“Yes, I’m sure I have, but tonight I find them boring. I do get tired of being stared at and gossiped about, and I see little difference between these people and others who feel free to pry where they’re not wanted.”

Over his shoulder, she saw Francesca di Paoli dancing with Lord Grayson, her dark head bent close as if hanging upon his every word. Languid eyes lifted, clashed with Ginny’s, her smile infuriatingly confident before she was swept away in the steps of the dance.

“Or be where they’re not wanted. What did you tell her, Steve?”

He didn’t pretend to misunderstand, and shrugged.

“’Cesca? I told her that I was going to dance with my wife.” He moved effortlessly, taking her with him across the floor, his steps moving them closer to the door. His hand on her back was warm, firm. “After supper, we’ll make our farewells to our hosts and I’ll have the carriage brought around. The problem with these affairs is that they last too damned long.”

“And are too crowded, perhaps.”

His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners. “Yes, perhaps it is getting a bit crowded here. Too many gossips.”

“And old lovers.”

His hand tightened, fingers pressing into her skin, a hard reminder. “Let’s keep this civilized, shall we?”

Ginny bit her lip, angry at herself for bringing up his former relationship with Francesca. It was hardly the way to reconcile, if she couldn’t even control her unruly tongue!

So much had changed between them, so many old hurts and suspicions still had the power to destroy them if they allowed them. Could they get through all this?

The past month had been so…strained, as if they were strangers living under the same roof, sharing a love for two children but still feeling their way cautiously in their own relationship. There had been no discussion between them, no disagreements. And no resolutions.

Later, she decided, a mechanical smile on her face as she felt the curious gazes on them, I will confront Steve. I’ll risk it all—my pride and my heart. Will he see that I really want nothing more than to be with him and our children, to make a new life together?

Yes. It had been a month, far too long to continue as they were. Tonight when they were alone, she would be very direct and ask Steve what he planned. It was a new thing, to contemplate honest conversation between them, a discussion that did not involve screaming accusations or snarled insults.

Yes. She would talk to him, would bare her soul and tell him that she loved him, ask him if they could soon return to Mexico with their children and start a life together all over again.

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