Her stomach dropped. Duke Heinrich, resplendent in military dress, handsome and precise, strode across the room. He was the guest of honor tonight, a send-off to conclude his time here in England. He smiled warmly, halting with a measured bow. He never looked away from Juliette, and the ardent affection in his gaze made her want to turn and run.

“Good evening. I was pleased to hear of your parents’ return. I have just come from a quiet word with your father.”

Her windpipe closed. He’d spoken to her father? But she hadn’t had the chance to talk with Father yet about Heinrich’s intentions.

“Lady Thorndike, may I have a moment with Lady Juliette?”

Juliette turned her head far enough she hoped the duke could not see and sent a pleading look to her mother. But Mother wasn’t looking at Juliette. She smiled, radiant as ever, at the duke and nodded.

“Perhaps a quick turn about the conservatory? I hear Lady Erskine has some lovely roses beginning to bloom.”

Heinrich offered his arm, and Juliette placed her hand atop his elbow. Her mind hurtled about in her head. What should she do? What should she say? She was not ready for this.

The conservatory, with a heated floor and several braziers, was warm on this cold March night, and as promised, there were roses. It was a beautiful setting. The time, the place … but not the loved one.

“Heinrich,” she began, but he stopped her.

“Do not speak yet, please. I must say this.” He turned to her, cupping her shoulders with his hands. “Your father has given me wise advice. He reminded me that you are young, that you are barely into your first Season as a debutante, and that he and your mother have had little time with you since your arrival back in England. He has cautioned me to wait. Not to rush you into a decision. Though I am eager to formally propose to you, to marry you, and to take you home with me to my lovely valley near Brandenburg, as your father spoke I could hear the wisdom of his words.”

He sighed, his fingers tightening on her arms. “So though it pains me, I will wait. I will return home. But know this—I will come back. Hopefully, by that time you will be ready to accept all I can offer you.”

Reprieve. Her father had bought her some time. Bless you, Father.

And yet, was that fair to Heinrich?

Daniel. Images of the detective flashed through her mind. The way he had seen to her safety when the mill exploded, then run toward the danger to help others. The clumsy way he had approached her at the archery tournament, and his ability to laugh about it later. His careful handling of Agatha in her grief. His rescue of her when she had been tossed down during the mad rush in the warehouse.

That kiss.