sense. But assuming youre right, what does it matter? Its not as if you really mean to build anything.
No, but if she thinks she has found a way to thwart me, then she has no more reason to deal with me. I cannot have that.
He wished he could tell her the truth and let the cards fall where they may. But only think how much more secretive she would become when he said he believed she had been stolen from her real parents by her beloved Papa and the woman she knew as her mother.
If Diego did not have his facts exactly right when he admitted the truth, she might recoil, refuse to talk to him. Or worse yet, tell the colonel, who would enlist the authorities on his side to have them thrown out of the country before he and Gaspar could be sure of their facts. Then where would they be?
I must change tactics. Diego threw his evening attire into the trunk. I have played the gentleman with her, letting her dictate the terms of our association, thinking she would grow to trust me. But that is not working.
The only time she revealed anything of worth was when they fought or kissedwhen he made her forget her English propriety.
With Miss Seton, it is all about rousing her temper. Or her passions. She is more forthcoming with information when her emotions run high.
What do you mean to do? Gaspar asked.
Shake her up. Attend her little breakfast. Make her dance to my tune for a change. Diego packed his rigged candles and special wine bottle, then grinned at Gaspar. I think it is high time I give our good neighbors a charity performance.
Lucy was in the Duchess of Foxmoors elaborate gardens, going over the musical selections with the orchestra, whenMrs. Harris hurried up. Lucy, dear, I have some news that I dont want to distress you, but
Leaving the list with the players, Lucy drew Mrs. Harris off. What is it?
Lord Hunforth has come. With Lady Juliana.
Lucy waited for the pain to hit.
None did. How odd. The last few days, shed been so consumed with her campaign to save the school that shed scarcely thought of Peter at all.
Of course, shed been rather distracted by that cursed magician, but that shouldnt be a factor. He might be a devastatingly handsome villain, with a quick wit and a way of making her insides flutter, but that only put her more on her guard.
Im sorry, Mrs. Harris said. I had no idea Louisa intended to invite them, or I would have cautioned her against it.
Nonsense. Let them come. Their money is as good as anyones. And thankfully she had dressed with particular care today, in a gown of ivory silk and gauze that showed her figure quite well. Besides, it will give me the chance to prove I care nothing about Lord Hunforth anymore.
I hope thats true, dear. Because hes headed this way.
That was all the warning she got before a familiar voice sounded at her elbow. Good afternoon, Miss Seton.
She faced Peter with a forced smile, not surprised to find him dressed in an exquisite blue coat so adorned with gold braiding and gilt buttons that he outshone the sun. Predictably, his female companion wore a gown of pink satin and lace that had clearly cost three times what Lucys had. They made a striking pair.
Lord Hunforth, how nice to see you. Taking some satisfaction from how he winced at her formal tone, Lucy cast his female companion a cool nod. And you, too, Lady Juliana. So lovely of you both to support our cause.
As someone called Mrs. Harris away, Lady Juliana drew her shawl more closely about her and sniffed. Its rather chilly today for an outdoor party, dont you think, Miss Seton?
You must understand, my dear, Peter said to Lady Juliana before Lucy could answer. Miss Seton is a sturdy sort of female. She does not feel the cold the way someone as delicate as you probably does. He gently patted Lady Julianas hand,
No, but if she thinks she has found a way to thwart me, then she has no more reason to deal with me. I cannot have that.
He wished he could tell her the truth and let the cards fall where they may. But only think how much more secretive she would become when he said he believed she had been stolen from her real parents by her beloved Papa and the woman she knew as her mother.
If Diego did not have his facts exactly right when he admitted the truth, she might recoil, refuse to talk to him. Or worse yet, tell the colonel, who would enlist the authorities on his side to have them thrown out of the country before he and Gaspar could be sure of their facts. Then where would they be?
I must change tactics. Diego threw his evening attire into the trunk. I have played the gentleman with her, letting her dictate the terms of our association, thinking she would grow to trust me. But that is not working.
The only time she revealed anything of worth was when they fought or kissedwhen he made her forget her English propriety.
With Miss Seton, it is all about rousing her temper. Or her passions. She is more forthcoming with information when her emotions run high.
What do you mean to do? Gaspar asked.
Shake her up. Attend her little breakfast. Make her dance to my tune for a change. Diego packed his rigged candles and special wine bottle, then grinned at Gaspar. I think it is high time I give our good neighbors a charity performance.
Lucy was in the Duchess of Foxmoors elaborate gardens, going over the musical selections with the orchestra, whenMrs. Harris hurried up. Lucy, dear, I have some news that I dont want to distress you, but
Leaving the list with the players, Lucy drew Mrs. Harris off. What is it?
Lord Hunforth has come. With Lady Juliana.
Lucy waited for the pain to hit.
None did. How odd. The last few days, shed been so consumed with her campaign to save the school that shed scarcely thought of Peter at all.
Of course, shed been rather distracted by that cursed magician, but that shouldnt be a factor. He might be a devastatingly handsome villain, with a quick wit and a way of making her insides flutter, but that only put her more on her guard.
Im sorry, Mrs. Harris said. I had no idea Louisa intended to invite them, or I would have cautioned her against it.
Nonsense. Let them come. Their money is as good as anyones. And thankfully she had dressed with particular care today, in a gown of ivory silk and gauze that showed her figure quite well. Besides, it will give me the chance to prove I care nothing about Lord Hunforth anymore.
I hope thats true, dear. Because hes headed this way.
That was all the warning she got before a familiar voice sounded at her elbow. Good afternoon, Miss Seton.
She faced Peter with a forced smile, not surprised to find him dressed in an exquisite blue coat so adorned with gold braiding and gilt buttons that he outshone the sun. Predictably, his female companion wore a gown of pink satin and lace that had clearly cost three times what Lucys had. They made a striking pair.
Lord Hunforth, how nice to see you. Taking some satisfaction from how he winced at her formal tone, Lucy cast his female companion a cool nod. And you, too, Lady Juliana. So lovely of you both to support our cause.
As someone called Mrs. Harris away, Lady Juliana drew her shawl more closely about her and sniffed. Its rather chilly today for an outdoor party, dont you think, Miss Seton?
You must understand, my dear, Peter said to Lady Juliana before Lucy could answer. Miss Seton is a sturdy sort of female. She does not feel the cold the way someone as delicate as you probably does. He gently patted Lady Julianas hand,
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