Page 136 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
“You look well,” he said quietly.
“So do you.”
“You have recovered.”
She smiled faintly. “I’ve slept more than I have in weeks.”
“I’m glad.”
For a few moments they danced without speaking. Jane found herself studying his face. He looked as composed as ever. Yet there was a weariness around his eyes she had not noticed before.
“I told my mother the essentials.”
His eyes met hers. “Only the essentials?”
Jane nodded.
“I told her Colin is alive. That he and Evan left England together. I omitted everything concerning Strachan.”
“A wise decision.”
They turned together, moving effortlessly between the other couples.
“My mother wishes we might visit them someday.”
“I hope you will.”
“So do I.” For a heartbeat she saw the same quiet warmth that had appeared beside the cottage fireplace. Then it vanished.
“The authorities are making progress,” Hector said.
She looked up. “They are?”
“My acquaintance in parliament sent word yesterday.”
If Strachan were arrested, perhaps this nightmare truly could end.
The orchestra carried them through another sweeping turn. Jane became aware that several couples nearby were watching them. She ignored them.
Nothing mattered except the strange distance growing between her and the man holding her. He had been easier with her in dark alleys than he was beneath ballroom chandeliers.
Finally he spoke again. “And your husband hunting?”
Jane almost missed a step. “My what?”
“Have you found any promising gentlemen?”
The question landed like a slap. “How canyouask me that?”
His expression remained unreadable. “You intended to marry.”
“You know why.”
“I do.”
“Then why ask? Especially after what happened at the cottage.”
For the first time that evening, something flickered across his features. His brow furrowed slightly. “What happened at the cottage changes nothing.”
