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Before Amber could say another word, he gave her shoulder a condescending pat then spun on his heels and made his way into the crowd, leaving her alone with Simon, much to her chagrin.

“Is this necessary?” she demanded when Thomas stepped away.

“Is what necessary?”

She glared as hard as she dared in public. “You know what I’m asking.”

“If I do, then you know my answer.”

“I just don’t understand. Why now? Why him?”

“You don’t need to understand. As your guardian, it’s my job to understand and do what’s best for you.”

“And you do?”

“Of course, I do! It’s my job to look after you, and I take it very seriously.”

“Then why is this the first time we are discussing this? Why did you never present me?”

He frowned. “Amber, this hardly seems like the most appropriate time or place to discuss this.”

“Then when is?”

“There’s no need to talk about it at all.”

“You can’t just decide that.”

“Ah! Thomas!” Simon lit up when the other man returned. “There you are! We were just talking about you.”

“All good things, I’m sure.”

“Of course! Of course. Amber has nothing but wonderful things to say about you, don’t you, Amber!”

She froze. The fork in the road was clear. If she contradicted him, there would be consequences, but if she didn’t, it would only encourage Thomas to continue pursuing her.

A moment passed. Then another. She needed to say something soon. “I’m afraid I feel as though I still don’t know you very well, My Lord.”

“That is easily remedied.” He took her arm, and Amber had to resist the urge to cringe away from the feeling of his clammy hand on her arm. Even though the sleeve of her gown, it was too much. “Come, let us take a turn around the room, just the two of us.”

“I don’t know if that’s appropriate.”

“You needn’t worry,” Simon cut in. “I can follow behind. It will give you two enough privacy to talk while still maintaining propriety.”

“How thoughtful! See, Amber, my dear, it isn’t a problem at all. You don’t need to worry so much though it is good to see that you are such a virtuous woman.”

She felt a little bit of relief at his words. He wanted a virtuous woman. Of course, he did. She wouldn’t be one for much longer.

Then he wouldn’t want her.

For now, all she had to do was suffer a little longer.

She gritted her teeth and nodded politely as he went on and on as though he hadn’t told her about his property five times already.

Finally, they were called to lunch, and she was able to make her escape.

She didn’t make it far before Felicity found her. “There you are! I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of arranging for us to sit near each other at lunch.”

“Not at all.” She hoped her relief wasn’t too obvious.”