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One golden eyebrow arched. “I imagine you and I both know precisely where Mr. Prescott stands. My sister has spent the last two weeks trying to entice him, and he has only had eyes for you from the moment you stepped in this house.” Mr. Stroud chuckled without humor. “I should know, Miss Hollis. I was paying attention as well.”

She had nothing to say and reached for her goblet, taking a sip. Still at a loss, she lifted her shoulders in a dainty shrug. “I do not know how I am meant to reply to that.”

He smiled sadly. “I do not hold you in contempt, you know. I am happy you have found a good match, even if I am disappointed it could not be me.”

Millie faced him more fully, looking into his eyes and reading sincerity there. “Thank you, Mr. Stroud. I am certain you will find the right woman for you.”

“Soon, I hope.”

She returned to her meal, more comfortable after they had settled things between them, and glanced up to find Miss Stroud watching them, her mouth pinched closed, a frown on her brow. She would likely not be happy again until she was away from this place.

“Do you intend to play your piece at the musicale this evening?” Millie asked, dragging her attention back to her dinner.

“Yes.” Mr. Stroud sat back in his chair, looking more confident than she had ever seen him. “I do.”

“I look forward to hearing it.”

Mr. Kendrick glanced at her as she spoke, assessing her. “You are an admirer of the arts, Miss Hollis?”

“I enjoy music, generally speaking.”

“Did you enjoy the play last night?”

Had she not already complimented him when the play ended? She wiped her mouth with her napkin. He must have been seeking additional praise. “Yes. I particularly enjoyed the Christmas additions. It felt quite festive.”

“Additions?” Mr. Kendrick tilted his head to the side. He had been far too serious about the whole affair, so she would not mention his plagiarism now. If he did not see the similarities to Hamlet, she would not be the one to mention it.

“The bits that tied it into the season,” she clarified.

“I see.” He returned his attention to Mrs. Bowles, and Mr. Stroud spoke to Helena, who sat on his other side. For the first time during that house party, Millie was being ignored by both of her dinner companions at the same time. She smiled to herself slightly, comfortable in the realization that she did not need to solve a mystery or seek a potential husband. She had Wesley, and⁠—

Millie glanced up and caught Wesley looking at her warmly. The light shining in his green eyes was knowing. His mouth was set in a pleasant smile. He lifted his eyebrows the slightest bit, bringing a glow of pleasure to her. This man made her happy, and she hoped she did the same for him.

The musicale took place in the music room following dinner. Most of the people who took a turn playing for the party had planned their piece ahead of time, but there were a few people—Helena included—who had been cajoled into playing at the last minute.

Millie could not be enticed to perform, as she had not the skill nor the desire for it. She sat beside Wesley and listened to each piece as it was played, enjoying the many talents of the various guests.

When Mr. Stroud rose to play his original piece, though, she grew anxious. Despite how intently she had listened to him play a few days ago, she could not specifically recall when Mr. Stroud would shift from the beautifully peaceful melody to the harsher burst of music.

He began, and she noted again how lovely it was. To have inspired something so beautiful was a compliment of the deepest order, and she smiled. But as the song continued on, her nerves became more frayed. She reached for Wesley’s hand where it sat on his lap and held it tightly in the folds of her gown. If any of their family noticed her action, they did not say anything about it.

The song came to a peaceful close, and Millie drew her hand free to join the applause.

“That was nice,” Wesley said, leaning in.

“He did not play it in its entirety. When I heard this song a few days ago, he had a more…abrupt segment.”

“It sounds wonderful as it is now,” Wesley said. “But Mr. Stroud’s music was not what I had been referring to.”

Millie looked at him, laughing lightly. “I was preparing myself to be startled.”

“You will not find me complaining. You may hold my hand whenever you’d like.”

“Thank you, Wesleymere. How charitable of you.”

Millie watched Mr. Stroud take his seat. He glanced at her, smiling softly, and they shared a look of understanding.

A half-dozen more people played their pieces. Oliver had slipped into the seat beside her for a moment at the end, but now that the night was drawing to a close, he was nowhere to be seen. The group broke up to have the tea Lady Dalmeer provided, and Wesley left Millie’s side to procure her a cup. She turned to watch him leave.