“But true.”
Leonora studied Heart, her brows furrowing. Today, there was an air to him she couldn’t quite identify. An air of sadness? Sorrow? Longing? The best way she could describe it was an air of supreme calmness, as though he had come to some sort of decision, some sort of acceptance.
All in all, it felt like he needed her.
And if Heart ever needed her, she would be there for him, no matter what went on in her own life.
She placed her cup aside, buttered a slice of toast, and placed it on his plate. When he glanced at her, she said, “If there are no stars in your sky, it’s only because it’s a bit cloudy, don’t you agree? It can’t stay cloudy forever. And honestly, Heart, this forlorn look doesn’t suit you.”
“I’m just tired,” he said gruffly. “No need to worry.”
She nodded and rose to her feet. “Perhaps it’s time you looked for a wife.”
His head bounced up. “What the devil? I thought we put that to rest. Why should you say such a thing now?”
She gave a light scoff, teasing, “Aren’t you the oldest bachelor in London at the moment?”
“Forty is not old, and I don’t think I amtheoldest. I still have a full head of hair.”
“Forty is ancient. At this rate, if you do not marry, I will be obliged to procure you some cats.”
“Don’t you dare do that,” he half growled.
“Then brighten up, Heart.” Leonora grinned at him. “Life is full of moments to seize.”
“What has you in such a good mood?” he grumbled, suspicion twisting his features.
“Stars in the sky, Heart.” She strode from the room before casting one last teasing look over her shoulder, “And moments seized.”
She laughed at his darkened expression, quickly rushing out before he could draw her back and badger her with questions, her heart racing in her chest like a beating drum. That last had seemed almost like a confession! Ithadbeen a confession.
Just a very, very vague one!
She sighed. What had gotten into Heart? He’d nearly doused her thrilling memories of last night with his mood. And he was worrying her. Did this have anything to do with the duchess? He seemed a bit at a loss.
But she couldn’t seize his moments for him just like he couldn’t seize hers for her. Though for tonight at least, they could seize some together.
*
What the actualbloody hell?
“What are you doing here?” Dare asked as he entered his study. Drake reclined in his chair with his feet on Dare’s desk while Knox sat across from him. They saluted.
“We’ve been here all day,” Knox said. “Where haveyoubeen?”
“Sleeping.”
Knox arched a brow. “All day?”
“Yes, all day.” Dare glanced at his cousin. “I thought you didn’t venture into this part of town.”
“I’ve got news.”
Dare plopped down into a chair, crossing his legs as he settled in. He’d had a rare day of laziness, or call it sleepiness. He hadn’t had such a day since he was a boy, so he decided to embrace his body’s call and stay in bed all day.
“Oh? And what news might this be.”
Dark, almost black, eyes studied his. “The duchess has a daughter.”
