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“That’s right, your father passed away too. I’m sorry for your loss.”

She suppressed a wince as soon as her words hit her ears. Why would she say something like that? Why did she bring it up?

“It was a while ago.” He turned away before she could say anything else. “We should get back to the others before they notice we’re gone.”

“You’re right,” she agreed, even if she did still feel rather conflicted.

On the one hand, she was glad for the easy way to sidestep her foolish statement. She could only hope he would not hold it against her. On the other hand, the idea of going back out there made her skin crawl.

She knew Thomas would be waiting for her. Simon would be on her in an instant, dragging her to that man’s side. She knew that she would be lucky to escape him after dinner at the earliest!

And that wasn’t even to mention Simon!

She didn’t want to think of the state he would be in if he was looking for her and couldn’t find her.

She wouldn’t be surprised if he searched the whole place to find her just because Thomas asked where she was.

“We shouldn’t be seen going back together,” Christopher said, snapping her from her thoughts.

“Of course. That makes sense. How do you want to do this?”

“You go back first. I will follow behind you shortly.”

“Oh! Are you sure? I don’t mind lingering if you want to go back first.”

He shook his head. “It would be easier if you went back first.”

She wanted to argue, to come up with anything she could say to argue. Anything to buy her a few more seconds away from the others, but she couldn’t think of a single thing. “I suppose if you think that would be best.”

He gave her a curt nod then slipped from the room.

Amber paced the room long after he left. She knew she should go back and join the others. If she was found on her own, there would be questions.

More than questions. It would be seen as suspicious. If she were found off by herself, she would be even more closely monitored than she already was.

Sighing, she forced herself from the room. Every step down the hall felt like a monumental chore. She could hardly make herself keep going.

Sure enough, the second she was back, Simon all but ran over to her. “You have been neglecting our guests,” he gritted out.

She frowned, taking a step away from him. She crossed her arms to put some kind of wall between them. “I didn’t realize we had any, seeing as we are guests.”

His gaze hardened. “We both know you know who I’m talking about.”

She looked away. “I don’t. We’re both just guests here. I don’t have any responsibilities to worry about.”

“Amber, don’t play the fool. It doesn’t suit you,” he stormed. “Now, Thomas is waiting for you on the sofa in the main parlor. I expect you to go to him.”

“But I don’t want to.”

“Amber, this isn’t up for discussion. Do you realize how rude you are being? You aren’t even out, and yet Thomas is kind enough to express an interest in you. The least you can do is be pleasant with him.”

“I am. I just don’t want to talk to him for longer than I need to.”

“Amber, he’s waiting for you. Go.”

She clenched her hands into fists. “But?—”

“Did you hear me?” he warned, eyes flashing something dangerous.