down at herself, Mina wondered at the inordinate amount of awe in his tone. Not that she thought herself a fright, but neither had she put much effort into her toilette this evening. Her pale blue gown was a simple cut, and Mina adored the dark blue embroidery edging the bottom half of the skirt, sleeves, and neckline, though it was mostly unremarkable.
Simon’s tone was unsettling, with a determined tinge as though willing his words to be believed. And Mina’s breath caught at the implication.
Taking her hand in his, Simon gave her knuckles a buss and said, “Surely you are in want of some refreshment.”
And he hurried away in search of the drink she hadn’t requested.
“Is something amiss between the two of you?” asked Finch, who apparently had no issue with wandering into sensitive subjects as long as they were not his own.
Mina shook her head with a wry smile. “I fear men are an unsolvable riddle.”
“I believe you are speaking of women,” he retorted with a hint of humor, though his gaze remained dull.
“Both are hopeless. It is a wonder anyone finds happiness in marriage,” Mina said in a dry tone.
Finch slanted her a look. “But you and Simon have. I’ve never seen my friend as happy as he is with you.”
Mina's expression fell. “Not of late, it would seem.”
The gentleman shook his head. “That is a hard pronouncement, and wholly inaccurate. Simon has been out of sorts to a degree, but as a whole, he is happier today than he was a year ago.”
Reaching out a hand to squeeze his forearm, Mina gave him a wan smile. “Thank you for that.”
But a niggling worry rested in her thoughts, squirming its way through that reassurance. Was Simon truly better off? The answer to that question was an unequivocal affirmative if Mina posed it about herself, but could the same be said of Simon?
Standing there amidst the revelry and merriment, Mina pondered that profound question. Once she’d posed it, her chest tightened, giving rise to fears that said it wasn’t true, but as she thought about the man she’d met last year, the pressure eased. The edge of fear softened, and a wave of peace washed over her. Whatever else had happened in their lives, Mina trusted that this marriage had been a blessing to them both.
“If you are concerned about things, you should speak to Simon,” said Finch in a low voice.
Mina glanced at the gentleman she’d thoroughly disliked a short time ago. It seemed odd that he was now advising her on such personal matters. More than that, she couldn’t help but agree with his sound advice, even if she wished to lock away her worries and ignore their existence.
“And if it should lead to unpleasant conversations?” she asked.
Finch shrugged. “I have come to appreciate the importance of honesty. For good or ill, it is better than deception. But why should you fret? Simon adores you. Whatever is amiss, I’m certain you two will right things again.”
“I am glad someone is confident of that.” Mina’s eyes widened at that admission, her cheeks flaming as she stumbled to cover her confession, but before she could get too far, Finch stopped her.
“Why do you feel so uncertain?” he asked as he watched the dancers.
Mina’s brows furrowed. “Have you ever felt unworthy of another’s affection, Finch?”
Jerking his gaze to her, Finch stiffened and stared at her, which brought another flush of color to her cheeks. Sucking in a breath, Mina waved an airy hand as she tried to gather her muddle of thoughts into something coherent. Then, dropping her hands to her side, she twisted her skirts, worrying the fabric.
“It may appear silly to you, Finch. Men are built never to doubt or waiver from their convictions and have an endless supply of confidence. But I do not.”
“That is absurd,” he said with a shake of his head. “What reason do you have to view yourself in such a poor light?”
Mina gave a short burst of laughter that was rife with disbelief. “I hate to recall the mistakes of the past, but you had some rather unflattering words to say about me not too long ago, and they are not the first time I have heard such criticisms.”
Finch’s jaw clenched, his gaze falling away from her.
“I do not mean to shame you,” she said with an apologetic smile. “It was merely an illustration. Throughout my life, people have told me I was worthless because I did not fit their ideal. And