able to bear.
He frowned with distinct disapproval, yet he did as she asked. “Very well.”
Angelica smiled as she savored the moment. Who would have thought it possible to fall in love within the space of one week? And yet she knew this was what she had done, for she could not imagine her life without Randolph in it. She craved his nearness and yes, his kisses, but also the conversations they would be able to have. He respected her and treated her as his equal, which was something none of the young men she’d met in London had ever been capable of. The moment she’d voiced her unfiltered views, they’d labeled her difficult, too opinionated for her own good.
Not Randolph. By contrast, he encouraged her to be direct and honest. It was liberating, really, and utterly wonderful.
The music faded, drawing them to a gliding halt. He bowed and she curtseyed as custom dictated, but instead of escorting her off the dance floor immediately after, Randolph clasped her hand in his and turned. Together, side by side, they faced his guests.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” He spoke with impressive clarity. “As you know, I am looking to remarry. During this past week, I have considered several young ladies and am now pleased to confirm that my choice has been made. Lady Angelica has agreed to remain here at Colchester Hall for another week together with her mother, after which she’ll receive my offer of marriage.”
“Nooo!”
Angelica fought not to laugh in response to Lady Seraphina’s shrill protest, which was quickly drowned out by clapping and cheers. Amidst the crowd were the rest of the candidates Randolph had invited. Most wore sullen expressions, except Lucy who openly grinned.
Angelica glanced up at the man she’d fallen in love with. The joy he conveyed with the curve of his lips and the heated gaze he was subjecting her to made her heart bloom with warmth. This was what happiness felt like, and with him by her side she believed it would last forever.
“Tomorrow morning will be busy,” he told her later in reference to the rest of the guests’ departure. With Rose’s permission, Randolph had been allowed to walk Angelica to her bedchamber door. “But I look forward to spending the afternoon exclusively in your company.”
“As do I.”
He hesitated briefly as if considering a kiss. Much to Angelica’s disappointment, he took a step back and simply bowed. A cool whisper stroked Angelica’s ear. A breeze chilled her skin. She grabbed Randolph’s arm before he turned away.
“Do you feel that?”
He frowned even as icy hands brushed the length of her back. She shivered and turned to look, searching for Viscountess Sterling. Frost whitened her breath and worked its way into her lungs. An ache crept over her ribs, tightening her chest until her heart struggled to beat.
“Nothing is out of the ordinary to me, and yet you are clearly freezing.” He pulled her into his arms and rubbed his warm hands over her skin. “Where is she, Angelica? Do you see her?”
She shook her head against his chest. “No.”
“I’ll order a bath for you so you can warm up.”
“It’s horribly late for that. The servants have enough work to do cleaning up after the ball, and I do think the cold is subsiding a little.” She managed not to chatter while saying this last part, lending credence to her words.
“All right.” He glanced around. The hallway was empty. “I hate leaving you like this.”
“It’s all right. I will be fine.” She sighed as the cold released its grip and drifted away. “There’s not really anything either of us can do until we know more.”
“I suppose that is true.”
Angelica reached for her door handle.
“Do you know where my bedchamber is?” he asked.
She shook her head.
“Just follow that hallway over there to the right until you reach the door at the end. Fetch me if you need me, no matter the hour.”
“Randolph, my mother is right next door and besides, it wouldn’t be proper.”
“Hang propriety.” The command straightened her spine. She blinked and Randolph cursed beneath his breath before adding, “Nothing is of greater importance to me than your safety. Do you understand?”
“Yes. Of course.”
He sighed, visibly relieved. “Good.” He nodded once as if to confirm that the matter was settled, and strode off with measured steps.
Angelica watched him go before slipping inside her room. But right before she closed the door, she caught sight of Mrs. Essex. The woman stood on the opposite side of the stairwell, as if