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Sebastian did so, and the duke sat across from him, his expression curious but not condemning.

“I have to confess,” Sebastian said, “my next stop was to pay a call on Miss Eliana. And I’m afraid your wife is correct. Under other circumstances, her sister and I may have suited rather well.”

Once again, regret twisted through him. If only he hadn’t dismissed Miss Eliana Banning so quickly…

“What do you intend to do about it?” The duke steepled his fingers under his chin.

“Tell Eliana how I feel.” The admission was difficult to make, yet it was also a relief to unburden himself to someone other than his valet.

“And then leave the country? What if she returns your feelings?”

Sebastian let out a short, bitter laugh. “She does not, I assure you.”

“Hmm.” The duke gave him a thoughtful look. “Even so, perhaps we ought to save you a visit to Banning House.”

“That was my thought as well.” Sebastian’s heart could be wrung out in the Duke of Ashford’s house just as easily as Lord Blake’s. “Would you allow me to meet with Miss Eliana here for a few moments, when the singing is over?”

“I believe we might accommodate you.” Ashford rose. “I’ll have a word with my wife. Until then, make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

Chest tight, Sebastian watched the duke leave the room. Had he made a mistake, confiding in Lord Ashford? Perhaps he ought to quietly take his leave now, before it was too late.

No.

He was a prince and a man of honor. And, though it was like a knife to his heart to admit it, a man in love. It might make him the worst fool in creation, but he could not leave London without seeing Eliana Banning one last time.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Eliana’s toeswere growing cold before Lord and Lady Ashford appeared in the doorway, and when they finally did, Selene thought her sister looked a trifle discomfited.

“Come in,” Lady Ashford said when the carol ended. “You may all sing more, of course, but the parlor is much warmer than standing about in the cold.”

The singers doffed their coats, hats, and gloves, then trooped into the parlor, where the scent of mulled wine greeted them.

“Holly boughs.” William nodded at the decorations. “I suppose we should sing ‘Deck the Halls.’”

“A splendid idea,” Peony said. “But I must take my leave soon.”

Eliana glanced at the pitch-challenged Angelica, then back to Peony. “Three more songs, perhaps? Please stay that long.”

Peony agreed, and the singers arranged themselves before the gloriously glowing tree and began with “Deck the Halls.” After that, they launched into “I Saw Three Ships,” and finished with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

“That was grand,” Selene said, applauding.

The duke joined her, and Eliana saw that Lewis and some of the maids and footmen hovered at the doorway. They added their praise as well, although the singing had not beenthatwonderful. Still, it was an honest and joy-filled celebration of the season, and there was something to be said for that.

“Please, everyone, make free with the refreshments. Lewis, serve up the mulled wine.” Selene gestured to the table, then turned to Eliana. “Might I have a quick word with you in the hallway?”

“Of course.” Eliana followed her sister into the hall. “Is everything all right?”

“Perfectly fine. It’s just that there’s something in the library I need you to fetch.”

She gave her sister a curious look. “Can’t you get it yourself?”

“Consider it in the line of a holiday surprise,” Selene said, her expression rather more furtive than Eliana was used to.

“I don’t want a puppy,” Eliana said.