“Lord Marlsbrook, we must keep in mind that Sir Archibald is waiting to present his lecture. I should not like to impose upon his scheduled time.”
“Think nothing of it, Miss Quinn,” Sir Archibald said from the side of the stage.
Well, she’d gotten no help from that quarter, had she? Bracing herself, she turned her full attention to Benedict.
“Miss Quinn, I shall endeavor to make this brief. I’ve come here to extend a proposal.”
Her lower lip trembled. If only she had some notion of what he was about to do, she might not feel as if her knees were going to knock beneath her layers of skirts like an overenthusiastic percussionist.
“Perhaps…perhaps we might discuss this after Sir Archibald presents his lecture.”
Benedict shook his head, determination darkening his eyes. “No, I want everyone to hear this. You see, Miss Quinn, I’ve come upon a remarkable awakening. Remarkable for me, at least. Others were not so hardheaded and did not require years to come to their senses.”
“I am afraid I still do not understand.” She pulled at her tight collar, loosening the scratchy lace against her throat as she turned to the audience. Seated in the front row, her sister was smiling.
And yet, Alex felt as though the air was being sucked from the room. The walls seemed to close in on her.
“As Stanwyck said, you will.” Benedict grinned.
Sudden understanding washed over her.To extend a proposal.
Good heavens, he could not possibly intend to ask her to marry him. Here, of all places. After walking away from her a second time.
No, this could not be.
“During my latest sojourn to Egypt, I had occasion to conclude that in this life, there are many forms of treasure. Some, like the Amulet of Bastet, may be held in the palm of your hand, or may fill a monarch’s vault. But others are intangible, impossible to quantify in value—but perhaps, these are the most valuable treasures of all.”
Tears pricked the back of her eyes, but she blinked them back. The unspent emotion seared the back of her throat.
“Quite so,” she managed, little more than a whisper.
Sudden panic filled her. Her breaths came in little pants. He caught her hands in his.
“Alexandra, are you unwell?”
She nodded. “I am so very sorry, Benedict. I cannot do this.”
Pressing her hand to her mouth, she darted from the stage. Brushing past Sir Archibald, she offered her apologies for stepping on his toes, then rushed away to the cramped office that had been her haven before the lecture.
Jennie stood by the door. “Sophie showed me a faster route,” she explained with a wan little smile. “Alex, what has come over you?”
“What do you think has come over me?” Alex said, still attempting to fully understand what had just happened. “Did you know what he was planning to do?”
Jennie’s moment of hesitation provided her answer. “Yes—and no,” she said finally. “Sophie mentioned that Benedict wished to surprise you, but I did not know he intended to do so here tonight. I do not believe that Sophie and Gavin were aware he intended to be so…public about his demonstration of affection.”
“He wished to surprise me, did he? Well, he certainly accomplished that.” Alex sighed. “I suppose I am expected to thank the heavens he’s returned to me. What assurance do I have that he will not leave…again?”
Standing in the doorway, Benedict answered her question.
“I love you, Alexandra. I was a fool.” He made no move to enter the small chamber. “I don’t know how to prove to you that I will never again leave you. I don’t know how to prove I will never hurt you. I don’t know how to reassure you. But I do love you. More than I’ve ever loved anything in my life.”
Gaslight fell on his features, emphasizing the hollows in his cheeks, the leanness of his face. His eyes darkened with emotion, and it was all she could do not to run into his arms.
She could not give in.
She would not leave her heart vulnerable. Not this time.
Jennie’s mouth pulled taut. “It’s high time I excuse myself. I believe the two of you could benefit from a spot of privacy.”
