Tobias laid his hand over his heart. “And three. So, Sir Scott, there are three of us here. How many will remain if one of us”—he stared pointedly at the mathematician—“leaves?” Tobias slipped even closer to Maggie’s side and pulled up to his fullest height. He arched an eyebrow, for good measure. He’d created two clear groups—he and Maggie in one, the baron in the other.
The baron’s eyes transformed from disgruntled shock to shocked understanding. “You’re a cad, sir.”
“I’ll not argue that.”
The baron offered an elbow to Maggie. “Allow me to accompany you to a safe distance from this rogue, Lady Magnificent. We have much to discuss after your proposal.”
Tobias frowned. “What proposal?”
Maggie grew red and her body tensed. “It was not a proposal!” She took a deep breath. “Sir Scott, I am sorry for the confusion. I am apparently horrid at … conversation. I beg your forgiveness, but no proposal of marriage has been issued.”
Tobias laughed. “Marriage?”
The baron pulled himself up as tall as he could. “There is nothing amusing about the possibility. Come along, Lady Magnificent, and we will discuss this in private.”
Maggie did not twitch even one muscle to leave Tobias’s side. “That’s very kind, and I’m sure what you have to say would be, um, well said, but I think I must stay here and scold Mr. Blake.”
The baron nodded tightly. “He doubtless deserves it. But I must insist. Come.”
Tobias stepped between Maggie and the baron. “She said she’s staying. And I must admit I’m in desperate need of a scold. Goodbye, Sir Scott.”
The baron opened his mouth to object, but nothing came out except for baffled huffs and puffs. The baron wagged a trembling finger at Tobias. “You’ve ruined her,” he seethed. “Someone has to make it right, and if it’s not you it’s—”
“You?”
“Yes.”
“No. Goodbye, Sir Scott.”
When the baron didn’t move, Tobias waved his hands toward him. “Shoo. Be off now.” He dropped his gaze to Maggie. “Is Sir Scott losing his hearing?” He turned back to the baron. “You can go now!” he yelled. Many near them turned at Tobias’s elevated voice.
“Shh!” Maggie pulled on his arm. “Be quiet, you!”
“All right. Since you asked so nicely. My apologies, Sir Scott. I’m sure your hearing is as acute as any lad of five and twenty.” Tobias rubbed a palm down his face with a sigh, tired of the joke. “I’ll not damage her reputation further. You have my word, if that is worth anything to you.”
The older man stepped closer and peered into Tobias’s face. “If you don’t do your duty, some other man will.” He curled his lip up and bared his teeth. “Me.”
Over Tobias’s dead body. The ferocity of the reaction shook him. Did he really feel so strongly for Lady Maggie? Or was it his honor that drove him in his pursuit? He waggled his fingers at the baron as he stomped across the room. “Lovely meeting you!”
“Tobias, you horrid man,” Maggie said, still clinging to his arm.
He placed his other hand over hers and grinned down at her. “I’m a very devil, I know.”
“You insinuated you were seriously courting me.”
“I would seriously court you if you would allow it.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You’ve not been particularly amiable about it. Apparently, though, you are amiable to the Mathematical Baron. You proposed?”
She groaned and rubbed her temples, as if her head pained her. “I didnotpropose to that man.”
“Then how did he get the idea you had?”
Maggie’s face drained of color. Her eyelids fluttered down over haunted eyes.
What in hell had happened? Tobias put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her nearer, ready to support her should she faint. He’d never have taken her for a fainting maiden, but her pale face, her trembling lips …
A bell rang at the front of the ballroom. Its tinkling sound ricocheted off the ballroom walls. Several people threw palms over ears. Maggie cringed. “It’s beginning.” She shrugged Tobias’s hands off her shoulders and opened her eyes.
“What is beginning?” Tobias asked, leaning low to whisper near her ear.
