An invitation.
“Mina,” she said carefully, “I need some air. After that… whole thing.”
Wilhelmina’s brow rose, but she didn’t pry. “Of course. I’ll distract Mother. Again. You owe me, though.”
Elizabeth gave her a grateful smile, already knowing what price her sister would name: a necklace, or the fan she adored. Fair enough.
She moved like smoke through the room unnoticed.
The chill of the night air hit her as she stepped onto the balcony. He was there, leaning against the railing, hands casually tucked into his pockets, the moonlight turning his russet hair almost silver at the edges.
“Your Grace.”
His head turned. “So. How’s Pomfrey?”
She arched a brow. “I imagine he’s with his friends. He seems the type.”
“The man is dull.”
Her lips twitched. “Were you… jealous?”
His eyes darkened. “He was staring at ye. While ye ate dessert.”
“As intended,” she said sweetly. “If my tutor recalls.”
He chuckled, but the sound lacked warmth. It was brittle. Worn at the edges. Still, his gaze was not distant. It drifted downward, pausing unapologetically at the neckline of her gown.
“The dress was a fine choice,” he muttered. “Pomfrey never had a chance.”
“Lady Grisham approved it. That alone should make it a treasure.”
“Approval’s easy when ye shine like that.” He looked away, jaw flexing. “And tonight, ye did.”
“Thank you,” she said, tone neutral.
She would not let him bait her with half-compliments and wounded pride.
But he pushed on, “Ye’re pretending to like him. He’s not worth yer time.”
“Then who is?” Her voice was sharper now, her patience fraying.
Their eyes met. His forest-green gaze was unreadable. Troubled. Hungry.
“Ye need someone whoseesye,” he said softly. “Beyond all this performance.”
She swallowed. “I wasn’t pretending. I was just… waking up. You gave me the confidence, Your Grace. I should thank you for that, but I should not be scolded for it.”
She meant it to sting, but part of her meant it as gratitude, too. The confusion coiled tight in her chest.
He didn’t reply right away. Instead, he looked past her, out to the moonlight.
A stillness fell between them, broken only when she asked, “Did your meeting go well?”
He nodded. “Aye. Thanks to ye.”
That, at least, brought a quiet smile to her lips. They were even, then. Their strange arrangement had done its job.
She turned to go.