But as the comforting numbness that had allowed Alec to leave in the first place faded, and the reality of his Lottie-less future began to set in, he found that this approach wasn’t as clinical as he thought—it was compulsive. He read each report looking for the slightest indication of partiality, either on her part or a gentleman’s. Had she danced once or twice with Lord Crawford? Why did she go see that production of the insufferable East Lynne? Lottie hated melodramas. Mr. Wellesley had also been present at the Trenthams’ musical evening. That was the third event they both attended that week; it couldn’t be a coincidence, could it?

By the end of her first season, Alec’s stomach was in knots waiting for an engagement announcement. But despite the many proposals she received, none came. He shouldn’t have felt so relieved, as most of Sir Alfred’s prediction had come true—she was indeed admired by the cream of society. And she was still young. It was only a matter of time.

In order to spare his sanity Alec requested to be informed only of major developments. That was how he learned of her rejection of Ceril Belvedere last spring. The public nature of Ceril’s so-called jilting and his status as the Earl of Southdown’s heir caused a minor scandal. Alec had been in Greece on Crown business at the time and hadn’t been able to give it much thought. But now…

Sir Alfred was close to the Earl of Southdown both personally and professionally; he would have much to gain by uniting the families via marriage. Though he might have been publicly indulgent of his niece, Sir Alfred would not have borne her rejection of Ceril quite as easily as the others. He couldn’t force her now, as Ceril had immediately gone on to marry an American heiress, but perhaps he had found someone else. That could certainly explain why Lottie had decided to run off with a Florentine.

Alec’s stomach turned, but it was difficult to determine which was more sickening: that Lottie would have been forced into marriage or that she didn’t trust him enough to admit it.

Lorenzo must have noticed his stricken expression. “All right, signore?”

Alec nodded. “I’m fine,” he said briskly as he refolded the map and tucked it back into his bag.

Lorenzo gestured with his chin. “Signora comes.”

Alec scrubbed a hand over his face. Now wasn’t the time to ask questions. Though there was no telling if she would ever answer them. He turned as she came up behind him, and he took the basket and blanket from her without a word. When they were secured in the cart, he held out his hand and finally glanced at her. The irritation from earlier had vanished. Now she only eyed him warily, but this time she didn’t hesitate as she slid her palm against his. Alec helped her into the cart, and she uttered a soft word of thanks.

“No need,” he said as he climbed in beside her. “It’s the very least I can do.”