on the sofa and immediately she was at ease. She couldn’t help whispering, “Late again, I see.”
He tipped his head toward her and whispered back. “I like to keep you in suspense.”
“Whatever for?”
“The more you miss me, the more I get you thinking about me.”
She snorted, which made Mama turn and give her a disapproving look. She ignored Mama, keeping her tone, and whispered, “Is this part of your charm?”
“Charm? No.” His teasing smile turned suddenly somber. His answer was said slowly, as if each word meant something to him. “But I would be remiss if I did not admit to enjoying seeing your eyes light up and your smile widen when I enter the room. So, if in missing me your thoughts turn to hoping, and your hopes turn to longing, then perhaps I have finally done something right in my life.”
She stared at him, completely unable to speak. She had not expected him to say something so . . . so . . . romantic. But how could he torment her so when she knew that he must marry Ruth?
She glanced at Mama, whose needle wasn’t moving at all. Her head was tipped to the side, as if craning her ear in their direction. She had to speak with Richard alone.
“Mama!”
Mama snapped straight in her seat. “Y-yes?”
“Would you be so good to invite Ruth to join us? I do believe she will hide if any maid comes to search for her, but she will not resist your command. And Mr. Graham dearly wants to speak to her.”
Richard’s brow furrowed, but she ignored him and stared pointedly at Mama.
Mama seemed confused by the directions, but that was exactly what Grace was hoping for. She set down her sewing and stood. “I shall only be a moment.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
As soon as she quitted the room, Grace turned to Richard. “We only have a few minutes, so we must speak quickly.”
