“But you said you were surprised to find me alone.”
He cocked his head and blinked. “And so I was, especially since I had just been on an errand that concerned you.”
“Have you just come from the Albany, then?” Asquith had yet to give up what his mother derisively referred to as hisBuck Abode.
“The Albany… Yes.”
Lord Willard hadn’t come from the direction of the Albany, though. Then again, he could have taken the long way around. “Do you know Lord Asquith well enough to call on him, then?”
“Why, yes,” he replied.
He searched her face, looking deeply into her eyes. She swayed in response, and he steadied her with a firm hand in a warm glove.
Animal Magnetism, indeed.
“Ever since he was my—” He cleared his throat. “He was but a mere pup back in school.”
“Oh,” she said, “I didn’t know. Then again, I wouldn’t. My conversations with Asquith tend to center either on my sisters or on his horses.”
Willard nodded. “He does love his horseflesh.”
“Yes, he does.” Hesitantly, she shared his knowing smile.
Lenora had suggested Asquith didn’t like Willard. But she’d done so based only on a nod. Clearly, she must have been wrong.
Neville was the only one who didn’t like him.He’s not what people generally believe.
Both last night and this morning, Lord Willard had been affable, if somewhat intense. More affable than Neville, in any case.
And even though Cassie had treated with disbelief the idea that Neville could hate anyone, Millie was sure Neville would dislike anyone as forward and frank in their manner as Lord Willard.
Neville was just too proper for his own good.
“There is something special about a long acquaintance.” Lord Willard’s eyes had a far-away look. “Don’t you think?”
“I wouldn’t know,” she replied. “My sisters and the Asquith family are my only connections of length.”
“Ah,” he made a sympathetic sound. “Quite lonely, that sounds.”
“We entertained ourselves.”
“I’m glad.”
She could see the whites both aboveandbelow his irises. Was that normal?
“There is something even more special about new acquaintances.”
“Yes,” she found herself in complete agreement. Willard was certainly unique…
“May I have your answer about the theater? I confess, I am in terrible suspense.”
His hopeful expression made her soften. “I wish I could. But I’m afraid I cannot oblige.”
Something dark passed over his face. Or perhaps a cloud had briefly concealed the sun? She wasn’t entirely certain.
“I’d need permission,” she explained. “And to be accompanied by at least one of my many chaperones. But Lady Asquith, the duchess,andthe marchioness are all to attend a discussion hosted by Mrs. Vane this evening.”
His lips pinched. “Not political, I hope?”