Grace nodded distractedly as she turned to leave.
‘And, Grace…?’
She turned slowly back to face Lucian, her thoughts in turmoil.
What had transpired between the two of them just now? Because something had. Something important.
‘Sebastian has informed me of his intention to take his leave in the morning and return to London. Let us try to make his last evening here with us as pleasant as possible for both him and your aunt, hmm?’
In other words, Lucian did not want any sign of dissension between them to be visible to the Duchess or Lord Sebastian!
Grace wasn’t sure there was still any dissension between them. There was puzzlement on her part, yes. And reserve on Lucian’s. But dissension? No, Grace didn’t think so. Both people had to be emotionally engaged for that to exist, and Lucian had once again retreated behind his emotionless mask.
She gave a cool inclination of her head. ‘I will try, for their sakes.’
Lucian’s smile was tight. ‘That is all I ask.’
For the moment, he conceded frowningly once alone. But soon, very soon if Grace continued this talk of ending their betrothal, he would have to confront and question his own feelings on the matter…
Chapter Sixteen
Grace chose to wear a grey silk gown overlaid with grey lace on its short puffed sleeves and bodice for dinner that evening. A simple gold cross that had belonged to her mother was her only jewellery, and her hair was simply styled in loose dark curls that fell from her crown to move tantalisingly against her nape.
Unfortunately Lucian was not in the drawing room to comment on her appearance when she entered it. Only Sebastian was there, to rise from his sprawling position on one of the sofas as he extended her a bow.
‘I am sure that it is permitted for your future brother to tell you how exquisite you are looking this evening, Miss Hetherington.’ Those brown eyes had darkened in appreciation.
Grace laughed softly. ‘You really are the most terrible flirt, My Lord!’
‘Terrible?’ Sebastian arched dark brows, looking very dashing in dark evening clothes and snowy white linen. ‘I have always believed myself to be exceptionally good at it!’
‘You know exactly what I mean.’ Grace tapped his wrist lightly with her fan.
‘I do,’ he acknowledged with a rueful inclination of his head. ‘I almost envy Lucian, Miss Hetherington. I have a feeling a man would never be bored with you as his wife,’ he explained.
‘You mean that as a compliment, I hope?’
‘But of course!’
‘Of course.’ Grace sank elegantly onto one of the sofas, still smiling.
Sebastian gave a shake of his head. ‘I must say that I still find the suddenness of your betrothal to my brother somewhat…interesting.’
‘In what way, My Lord?’ Grace prompted guardedly. ‘I am sure that you are as familiar with the gossip circulating about the two of us amongst the ton as your sister is?’
‘Arabella?’ Sebastian grinned affectionately. ‘Trust Arabella to show no hesitation in relating that gossip to you!’
‘Only after someone else had brought it to my attention, I assure you,’ Grace returned dryly.
‘Lucian?’
Grace’s expression was one of cool composure. ‘Who it was does not signify, My Lord. All that matters is that I was already aware of it before Arabella spoke to me on the subject.’
‘On what subject, might I ask?’ Lucian rasped as he entered the drawing room.
‘Nothing of any importance.’ Grace gave Sebastian a sympathetic smile even as she acknowledged that, although Sebastian might appear dashing in his evening clothes, Lucian looked by far the more elegantly handsome of the two. The more breathtaking of the two…
‘Do not look at me in that way.’ Sebastian backed away from Lucian’s accusing scowl. ‘I assure you I did not say or do anything in the least improper before your arrival. Did I, Grace?’ He looked at her appealingly.
‘You have just done so by addressing her in so familiar a manner.’ Lucian placed a possessive hand beneath Grace’s elbow.
‘Oh, hell—’
‘And now you have sworn in her company, too,’ Lucian mocked. ‘Really, Sebastian, I cannot see any woman ever accepting such an ill-mannered rake as you as her husband.’