“Or,” Millie added a touch too lightly, “some other topic?”
Cassie lifted a brow. “I thinkyou’rethe one acting strangely. Shame on you for remaining alone with him in the library.” She held up her hand. “No. Don’t even try to protest. I know I’ve been accurately informed. And, although I cannot think it possible, I have to ask.DidLord Neville act inappropriately?”
Millie harrumphed. “If you mean to ask me if he treated me like a little sister that must be managed, then yes, he did.”
“You know that was not what I meant.” Cassie glanced askance. “Doyoubelieve Neville thinks of you as a little sister?”
Millie opened her mouth to reply in the affirmative. Something, however, made her stop.
His slow, fiery study of her person in the library had been nothing close tosisterly.
Had Asquith given her such arousingperusal, she would have known he was doing so in jest. They would have both immediately broken into laughter. But there hadn’t been a hintof humor in Neville’s eyes. His look had been one of hunger alone.
With a furious exhale, she undid the top button of her pelisse.
“Millie?” Cassie prompted.
“Perhaps not sisterly,” she replied darkly. “But I still am certain Neville would never pursue me as a potential wife.”
Cassie sent her a sidelong, suspicious glance.
“Oh, good heavens, Cassie! Don’t be a goose. Lord Nevillehatesme.”
“Neville?Hateyou? I don’t think Neville hates anyone.” Cassie shook her head. “Especially not you.”
Oh, yes, he did!He was forever insisting her behavior was improper.
And what of his reaction to Lord Willard?
She’d wager all her pin money Neville hated him, too. She hesitated, though, to tell Cassie about Neville’s look of deep revulsion when he’d said the viscount’s name.
Why?
Was she protecting Neville’s privately shared distaste? Or, for the sake of her plan, was she attempting to preserve Lord Willard’s reputation in Cassie’s eyes?
“Oh, look,” Cassie gestured toward the house. “Whatever business Neville and Edward had was quickly concluded. See? The staff is bringing round his horse.”
“I suppose it could not be anything ofseriousconcern, then.” Then again, how long would he have needed to drop a hint against Lord Willard in Harbury’s ear?
“Just as I said.” Cassie nodded to herself. “Politicking, most like. Shall we go in?”
“I’m not ready yet,” Millie protested. “Might I stay out a few moments longer?”
Cassie compressed her lips.
“I promise to stay in full view of the house. I’ll only remain outside until Neville leaves. I—I would rather not have to speak with him again.”
“Very well,” Cassie replied reluctantly. “You aren’t likely to meet anyone out here this time of year, and I do know how much you dislike being confined inside.”
“Thank you,” Millie breathed.
“But remember your promise. Stay in full view of the house. And if you see anyone with whom you are unacquainted, come in straightaway.”
“I promise.” Millie held her hand over her heart.
Cassie gave Millie her best big-sister-warning expression and then headed back into the house. But just before Cassie slipped inside, she stopped to have a word with a man dressed in Harbury livery. He glanced in her direction, then bowed.
Millie inclined her head in acknowledgment.Good afternoon, Guard Dog.What harm could she possibly come to in the middle of a Mayfair square on a cold January day?