He eyed her plate. “Is that all you are going to eat?”
“For now.” She glanced at the door. “It is a little early.”
“If you are waiting for Kendrick, do not bother,” Brice said.
Caroline bristled and hoped she wasn’t blushing. “I am not waiting for Stephan.”
“All right,” Brice said amicably and went back to slicing a piece of ham.
Was that all he was going to say? The man could be so infuriating. She didn’t want to have toask. Caroline managed to take a sip of tea that a footman had just poured before her inquisitive mind got the better of her. “What did you mean, ‘do not bother’?”
“Ah. I was wondering how long it would take,” Brice said and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Women are curious as cats.”
“I was not aware we were playing a game,” she said rather stiffly.
Brice glanced to where the footman stood by the door, appearing heedless to their conversation. “We are all playing games, are we not?”
What did he mean by that? Caroline frowned slightly, took another sip of tea, and set her cup down. “Please do not talk in riddles. I am in no mood.”
“Ah!” Brice said again. “Now that sounds like the Caroline Nash I know.”
She refrained from rolling her eyes. “Just explain what you mean about playing games.”
He glanced at the footman again before turning back to Caroline. “Let me just say there is too much intrigue afoot for my liking.”
Caroline understood the footman could hear everything they said since they were the only ones in the room. Servants had ears as big as water pitchers, and the more oblivious they seemed, usually the more intently they were listening. She chose her words with care. “Are you referring to the machinations of last night?”
“Yes. I did not expect a certain person to be so receptive to the changes in seating,” Brice answered.
Caroline stared at him. Was he trying to tell her that Stephan had liked sitting next to Ann? He certainly appeared to have been captivated. Caroline’s stomach clenched into a knot, and she was glad she’d only had a bite of egg or she would quite possibly be casting up her accounts. Why was she reacting so strongly?
“I see,” she said.
“Well, anyway,” Brice said as he folded his napkin and placed it beside his plate. “To answer your unasked question, Stephan left early for Kent.”
Kent? He went home? Had the situation at dinner last night so confused him that he felt he had to abandon their charade? The knot in her stomach tightened. Whitstable was a full, hard day’s ride from Brighton, if not more. He certainly wouldn’t go on a whim.
“I see,” she said again and strove to keep her tone light and neutral. “Is he planning to return?”
Brice gave her a startled look. “Of course. A messenger arrived late last night informing him that his presence was needed. He will be back as soon as he can.” He glanced at the footman once more. “He has a race to compete in.”
The regatta. Of course, Stephan would not want to withdraw from that. He was far too competitive. “I do hope to see him when he returns.”
“Why would you not?” Brice furrowed his brows and then his expression cleared. “Oh. You are upset because you wanted him to leave a note.”
“I did not!” Caroline said, feeling her face suddenly heat.
“Youdid,” Brice replied, “but do not be angry with Kendrick. He left in a hurry and asked me to tell you.”
“Well, you took your sweet time,” Caroline grumbled.
Brice grinned. “I did not realize you were so eager to know his whereabouts.”
“I am not… I just…wondered, that is all,” she answered, hating that she stammered. Brice didn’t need to know she was fast becoming enamored of Stephan. That was her own foolish secret.
“You do not have to wonder about Kendrick. The man always keeps his word.” Brice stood to leave. “I have to get down to the boat. The only reason I had breakfast up here was to tell you the news. Do not worry. Stephan will be back.”
Caroline nodded as Brice left. It was a relief to know he had not deserted her.The man always keeps his word.He had made a promise to her, but that didn’t mean he cared. Maybe Ann had been charming him last night instead of the other way around.
