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“Pish.” She brushed off his thanks. “This was most diverting.”
His eyebrow rose over the rim of his glasses. “You did this for entertainment?”
“Of course.” She grinned at him. “And for the love of sisters. You did see your sister, did you not?”
His mouth firmed. “I did.”
“And she is well?” Enid prodded.
“She appeared… well,” Theo grumbled.
“Did she now?” Enid peered up at him, noted the telltale signs of a male whose rescue had been entirely thwarted by reality. “Oh, there is a tale here. And I believe you owe me for yet another rescue, Mister Essex. So enlighten me.”
With his spectacles reflecting the night, he had an impressive glare.
In truth, it improved her opinion of him.
“Fine,” he growled. “She had seemed to be in danger of unwanted advances, then the Duke of Roth swept in and saved her. And now she’s waltzing happily with the bloody, fiery bastard.”
“Roth and your sister?” Enid clapped her hands. “Good show! He needs to get out of his funk.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Theo grumbled. “Bully for him.”
“You dislike a duke protecting your sister?” Enid asked wryly, head tipping to the side. “I’d assure you that he’s a decent enough chap, but you seem better acquainted with him than myself.”
Theo’s mouth constricted. “We were friends. Once.”
Did it end because he became monstrous?
Her claws gripped the soft earth. It was ridiculous, perfectly ridiculous, that the prospect bothered her. She shouldn’t care—shouldn’t ask for details. “And you severed the acquaintance after his illness?”
“No,” Theo said. “He did.”
Of course, she thought.
The pressure that had suddenly gripped her chest eased.
She wasn’t wrong in her estimation: Theo Essex was far too honorable to cut someone from his life simply because they’d become a monster covered in cold fire. She’d been born a harpy and had never faced the challenges of those few who contracted the plague and changed, but she knew from what little Roth had told her that the transformation was desperately painful. Physically and, more so, emotionally when loved ones and friends rejected the new shape.
“I am sure he will respect that old friendship and look after your sister,” she said softly.
“As am I,” Theo replied. “I simply wish I’d been of service to her.”
“You were.” Enid couldn’t stop herself from laying a hand on his arm. “You cared enough to check, and respected her enough to leave without causing a scene. Those are rare qualities, Theo Essex, I assure you.”
He gave a short laugh. “You’re too kind.”
“Not at all,” she murmured.I simply fancy you.
“I supposed you should be going,” he said, voice strangely rough.
“I suppose I should…” She tipped her face up to the sky, expecting to study the stars, and frowned at the gray mist obscuring her view. Blinking rapidly, she searched the grove and realized a thick fog had rolled in.Blast. She’d been so distracted by Theo, she hadn't noticed. “Or perhaps not. I forgot how quickly the fog can creep in from the ocean in Dorset. It appears I may not be returning to the Ball tonight.”
“This is my fault.” Theo’s entire body jerked, and he took her hands. “My dear lady, I am very sorry—”
“It’s no matter,” she said.
“Incorrect. It is a very great matter, as I hadn’t imagined you’d be trapped in the forest overnight. And you were forced to reveal your involvement to extract me from those footmen. Tell me true—” He pulled her close and the intensity of his gaze rippled over her skin like the heat from a fire. “Will you find yourself in trouble with the countess over what happened this night?”
