“I know I agreed that you and I should talk about what passed between us all those years ago, but not now, Grayson, please.” The last thing she needed tonight was a discussion of the past—especially since she was not the least bit certain how she felt about anything, about him, now. It was all most confusing. “I simply cannot dredge up the past when the present is in such chaos.”

“It can wait.” He smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“This time,” she said without thinking.

He nodded.

She stared at him for a long moment. “Thank you. For your assistance tonight,” she added quickly. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help.”

“It’s the least I can do.” He looked as though he wanted to say something else, then thought better of it. Instead, he offered his arm. “Shall we join the others?”

“Before it’s too late, you mean?”

He laughed and she took his arm, hard and solid beneath her touch. The arm of a man one could depend on. A man who could be relied upon when needed. Not that it mattered at the moment. Still, it was something to keep in mind. “Who knows what might be happening without us?”

“Who knows, indeed?” He glanced down at her. “In spite of the unexpected difficulties you’ve encountered thus far, I suspect you will somehow manage to triumph in the end.”

“Goodness, Grayson, at this point I no longer care about victory.” She cast him a rueful smile. “I am just hoping for survival.”

Seventeen

Seventeen

Camille had planned games for this evening, but no one seemed interested at the moment in anything more than conversation and brandy. It struck her that everyone was somewhat subdued tonight, apparently worn out by the day’s activities. Except perhaps for her mother.

Camille surveyed the gathering in the parlor. Mother flirted with Nikolai in a manner that might have been excessive—had she been anyone else’s mother—but for her was simply her nature. Miss Murdock more than matched her in spirit and enthusiasm. Whereas the young actress’s penchant for flirtation had been annoying at first, now Camille appreciated her steadfast determination. Nikolai certainly seemed to enjoy it. Grayson chatted with Mrs. Montgomery-Wells and Mr. Henderson while trying, as well, to charm, if not outright flirt with, Delilah. Indeed, her younger sister did appear to be reluctantly enjoying herself.

Beside her, Beryl, too, studied the group. “I must say, even with our surprise arrivals, it’s all going—”

“Don’t say it!” Camille grabbed her arm. “Whatever you do, do not say it.”

Beryl stared in confusion. “Don’t say what?”

Camille grimaced. “Obviously, I can’t say, but you know what I mean.”

“I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about.” Beryl’s brows furrowed. “All I was going to say was—”