No more invitations to society events that would bring him into Lady Juliette’s sphere. If they encountered each other in the future, it would be in their roles as agents in training, but he could not see how their paths would intertwine much once their instruction was completed. He would continue his work as a detective—the Lord and Sir Michael willing—occasionally bringing information to the Duke of Haverly, and she would continue as an aristocrat, attending parties and social events and marrying advantageously, gathering her own information that might prove useful to the Crown.

Their lives would lie far apart, and he would be unable to bridge the gap.

Heinrich went down the row with Miss Victon’s fingers on his sleeve, smiling boldly, as if he couldn’t be more pleased with his partner. It had been clear from the start that the duke and Juliette had deliberately brought Miss Victon and himself into their social circle tonight. Juliette was kind, drawing more words from Anne in a few moments than Daniel had been able to elicit since meeting her an hour before. And the duke proposing a partner switch was certainly drawing looks and whispers. Heinrich was a good man.

Which caused a ball of jealousy to sit in Daniel’s gut like an anvil. Heinrich had the status, money, and position to pursue Juliette right to the altar. He was clearly fond of her, perhaps more than fond. Her parents would approve such a match, wouldn’t they?

How did Juliette feel about the German duke?

Her hand rested on Daniel’s arm as they promenaded down the long side of the ballroom, and her dark eyes reflected the candlelight. He admired the way her hair curved back from her brow, teasing little curls at her temples. Daniel had reason to know how soft her hair was, how it felt against his cheek. The memory buzzed under his skin like bees’ wings.

They parted and turned to join the appropriate lines, and Daniel found himself beside Duke Heinrich. The duke was due to leave for his homeland in a few weeks. Would he be taking a new bride with him?

“Am I so unpleasant to partner?” Juliette asked as the steps brought them close once more. “You look entirely too grumpy for my peace of mind.”

Realizing he was scowling, Daniel smoothed his expression. “I apologize. My thoughts took me to an unpleasant place.”

“Is it the investigation? Are you any nearer a solution?”

They separated, and he had to wait for the next movement before he could answer. “We are following leads. I questioned one likely suspect who had a strong motive, and we are confirming his alibi.”