Duncan turned back to me, but it was a moment before I felt his attention again. “So here we are, Miss Coates. I have burdened you with my tragedy, but I wanted you to know I never intended to create any awkwardness. I believe I fell victim to…”

“To what, Lieutenant?”

“To feeling a great deal of hope.”

The room seemed to fall away. I felt exactly that myself. Hope. I noticed the depth in his eyes. He’d known pain—true pain. The orphan in me, the part of me that always felt alone, yearned to reach for him. I swallowed. “I am very sorry about your father, Lieutenant. I do understand how it feels to miss a beloved parent. I believe your father is very much resting in peace. How could he not be, having the love of such a devoted son? And I thank you for explaining the commotion yesterday, but I now feel it quite a worthwhile thing to have endured.”

He said nothing for long seconds, just stared at me unblinking, but I felt our connection strengthening. “Have I still a chance, then?”

“A chance?”

“Of dancing with you.”

“Oh, that.” I smiled. “Yes. But it is only a slight chance.”

He laughed. “I shan’t lose it—but I hope it will keep for another day. I must go to Fort George tonight. There’s rebel action near Paulus Hook, and it appears I am useful enough to be needed.

“ ’Tis a bit dark in here, Miss Coates, but can that be disappointment I see?”

It was, absolutely, but I had a little pride. “Lieutenant, I daresay your departure will disappoint everyone. Our minuet has become quite an anticipated moment.”

“That is a problem. I may be away a few days, but when I—” His smile vanished and his gaze flicked up.

I awoke from some spell I’d been under and found myself gazing at him like a smitten girl. Then I heard that shrill voice again, every word sailing into my ears like arrows.

“Ten thousand pounds, he’s asking,” said the sweating man behind me. “For that, he’s got to offer Clinton something useful, else what good is—”

Duncan thrust to his feet and threw his arm around the man’s neck. “Excuse me,” he said to me tightly. Then he hauled the man away as one would a drunk friend—almost. There was veiled aggression in Duncan’s movements. He strode powerfully, and even through his red coat I could see the rigid muscles in his arms. In a matter of seconds, he cut a path through the crowded tavern and pushed the man out into the rain.

I sat in a stupor for long seconds after they disappeared outside, the noise of laughter and celebration swirling around me.

I knew what I had to do.

Now.