Page 103 of Murder at the Debutante Ballby

“In my defense, I thought you were cheating.”

He laughed again. “Ordinarily that would offend me, but right now, nothing can.”

I skimmed my palm down his arm to hold his hand. His fingers curled around mine and his smile faded. His gaze turned soft.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“I am.” My grip tightened and his responded in kind. “I know words aren’t enough, but thank you, Harry. What you did tonight…it means a lot to me.”

His chest rose and fell with a sharp breath.

“Cleo!” Jonathon called out from here he stood beside the carriage. I hadn’t noticed it pull up alongside us.

Harry released me. “Goodnight.”

“Aren’t you coming?” I said. “We’ll take you home.”

“I’d rather walk.”

I glanced behind me at a scowling Jonathon. Floyd stood beside him, nibbling his lower lip, looking uncertain. “Don’t mind them,” I said to Harry. “Their bark is worse than their bite.”

“Even so…” He nodded at Floyd and my cousin nodded back, then Harry walked away.

I watched him for a few moments to see if he turned around, but when he didn’t, I joined the others. “Why didn’t you offer him a ride home?” I asked my cousin.

It was Jonathon who answered. “We’re not going his way.”

“Do you even know where he lives?”

“No, but I’m quite sure it’s not Mayfair.” He held out his hand to assist me into the cabin.

I ignored him and climbed in unaided.

Three days later,as I was walking along the fourth floor corridor, I saw the most unexpected person leaving my uncle’s office. I smiled at Jonathon, but he did not smile back. Indeed, he looked rather grave.

No, not grave. Guilty.

He dipped his head and hurried to the staircase ahead of me.

I took a step towards Uncle Ronald’s office, but stopped. There were few reasons why Jonathon would speak to my uncle alone, none of them good. It was likely my uncle was now angry or upset, and I didn’t want to encounter him when he was in either mood. No doubt he would seek me out when he was ready to lecture or punish me. Hopefully it wouldn’t be soon. I needed time to prepare a defense for each of my transgressions Jonathon could possibly have mentioned to my uncle.

I headed down the stairs, relieved not to see Jonathon. The foyer was quiet, as was often the case around midday. Peter and Mr. Hobart stood together, talking quietly, while Goliath hovered near the front desk, chatting to the check-in clerk. Guests wandered through, nodding at Mr. Hobart, in no hurry to reach their destination. There was no sign of Miss Hessing, but I was a few minutes early.

Mr. Hobart joined me under the central chandelier. “Good morning, Miss Fox.” He glanced at the clock. “Indeed, I should say good afternoon. I hear you’re going shopping with Miss Hessing today.”

“Mr. Hobart, I am surprised at you,” I teased. “You’re usually much better informed.”

“You’re not shopping with Miss Hessing? But her mother told me just an hour ago as she went out that you two were enjoying the day together.”

“Mrs. Hessing isn’t the best informant on this occasion. I must say, I am pleased to hear she has already left. I was worried she’d insist on coming with us.” At his quizzical look, I leaned in. “Miss Hessing and Iaregoing out together, but to lunch, not the shops.”

“Ah. And you didn’t want Mrs. Hessing joining you.”

“No, we did not. She wouldn’t approve of the third member of our party.”

His eyebrows almost shot off his forehead.

“Although I think he’s very nice,” I went on. “Miss Hessing does too. Unfortunately, Mrs. Hessing wouldn’t approve of him for her daughter as he lacks a title and fortune.”