“Small is not what I would have called it.”
Leonora studied the man. His usually finely styled hair stuck out in every direction. She also couldn’t quite pick up on his mood. He seemed tired, brooding even, yet he could still manage to smile. “You’ve taken quite the risk. If my brother finds you here, I cannot save your life.”
“Speaking of him, did you confront him? I thought for a moment he’d locked you up.”
“I meant to, but I couldn’t.” She let out a small breath. “I might not be locked up, but the words are—forever locked in a breath that refuses to pass my lips. I keep swallowing them back.”
His eyes roamed over her face. “Then you can do nothing but wait until they are ready to pass.”
Leonora sighed. “I suppose. I did ask him about his history with the duchess. He lied right to my face.”
“He claimed no connection?”
She nodded.
They were both quiet for a moment.
“Could it be that she is not your mother?” he asked.
“How can that be?” Leonora said. “Even you have commented on our likeness.”
“Yes, well, there is no denying that there’s a definite likeness. However, a lot of people look alike. Not all of them are related.”
She should thank him for attempting to reassure her. But, “She called on you... spoke about me. No, I won’t be so easily thrown off course by Heart. However, I’m a terrible sleuth.”
He chuckled. “We have that in common.”
Leonora nudged him with a leg. “What about you? Are you any closer to finding what you are looking for?”
He shook his head. “It appears that in both our cases, unless we, or rather my cousin, boldly confront the parties for what we want, we will get little in the way of answers.”
“What a predicament.”
He exhaled a long breath. “Indeed. So it’s best you focus on your health. How are you feeling?”
“Better.”
“You should rest, then.” He rose to his feet. “I will take my leave.”
“Are you leaving? So soon?” If asking boldly was the only way to get the answers she sought, she might as well start with him. “Why did you come in the first place?”
“I don’t know.” He dragged a hand over his face and laughed. “I left the ball tonight with every intention of going home, but before I knew it, I ended up here.”
“Were you worried about me?”
“Yes” His gaze met hers. “Don’t ask me why, but I was.”
Leonora grinned at the man. He looked so put out that she wanted to laugh, but she refrained, allowing him to save face—just a bit. “I won’t ask, don’t worry. Thank you for coming, though. I must admit, it’s quite thrilling to wake up with a rake in my bed.”
“You are impossible, do you know that?”
“I might claim the same about you.” She paused for a small moment. “When we last parted...”
He shifted restlessly. “What about it?”
“What were you thinking right before you closed the carriage door?”
His brows furrowed. “What was I thinking?”
