Rebecca sighed. “Do you have to ask?” She inched back to the table, squarely blocking Caroline’s view of her sketch.
“You have been sulking in your chamber for two days. Mason and I are concerned.”
“I am fine.”
Caroline nodded. “Wicke did not seem happy when he left.”
“Yes, well, Caro, I did refuse him.”
Caroline glanced away. “I am so sorry, Rebecca. Had I known what a mess we’d make of it I’d never have meddled. Mason feels the same.”
Rebecca sighed. “What is done is done.” Her gaze fell on Langley’s invitation. “I have decided to attend the treasure hunt at Willoughby Castle on the morrow.”
Caroline’s eyes widened. “You have?”
“Do not look so surprised. Langley invited me.”
“Yes, but after Wicke . . . You said you did not wish to attend alone.”
“I’ve had a change of heart,” Rebecca replied with a shrug.
Caroline ventured further into the chamber, setting herself down on the bed. “You’re vying for Langley’s hand, aren’t you?”
Rebecca offered Caroline a small smile. “No.”
“Then this is about Wicke?”
Rebecca shook her head.
“Well, you aren’t joining the treasure hunt for nothing. You might as well tell me. I shall not leave until you do.”
Caroline was right. If Rebecca were honest, it bothered her that Wicke had left without so much as a by your leave. That she hadn’t heard a word from him since. “I am not sure what else to do.”
“So you join a treasure hunt?”
“How else am I to deduce whether we are to remain on friendly terms? Wicke took me by surprise. I am afraid I handled it poorly.”
In more ways than one. But she kept the kiss and theirpassionto herself and thanked the Lord that Wicke had kept their secret. If he wanted marriage all he had to do was reveal their indiscretions.
Would that be so bad?
Three little boys running around Westbridge Park entered her head again and she put that dangerous thought straight out of her mind. It would be bad. She was the owner of a notorious gaming club. Of course it would. And if she married, she’d be the owner no longer. All that she owned would become her husband’s. To do with as he pleased.
“It is only natural that you wish to put your mind at rest. I am sure Wicke will be fine in time. As will you.”
“He did not takeyouby surprise, did he?”
“I certainly did not expect the depth of his sentiment, if that is what you mean.”
“Mason knew.”
“Yes.” There was a bite of annoyance in Caroline’s voice. “He did not bring me into his counsel, I’m afraid.”
“Some sort of brotherhood oath, I gather.”
“I am not so sure. Wicke did not seem to be aware that Mason knew of his feelings.”
Rebecca rearranged her skirts. “That is neither here nor there.” Or so she told herself. Her heart still hadn’t quite settled after his confession.
