Page 11 of Marrying Bluebeard

My heart squeezes at the pain underlining his words. I’m all too familiar with the burden this ability brings; the looks and whispers that follow when you forget to hide it. Not to mention dealing with the apparitions, themselves. The friendly ones like Jenny and Whisper are few and far between.

I touch the edge of his sleeve. “It’s a difficult thing, seeing what others can’t.”

He glances down at my hand. “Sometimes.” When he looks up, my breath catches at the glimmer of heat kindling in his obsidian eyes. “But sometimes the secret is worth it, when it leads you to someone special.”

A flush creeps its way up my chest and neck, and warmth pools in my cheeks. “Like Jenny?”

The corner of his mouth pulls upward. “She’s one example.”

My gaze drops, drawn to the enticing upturn of his lips. I wonder what his beard would feel like if I were to kiss them?

“You’re blushing,” he murmurs.

I swallow, forcing myself to look away as I draw my hand back. “I was in the sun too long.”

“Ah yes. Lawn bowls with Lord Harrison. You two made quite the triumphant showing.”

“I’m surprised you noticed. You and Miss Dellum looked far too engrossed with your book to pay attention to our silly little games.”

His dark eyes flash as I glance his way. “It would seem we both noticed more than we let on.”

“Apparently so,” I murmur, heart pounding as he sways toward me. He hasn’t moved, and yet he’s closer than he was a moment ago. A single step and we’ll be touching.

“Oooh, you two look just like that couple in the garden last night.” Jenny’s voice is a splash of cold water, reminding me we’re not as alone as we may appear, and Monsieur de Montragoux smiles ruefully as he takes a step back.

“My apologies, Miss Brindamour.” He tips his hat. “It wasn’t my intention to place you in a compromising position.”

Call me Adelaide. The words lodge in my throat. “No harm done, Monsieur.”

A shadow passes over his face, and he takes another step back. “And none will be. If you’ll excuse me.” He turns on his heel and is through the door in a few long strides.

I gaze after him. “What a peculiar man.”

“If you think he’s odd, you should see his valet. Now there’s a strange fellow if ever I saw one. He’s like a mute bulldog with a sun aversion.”

I chuckle softly. “I’d like to see that.”

“Keep your eyes sharp, and you will. He’s always skulking about in the shadows. Gives me the shivers.”

“A shivering ghost,” I muse. “Now there’s something you don’t see every day.” I give her a teasing grin. “Shouldn’t you be giving him the shivers?”

Jenny folds her arms, sticking her lip out in a pout. “Not all ghosts are scary, you know.”

“You’re absolutely right. My apologies.” I hold out my hand. “Still friends?”

Her cold fingers wrap around mine, giving my hand a firm shake. “Friends.” Her face lights up. “Friends who play chess?”

I glance out the window. The lawn games appear to be dying down, and I imagine everyone will be retiring to their rooms soon to rest before tonight’s activities. I doubt anyone will be looking for me in the next few hours, at least. I give my new friend a smile.

“Chess sounds delightful.”

9

ADELAIDE

“All right, everyone. Tonight’s entertainment is about to commence.” Aunt Charlotte waves a gloved hand in the air, the other wrapped around a pink and green striped hat box. Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she waits for us to gather round. Standing in the center of the parlor, she flashes a sly grin as she places the box on a nearby table. “And the game we shall be playing is… hide and seek!”

There’s a burst of excited chatter, but she shushes us with another wave of her hand. “Here are the rules. Everyone will be paired off in teams of two. In this box is the name of every lady in attendance. Gentlemen will come up one at a time and draw the name of their partner. Once all the couples have been established, I’ll choose which pair will be the seekers. Everyone else will have ten minutes to hide. Outdoors and personal chambers are strictly off limits. The last couple to be found will be proclaimed the winners and shall be given the honor of opening the ball evening after next. Any questions?”