His nostrils flared and his lips parted. “You shouldn’t call me that in the middle of the ballroom, particularly after you declined my marriage proposal.” Though his body tensed, he said the words with a light humor that she suddenly realized was as much a part of what drew her to him as anything else—his generosity, his care, and so much more.

“Furthermore, I don’t deserve such familiarity from you when I seem to keep behaving like an ass. On that note, I’ve had a temporary bedchamber set up on the first floor in the antechamber off the drawing room for Mrs. Tucket. Now she will only need to bother with one set of stairs.”

“That’s incredibly thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

“I should have thought of it immediately.” He pressed his lips together and appeared disappointed—in himself. “I’m sorry I didn’t.”

Fiona moved her hand toward his neck, wishing she could wipe the lines in his features away. “It only matters that you did.” And he was also giving her his mother’s house. She knew that wasn’t precisely the case, but his actions, or inaction, made it seem like a gift.

They danced without speaking then, and Fiona was only aware of the way they moved together and the touch of his hands upon her. He smelled of sandalwood and…maps. Probably because she associated them with him now. He’d increased the quantity of them in his library so that she had yet to peruse them all.

“Are you going to take my grandmother’s advice?” he asked, startling her slightly but not breaking the spell between them.

“To be honest, I’m still trying to decide what to do. I have made one decision though.”

The music drew to a close, and the dance ended.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“I need to settle Mrs. Tucket somewhere—either in Shropshire or at Horethorne. I plan to discuss it with her tomorrow.” She realized they were still standing on the dancefloor, their hands clasped, as if they would continue dancing if only the music would begin again.

Tobias seemed to recognize this too, for he released her, only to tuck her hand around his arm and lead her from the floor. “Has she expressed a desire to leave London?”

“Yes. The incident at the ball last Saturday was rather embarrassing for her.”

“I am sorry for that. Please let me know what I can do to help. Although, I am not sure your cousin would allow her to live on his estate. He was quite relieved that your invitation to London included your maid.”

Fiona had thought of that. It was another reason she was glad to have Horethorne. “Yes, that is a concern. Is there someplace she could retire on the estate? Just a small cottage would be acceptable.”

“I’m not certain, but Mr. Davies is the steward, and he can help you. He’s incredibly kind and knowledgeable.”

“You know him well?”

“My whole life.”

She couldn’t discount the sensation that this wasn’t right, that Horethorne should be his. They were heading toward the garden, she realized. The doors were open, and the air in the ballroom was quite warm. “Are we going outside?”