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“I have many decisions to make before that one. My whole life to figure out, really.”
I watched him look from her to her plate. “Harper, you haven’t eaten!” he exclaimed, sounding like Miss Bardwell. “What about you, Eliza? Fancy some breakfast?”
“I ate on the train.” I motioned for him to sit, stunned by his lack of reaction. He knew I’d stayed in town last night, not come in on the train.
It occurred to me that my presence might make Harper uncomfortable. “I hope you don’t mind my crashing here,” I said to her. “I usually stay with Niven when I’m in town, so I can avoid the inquisition from Nigel and Millicent.”
“Millicent is Eliza’s mother,” Niv explained.
“I am only a guest myself,” Harper murmured.
“Very well, but if I’m a nuisance, don’t hesitate to say so.”
“I will not hesitate for even a moment,” said Niv, winking at me.
“He’s always been that way. Doesn’t care at all about my feelings,” I teased before leaning down to kiss his cheek. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll freshen up.”
I made eye contact with Miss Bardwell and motioned for her to follow.
“I’m stunned speechless,” I said once we were out of earshot.
“She’s lovely, is she not?” Clearly, she was as taken with Harper as Niven was.
Not that I wasn’t. I’d truly never dreamed he’d fall in love or even allow someone to get close enough to care for them. The realization hit me so hard that my eyes filled with tears of happiness for him, but also of sadness for me.
He and I were cut from the same cloth. Niven fed his insecurities with alcohol, meaningless sex, and a surly disposition with everyone but me. My way was to act the part of a free spirit. I was an artist, after all. Eccentric, empty-headed, emotionally unaffected, and amusing. I was none of those things. A fact only Niv knew.
“Bloody hell,” I muttered. “I’ve a change of plans. My father has summoned me to meet him. Since I have to leave anyway, I’ll give them their privacy. I’ll ring Niv later and let him know I won’t be staying, after all.”
When Miss Bardwell nodded, I returned to the kitchen only to find Niv and Harper engaged in a passionate kiss.
I cleared my throat, and he broke away and turned to me.
“I’d say I’m sorry for interrupting, but I’m not.”
“You’re a nuisance,” he muttered, making me laugh.
“I’ve been summoned. Evidently, my father’s new position allows him access to the travel records of whomever he pleases. As he’s aware I’ve arrived, I am now expected to join him for lunch. I’d apologize, but I somehow think you don’t mind my leaving in the least.”
When he didn’t respond, Miss Bardwell offered to walk me out.
“If he breaks her heart, inform me immediately,” I said, squeezing her hand before I got on the lift.
“Aye, Miss Eliza. I just pray it isn’t the other way around.”
“Me too.”
It wasn’t a far walk to the Carlton Club, where my father had demanded I meet him at noon sharp. Fortunately, I was close enough to be able to do so.
“Eliza,” he said when I approached his table and he stood.
Rather than a kiss on the cheek or other display of affection, he pulled the chair out and I sat.
“How long did you plan to stay in London without contacting your mother or me?” he asked, his eyes on the menu he had to know by heart.
“I only arrived last night,” I muttered.
He mumbled something I didn’t understand, then added, “I suppose you’ve already seen Niven.”