Page 169 of A Story of Love

He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I read it while you were out seeing to your various errands, and when I was supposed to be sorting through my mountain of unanswered correspondence. I had planned to take a peek, but—as Mr. Newcastle said—I could not stop reading once I’d started. You are a brilliant writer, Lorelei.”

Lori had to blink rapidly to hold back her tears.

“No weeping,” he chided gently.

“Not even happy tears?”

“Well, perhaps a few.”

“If you didn’t finish your work, does that mean we will stay longer?”

“Perhaps a day or two, if you do not object.”

“That would be perfect. I have some questions for Mrs. Marlowe and a few of the others.” She hesitated, and then said, “I would also like to see Freddie again.”

“Are you hoping she will tell you more about her trip to Brighton?”

“I’m not sure I believe that she went to Brighton.”

Fast’s eyebrows rose. “Where do you think she went?”

“I don’t know. I just—well, I just wish that she didn’t keep me at arm’s length. I wish I knew more about her past and what she wants for the future. I would just like to know her better. It wasn’t until Mr. Gregg asked me so many questions about her that I realized how self-absorbed I’ve been.”

“Gregg asked you about her?”

“Yes.” She frowned. “Do you know why he is so interested in her?”

“I don’t.”

“But you knew he was?”

Fast hesitated. “I did notice that he seemed interested, and I tried to explain that Lady Sedgewick was not the sort of woman who would accept a man like him.”

Lori frowned.

“Am I wrong?” he asked.

“That’s just the thing: I don’t know what sort of man she likes. Or if she likes any sort at all. I wish I knew more about what her marriage was like.”

“Sometimes people need to confide in you in their own time, Lorelei. I’ve known Gregg for sixteen years and I still know nothing of his past. To be honest, I did not tell him about mine until the matter was forced by Joe Jensen arriving in my life.” Fast shrugged. “All you can do is be her friend and let her choose the time.”

Lori nodded unhappily. “I know. It’s just—well, I’m so happy now that I want her to be, too.”

“That is a generous impulse, my love. Do you think she would accept an invitation to stay with us at Grandon?”

Lori blinked. “Oh. I’d not thought of that. But don’t you think it would be a bad time to invite her?”

“Are you worried my grandfather will not like guests?”

“Well…yes.”

“Grandon will be your home, too, Lorelei. My grandfather is not an ogre, you know. Our part of the castle is a house unto itself. You must invite whoever you like, whenever you like. I would only ask for a week or two before we entertain.” He hesitated, and then said, “You’d mentioned having a wedding celebration here in London next Season?”

Lori nodded.

“What about having it at Grandon sometime in the next few months?”

“What an excellent idea! Is there enough room? Could we invite everyone?”