Page 105 of The Muse of Maiden Lane

“Until I was strong enough to deal with it all. I knew I must do so eventually. And I did. Though the delay in getting there has had rather a lasting effect on my family. They can’t seem to let go of protecting me.”

She smiled at him. “You’re fortunate in your family.”

“Am I?”

“Assuredly. You’re not alone. You’re surrounded by people who love you. All of these people, not only Alex and Laura but the friends they have who are as good as family to you. If they interfere, it’s never to hurt you or diminish you. It’s to shield you from other people doing so.”

“I don’t need to be shielded,” Teddy said. “But point taken.” His gaze drifted over Stella’s face. “I’m sorry you feel so alone at the moment. You’re not, you know.”

“I don’t feel alone.”

“Absent family, I meant.”

“Oh. That.” Her smile faded. She straightened an unseen rumple in her skirts.

It was what Alex would call a tell. Teddy had gradually come to recognize it in her—this urge she had to smooth some nonexistent crease in her clothing whenever she was feeling vulnerable.

“You asked me yesterday if you should write to my brother about our engagement,” she said.

Ah. So that was it.

“I still could,” he said. “If you’ve changed your mind.”

“I haven’t. I don’t require Daniel’s approval. Not any longer. It’s only that the habit remains. This dreadful anxious feeling of waiting for his permission—or, more often, for his censure. I suppose it’s because he’s the only family I’ve had since my father died. Now he’s gone from my life…there’s no one left.”

Teddy extended his hand to her. “We shall soon remedy that,” he said. “The minute these dratted repairs are completed, you and I will be married. I’ll be your family, then.”

She slid her hand into his. “My husband, yes.” Her fingers curved around his. “It’s rather more intimate than a meddling brother or sister.”

“You’ll have those as well,” he assured her. “Alex and Laura will soon take you under their wing. In time, I vow, you’ll prefer their company to mine.”

“Don’t be absurd.” She looked at him again, with uncharacteristic shyness. “I love your company.”

Love.

The word wasn’t lost on him.

“And I love yours,” he said. His mouth hitched in a smile. It was a convenient mask for the vulnerability beneath. “I love your face,” he added.

She blushed. “Rubbish. It’s my hair you love.”

“That, too.” He paused, frowning. “I wonder if we should recruit Ahmad to help us with fabric?”

She gave him a bewildered look. “What fabric?”

The chords of a merry jig sounded in the background as Jenny started another song on the piano. This time it was a popular tune from the London music halls. Alex swept Laura up in his arms to dance with him. She laughed and clung to his shoulder, her skirts flouncing as he turned her.

Teddy dropped his voice. “A drape of some sort. Have I not mentioned?”

Stella’s expression turned wary. “A drape for what?”

“For you, of course. A star doesn’t wear all these petticoats and crinolines.”

Her eyes went round. She leaned toward him. “Do you mean, a drape for”—her voice sank to a shocked whisper—“my unclothed body?”

Teddy’s smile held a hint of devilry. “Exactly.”

“You never said anything about me posing in such a state.”