“How dashing you look!” Elspeth praised as she descended the stairs to the visitor’s foyer. “Which fortunate debutante will be enjoying your call today?”
Michael ceased fiddling with his immaculate cravat and met his mother’s gaze in the mirror’s reflection before him. “Good afternoon, Mother.”
Her brow arched when he collected his hat from the console and said nothing further. The afternoon sunlight slanted onto the marble floor through the arched window above the double front doors. The indirect illumination flattered his mother, whose floral gown made her appear far younger than she was.
Her mouth curved. “Lady Regmont helped me put the list of debutantes together. She’s very perceptive, well connected, and most eager to see you wed.”
He stiffened. The perfectly tailored fit of his blue coat was suddenly overly tight. “I’m pleased to hear you two are rubbing along well. I thought you might.”
“Yes, we suit better than I expected. The poor dear has been without a mother for many years, and with Jessica gone, I can dote on Hester as I would a daughter.”
He wished they could have been mother and daughter in truth, through marriage. But fate had other designs.
“And now that she’s increasing,” Elspeth went on in a breezy tone, “I can experience that joy as well. Preparation for your wife, whoever she may be.”
Breath hissing between his teeth, Michael gripped the edge of the console and fought to collect himself. A poker through the chest could not have hurt worse.
He rounded on Elspeth. “Sheath your claws, Mother. You’re drawing blood.”
She recoiled, then paled. “Michael …”
“Why?” he asked bitterly. “We both know she’s beyond my grasp. You’ve no need to wound me with it further.”
“I’m sorry.” Her shoulders fell, her lovely features aging before his eyes. “I …”
“You what?”
“I am afraid your love for her will hold you back.”
“I know my responsibilities. I’ll see to them.”
“I want you to be happy.” She stepped toward him. “I want that so badly. I thought if you knew …”
“That I would simply shrug off my troublesome affection and move forward unencumbered?” He laughed without humor. “If only it was that simple.”
She sighed. “I want to help you. I wish I knew how.”
“I told you how.” He set his hat on his head. “See to Hester. Give her whatever support she may need.”
“I’m afraid there’s nothing to be done for the girl, Michael. Leastwise, nothing you and I can do.”
He looked at her. “Regmont,” he bit out, acid sliding through his veins.
“The way she reacts to his name … I have seen that look before, and it never bodes well. But what can be done?”
“We can extend our friendship.” He moved toward the door, which was hastily opened by the butler. “And pray.”
Hester’s breathing quickened as she entered her parlor. Michael stood when she swept in, his dark eyes heating with masculine appreciation. She basked in that warmth, allowing it to thaw the frozen recesses of her heart.
“You waited the entirety of the sennight before keeping your promise to call on me,” she accused.
A faint tinge of sadness marred the smile he gave her. “My mother suggested I wait.”
“Ah.” She sat on the settee across from him. “She is a wise woman.”
“She likes you.”
“The affection is mutual.” Hester smoothed her skirts, feeling unaccountably nervous. “How are you?”
“I’ve been half-mad with the need to ask that question of you. You spoke of some things when I last saw you. I feared I might have aggravated … that I caused you unnecessary …” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Christ.”
“I’m well, Michael.”
“Are you?” His hand fell to his lap, and his gaze sharpened. “I should have let him win. I was too arrogant—too angry—to do so. I should have been thinking of you.”
Hester’s heartbeat thudded in a strong, steady rhythm as if revived. In truth she felt more alive in Michael’s presence than she had in many years. “You were thinking of me, were you not?”
He tensed, then flushed.
“Whatever promise you made to my sister to look after me,” she went on, “I doubt she expected you to take the responsibility to such lengths. But I’m touched that you did.”
“Do you need a champion?” he asked softly, leaning forward.
“There is a princess out there waiting for you, gallant knight.”