Page 67 of The Secret Suitor

“The real question is if he means this year or next,” Charles called out.

Wesley was not forced to reply as the countess continued with the game. Millie’s prediction was guessed right away when she said her hope was to learn how to ice skate properly and predicted her sister would have a healthy baby boy.

Once the game was finished, everyone enjoyed their pudding—some with a double serving—and Wesley found Millie standing alone with her plate. He approached her, nervous for the first time in as long as he could remember.

“Was it too bold?” he asked.

She shook her head, looking up at him. “I was flattered.”

“Yet you do not seem pleased.”

“Do not mistake my concern for the feelings of others as unhappiness, Wesley,” she whispered.

He looked into her eyes and understood. What he had considered to be a gesture of his affection had only put her in an uncomfortable position. “You wanted to speak to Mr. Stroud and Mr. Kendrick first?”

“I suppose.” She wrinkled her nose, looking up at him. “Now I fear everyone knows whom I care for.”

“They certainly know whom I care for, but you did not give any indication you returned my sentiments. You could ruin me directly, Mildred, should you choose.”

She laughed, and the sound was a boon to his heart. “That is the last thing on my mind.”

“Then you are not angry with me?”

“Angry? Good heavens, no. I was flattered, Wesletoot.”

“What must I do to convince you to only call me by my given name?”

She smiled at him, the expression sweet and unguarded. “I think I shall enjoy finding new ways to end your name for a good many years to come.”

The promise of forever within her words was too sweet to rebuke. Wesley basked in the return of his sentiments and nodded. “Very well, Millie. I will answer to anything you come up with.”

“Anything?”

“Nearly. I will ignore anything directed to Mr. Prescott.”

“Do not fear. I have not used such formality with you for years.”

“I hope you never will.”

Charles and Helena approached them, their faces full of interest. “Do I need to write to Mother and give her an update on your situation?” Helena asked.

“There is currently nothing to update her about. Besides, I must speak to Mr. Stroud about the letters before anything else can be discussed. He deserves that at the very least.”

“What is it I deserve?” Mr. Stroud asked directly behind Millie. A look of surprise crossed her face before she smoothed it over and turned to face him. She had surely not been seeking to have this conversation with an audience, so Wesley took a step away with Charles and Helena, who looked suitably confused. They had not been told of the letters at all, it appeared.

“I appreciate the care and effort you put into the letters, Mr. Stroud, but I cannot return the sentiments. If you’d like, I can burn them or I can return them to you.”

Wesley held his breath, waiting for the conversation to end.

“I do not know what you mean, Miss Hollis.”

“The letters in my room?” she prompted, lowering her voice.

“I have not delivered any letters to you, whether in your room or otherwise. The only thing I have written to you is the song I played for you this morning.”

“Oh.” Millie was silent for a moment. “Forgive me.”

He said something quietly and left her side. Wesley returned the moment she was alone again, her sister and brother-in-law directly behind him.