Collin forced down a snort of disagreement and glanced at Lady Rose to see what she thought of the story. Henry had indeed been shot, though the lead ball had merely grazed his shoulder.
Lady Rose tilted her head as if in contemplation. “And yet you managed to apprehend them?”
Collin stifled a grin. Rose was definitely sharper than her sister.
“I shot them first,” Henry said. Collin could not help but raise his eyebrows since this was a new development to the story Henry had retold at least a half dozen times. “One in the leg and the other in the hand.”
“So you had two pistols then?” Lady Rose asked.
“Naturally,” Henry replied with a tight smile.
“In your pockets?”
Henry cleared his throat. “One was in a secret compartment inside the carriage. The coachman had the other.”
“Forgive me, but I’m not sure I understand how you managed to–”
Lady Megan sighed. “Stop badgering him, will you? The point is poor Mr. Flowers was shot by a horrid villain. Indeed, I commend him for his bravery and the effort he made to ensure both scoundrels were captured.”
“Thank you, Lady Megan,” Henry said. “Your sympathy means a great deal, I assure you.”
Collin rolled his eyes only to realize that Lady Rose had seen him. Her lips quivered with mirth, prompting his heart to flip with pleasure. He loved this connection they’d fostered during her visit and wished for a chance to be alone with her.
But doing so had been impossible since there was always a relative or a servant lurking nearby. And besides, he would not risk compromising her and forcing her hand. If they were to have a chance, he needed to be her choice, rather than a man foisted upon her because of a brief lapse in judgment.
Then again, how were they to arrive at an understanding if they were denied the chance to figure out whether or not they shared the sort of physical chemistry he dearly longed for in a life partner? It was something of a conundrum, with no easy answer.
Determined to distract herself from the man who muddled her head more than any other, Jane tried to concentrate on Henry and Megan. Their conversation had turned to a passionate discourse comparing Rembrandt and Vermeer.
“I believe I’ll also retire,” she said when a pause arose in their discussion. A deflated feeling had settled over her, dimming the otherwise exciting day. She set her glass aside and stood, prompting the men to follow suit.
“I should come with you,” Megan said.
Aware that it would not do for her younger sister to remain alone with two unmarried men, Jane gave a swift nod. “Yes.”
To Flowers and Lockstone she said, “Thank you for a wonderful evening. We’ll see you both tomorrow.”
“Indeed,” Lockstone murmured with a slight frown. Flowers watched Megan with deep regret.
“I’m sorry for cutting your evening short," Jane told Megan as they made their way to their bedchambers. "I know you would have liked more time with Flowers."
"There's no need for you to apologize, Rose. It's nearly three in the morning and there will be another chance for me to talk with Mr. Flowers tomorrow. The snow will take at least two more days to clear."
"I hope so," Rose said. "I don't look forward to leaving."
"Because of Lockstone," Megan said. Her eyes lit with humor when Rose glanced her way.
Rose sighed. "I cannot decipher his intentions. On one hand he seems to favor my company, but on the other, he never attempts to get me alone, or to show any hint of affection. It's possible he simply wants to be friends."
"Except you want more. Isn't that so?"
"It is," Rose confessed for the very first time. They paused in front of Megan's door. "I've no idea what to do."
Sympathy stole into Megan's eyes. She placed her hand on Rose's arm. "You’re the most fearless person I know. Why not use that to your advantage now? Get Lockstone alone and see what happens."
Rose managed a smile even though her sister's advice would not be so easy to accomplish. Nevertheless, she thanked her and wished her good night then continued to her own room.
Reaching the door, she paused, her hand on the handle as she glanced along the length of the corridor toward the stairs. Lockstone had stayed behind in the parlor with his cousin. Perhaps this was the chance to figure out where she stood, while the rest of the house slept.
If she could somehow create an opportunity for Lockstone, she'd know his intentions based on his response.
Taking a deep breath, she headed back toward the parlor. No previous exploit had made her nervous or unsure, yet her stomach now tumbled over while her heart thrummed against her breast.
She entered the room and was instantly met by two startled expressions. Lockstone and Flowers immediately stood.
"Forgive me for interrupting," Rose said, forcing herself to look straight at Lockstone. "It occurred to me that I don't have a book to read after finishing the one I brought from home. And since reading always helps me relax into sleep, I hoped you might permit me to choose one from the library."
Good lord. Her words sounded much too loud and rushed to her own ears.
Lockstone held her gaze, the warmth she saw there prompting her legs to turn to jelly. "Of course, Lady Rose. You may take any book you wish."
"Thank you. It will likely take me a while since you've quite an impressive collection. I hope that's all right."
Flowers gave her a curious look but Lockstone merely inclined his head. "Take as long as you need."
Wishing them both good night once more, Rose retreated to the hallway and closed the door before expelling a tremulous breath. If Lockstone desired to spend time with her unchaperoned, he could do so now without anyone being the wiser.
Collin stood immobile, staring at the door through which Lady Rose had departed. His heart knocked wildly against his chest at the possibility she’d just presented him. With a hesitant glance at Henry, he tried to gauge his reaction.
A knowing gleam in the rogue’s eyes suggested his mind had travelled the same route as Collin’s.
“I’m thinking I ought to take myself off to bed as well,” Henry said with a highly exaggerated yawn. “Tomorrow is another day after all.”
“Indeed it is,” Collin agreed. He remained unmoving while Henry strode to the door.
Reaching it, Henry turned. “By the by, you might consider visiting the library on your way to bed. Apparently books are all the rage at this hour.”
“One word to anyone,” Collin warned, “and I’ll kill you myself.”
Henry laughed. “Don’t worry, old chap. Watching you tip–toe about for two weeks has been painful enough. I’ll keep your secret if it allows you to follow your heart for once.”
With that Henry departed, leaving Collin to do what he’d wanted to do for several days. He’d just never had the opportunity, and if he had, he’d sabotaged it out of fear. But at nearly three–thirty in the morning, the chance of anyone happening upon him and Lady Rose alone was non–existent. So he straightened his spine, squared his shoulders, and proceeded toward the library with every intention of finding out whether or not she’d welcome his courtship and how well they’d suit.