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Amber chewed her lip. She knew she would have to play this carefully. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were waiting for me, or I would have come sooner.”

“Did Simon not make my intentions clear?”

“I assumed he had to be mistaken.”

“Really? And why is that?”

“Forgive me, I simply have a hard time believing you would want to pursue someone like me,” she said, and it wasn’t quite a lie.

Her flattery made him soften. “I do hope now, you know better. Still, this had better not happen again.”

“Of course not, Vis?—”

“Thomas, please.”

“Of course not, Thomas.”

He nodded. “Very good. If I am honest, I was starting to wonder if you were avoiding me, but you wouldn’t do that, would you?” His words came out in a soft facsimile of kindness, but the look in his eyes left no doubt of the steel behind his words.

She shook her head. She needed to make him happy. If Simon thought she was still resisting, then he would only push harder. “Of course not. I would never want to offend you like that.”

“Good to hear. After all, I don’t think I need to tell you about my relationship with your cousin, do I?”

“I- I don’t know what you mean.”

“Oh, I think you do. You’re a smart girl. Don’t play the fool.”

Amber clenched her fists. “I’m not. My cousin, he prefers to keep me sheltered from his business. I know better than to pry.”

That made him grin. “Is that right? A woman who knows her place. I feel like that’s a rarity to find nowadays. I’m glad to see he taught you well.”

Amber had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep her boiling rage inside. “Thank you, I’m glad you think so.”

“How could I not? This is part of why I didn’t want to court someone who was properly out. There’s nothing to gain for you from dancing and balls.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not like it’s something you are going to have time for once you are married. You’ll be too busy with the children.”

“Children? But surely something like that takes time.”

He waved a dismissive hand. “Of course, but sooner is better than later after all, and once you have your first, who knows how many you’ll have after that. I doubt you will have time for much else.”

“What?”

“Oh, don’t look so worried. I’m sure you will be so busy, you won’t have time to think about anything but them. Well, them and your loving husband, of course.”

“Of course.”

“Oh, no need to be so shy. I know it must be a lot to think about, but I’m sure you will adjust just fine. Tell me, have you been having a good time here?”

“Of course. It’s the first chance I’ve had to come to one of these in over a month.”

He patted her hand. “I’m glad to hear it, darling. While we have the chance, why don’t I tell you a little about me?”

“Of course. I would love to hear all about whatever you want to talk about.”

“I’m glad you asked. Have I had a chance to tell you about my last hunting trip?”