Page 67 of The Artist and the Dragon

Lord Griffith turned away from the windows, lowering the porcelain cup to the saucer in his hand. “Miss Bronwyn.” His grin shone as brightly as the afternoon sunlight flooding into the room. It caught in his red hair, a bold contrast with the room’s décor.

“Lord Griffith.” She gave an awkward curtsey, trying to force a smile even as her pulse kicked up.

Jackoby had come with her from her family’s suite and waited by the door. Only his gaze moved as it shifted between her and the young lord. “Would you like me to stay, Miss Kinsley?”

Some might frown upon a young woman left alone with a man, but with a footman just outside the door, it could not be too improper. “No. Thank you, Jackoby.”

With a stiff bob, he left the room.

“I’m surprised to see you,” Bronwyn said.

“Pleasantly surprised, I hope.” His still-steaming cup of tea found a home on the table, next to a little tray of refreshments. “I wanted to check on you after yesterday evening, to assure myself that you are well and made it home safely.”

“You were worried about me?” She crossed the room to him.

His brow pinched as a wry smile crossed his face. “I should hope I’d be concerned for any young woman who found herself feeling unwell at my home and had to leave a party early.”

“And I suppose a letter wouldn’t do?” It was supposed to be a joke, but Phillip’s eyes widened, and she realized how terrible it sounded. He wasn’t someone she could tease like Malik. “Apologies.” She dipped another curtsey in an attempt to be demure. “I am feeling much better now. It’s truly wondrous what a good night of sleep can do.”

“I’m glad of it.”

Bronwyn started to pour herself some tea, conscious of the painfully awkward silence descending on them.

“Let me call for someone to do that for you,” he offered.

“Oh, it’s fine.” She waved him off. “I can pour my own tea.” For some reason, the thought of the warm cup in her hand gave her strength. Or at least something to focus her attention on other than him.

She had just set the teapot down when Phillip placed a hand on her wrist. Her breath hitched as she looked up at him, finding him much closer than she expected.

“I hope you know that, while I would be concerned for any woman who fell ill, I can’t say I’d pay most of them a visit. I’ve grown quite fond of you. Surely, you’ve realized that.”

The flush that burned across her cheeks wasn’t at all faked. Her heart leapt into her throat.Oh, Goddess, of all the days for a confession…

“Yes,” she replied, a little breathless. “Yes, I’ve realized.” She turned back to her tea. “It’s only that with my sister so—” She snapped her mouth shut.

When she hazarded a glance back at Phillip, he had that curious look on his face once more. “I’d think your sister being on her wedding moon would be an ideal time to explore your own romantic pursuits? Does it not make you consider your own future a bit more?”

Oh … oh no…

The edge of a brittle laugh slipped from her lips. She covered it with a quick sip of tea. “Yes, but my sister is my closest confidante. I’ve found it a little … unsettling to not be able to talk to her about things as I would like. There’s only so much a letter can convey, after all.”

“Indeed.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “All the more reason for me to check on you in person today. Though, that’s not the only reason I’ve come.”

“It’s not?” Her voice rose a little, a sense of impending doom hanging about her like a storm cloud.

He shook his head, some of his humor fading away. “No. I have a question for you.”

“Oh?” she all but squeaked. The teacup in her hands began to shake, and she had to set it down.

“Yes.” He took her hand in his.

She held her breath, chest tight. If he proposed, she’d faint, and she wouldn’t even have to fake it.

“I hoped you might accompany me to the premiere of theWonderlandopera.”

The opera. Oh, thank the Goddess! She could almost cry with joy.

“Yes,” she said amid a breathy huff of laughter. “That would be lovely.”

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