As she started toward the card tables, Henry placed a firm hand on my lower back, leaning over to speak in my ear. “I will return shortly. In the meantime, I would rather you stayed away from Lord Stroud.”
“And I would rather you went to the devil.” I forced a tight smile. “It seems we are both to be disappointed tonight.”
He gave me a dark look, but I turned before he could say anything more. “It’s grown uncomfortably warm in here, Lord Stroud. Would you care to join me on the balcony?”
He extended his arm to me. “It would be my pleasure, Miss Kilbrid.”
Henry made a move to intercede when Cate stepped into his path. “Lord Fitzalan, I do so love whist. Might I watch you play?”
With Cate and Henry behind us, we stepped outside onto the balcony. The air was crisp, the sky full of stars. Turning toward the room, I stared at the card table where Amelia had taken a seat.
“She hates me,” I said sullenly.
“Amelia is known for being difficult. If anything I would say she was taking your measure.”
“She practically accused me of using my bosom to steal Henry away from her.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “Or maybe she was testing to see if there was any mettle in your spine.”
I sighed and shook my head. “Amelia meant to embarrass me and I’ve you to thank for stopping her. Hopefully, you will not soon regret your efforts on my behalf.”
“Never,” he said, with such sincerity that I glanced at him for a brief moment before returning my attention to the card table.
Henry had taken a seat opposite Amelia. The cards were dealt once the other couple joined them, but from my vantage point Henry appeared to have little interest for the game. In between turns, his gaze left the table, returning to where Julian and I stood on the balcony.
Amelia’s smug expression left little doubt to her present mood. And why would she not be happy? Henry was inside playing cards while I was outside sulking. Good gracious! Didn’t she realize that his company came from obligation? She may have won a small skirmish tonight, but I had already won the war. So why did I feel so awful?
Though out of earshot, I watched Amelia chat with the other players and onlookers. Henry seemed the only one disinterested in the conversation. That is, until Amelia said something that caused a loud burst of laughter. Lady and Lord Percival each turned in their chairs to look at me, clearly amused. More people were now glancing toward the balcony, their faces gleeful. Realization dawned quickly, turning my stomach to lead.
“Julian,” I said, my throat nearly too tight for words. “Will you please take me home?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Wait here. I’ll inform Lady Dinley so she’ll not worry.”
Julian stepped from the shadows into the room. I followed despite his request, unwilling to stay a minute longer in Amelia’s apartments. Setting my shoulders, I crossed the room, my eyes focused straight ahead. At the door, a young lady caught my attention, lifted a hand to her mouth and giggled. I brushed by her, not stopping until I was in the courtyard.
Lanterns burned on every wall, illuminating the stone pavers underfoot and wide graveled path that led to the main gate. Bathed in soft yellow light, I balled my hands into tight fists and struggled to steady my breath. Hot tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away.
A moment later Julian arrived at my side. “This way,” he said. Taking my arm, he led me away from the main gate and waiting carriages.
I quickened my stride to match his pace. “Where are we going?”
He didn’t answer and I was about to ask again when we passed a large hedge marking the entrance to a garden. Julian stopped and looked back toward the palace. I turned just as Henry appeared in the doorway.
My first instinct was to return to the courtyard. I attempted a step, but Julian held fast to my arm. “Do you really want to talk to him after what just happened?”
His words brought me up short. “What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say that if you were to be my wife, I would never have allowed anyone to amuse themselves at your expense. Not even a princess.”
My heart constricted painfully. From the shelter of the hedge, I watched Henry glance back and forth, searching the courtyard, then take off at a run toward the direction of the gate. “But he’s looking for me.”
“That does not make up for his earlier conduct.”
“You don’t understand. Henry has to be nice to her so the king will release him from the betrothal contract.” And not arrest me in the meantime. “I’m sure he was no more pleased with her behavior than I was.”