"He doesn't believe you'll finish the painting in time?" Simone asked to Lydia as they walked back to Abberton House.

"He told me I've spent a week painting the vase in the background that I'll never get to paint the viscount's eyes by the time I get to them because then he'd already be dead and his eyes would be closed!" Lydia growled under her breath, then scowled when Simone laughed. "It's not funny, Sisi!"

"But it is!" She shook her head. Quincy Foy had the ability to be annoying in an odd way. There was always the possibility that he meant what he was saying, but also that he was merely jesting. They did not even know why he was friends with Gale and Price. Most days, he was simply arrogant. "It's even funnier because I can picture him saying that with a straight face."

Lydia frowned, looking forlorn. "He said I never finish anything."

"Of course, you do—" She stopped, realizing it might be true.

"He's right. I never finish anything." Lydia sniffled and harshly wiped the tears from her eyes. "And I hate that he's right." She kicked a stone, which landed in a puddle of rain.

Simone took her cousin's hand and squeezed. "You finished that flower."

"Which one?"

"The one on the wall in the library," she said, snorting.

Lydia laughed through her tears. "You're worse than Quincy Foy."

"Let's forget about Quincy Foy." They entered the courtyard. She sniffed. "It smells like rain, so we might as well stay indoors."

"Miss Sisi! A letter has arrived for you!" Haywood, the footman, announced.

Simone ran for the letter and excitedly faced Lydia who was already shaking her head with a knowing smile. "I'll go see the old man. Maybe even ask him to pose so I could finish his portrait."

"I'll join you in a while."

Lydia looked at her dryly. "Just read your letter."

Simone grinned and locked herself in her studio. Breathless, she carefully tore the letter free and squealed when she saw his name at the bottom. Catching herself, she bit her lips and looked scanned the room just to be sure she was alone. She paced, stepping over fabrics and laces, grinning like a fool as she read.

And then she was crying in happiness and relief. He did it. And she could never be so proud.

"Sisi!" Roxie's voice called behind the door, followed by a knock.

"What?" she absently asked.

"Price called for you," Freda replied.

She hastily folded the letter and locked it in a drawer. When she opened the door, Freda and Roxie were leaning against the wall, kicking the hems of their dress. "He's in the stables," Roxie said, looping her arm around Freda's as they followed Sisi down the corridor. "He called Mr. Skelton here to check on the horses. He thinks Chestnut caught the virus again."

"What?" she asked in disbelief. "But I rode her yesterday and she seemed fine." She hastened her steps and the two girls caught up with her. "Where's Damon?"

"Oh, he went out."

"Where?"

"Leroy saw him with Geneva Withers."

"Who?" Gale asked, appearing from another corridor. "Why? Who's killing who?"

"We don't know," replied Roxie. The four of them continued down the stairs, all wondering how and why Damon was with Geneva Withers.

"Was one of them bound or gagged?" Gale prodded.

Freda rolled her eyes. "No. They were headed out of town."

Simone stopped at the foot of the stairs and waited until Freda and Roxie walked away to the courtyard. Grabbing Gale by the arm, she whispered, "Do you think the two of them are—"

Gale scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous." His face had crumpled with incredulity. "Geneva Withers is the last woman any Stratford would get involved with. Leroy's eyes must have fooled him. But if it's true, then Damon must have finally snapped and went out to get rid of the woman." Walking away backwards with a laugh, he added, "Our Sundays will be glorious without her."

"That's mean, Gale!"

"Wait until you hear Price talk about her, Sisi! You'll think I'm an angel."

Shaking her head, she continued toward the stables. She found Mr. Skelton frowning at Chestnut. "Mr. Skelton," she said, looking around. "Where's Price?"

He stiffly faced her. "Miss Priest. Good afternoon."

She nodded, throwing Chestnut a worried look. "Is she fine?"

"Yes, of course," Skelton said, brow furrowed in a frown. "I was told she had been weak since last night."

Simone blinked a few times in confusion. "But she was fine yesterday." Her eyes slowly narrowed, her head tilting to the side as realization crept in. "Who told you Chestnut is sick, Mr. Skelton?"

"One of your footmen. He said he was ordered to immediately take me here to see to your horse."

She stepped back, lips pursed. "Leroy?"

Mr. Skelton nodded. "Yes, the very same."

With a tight smile, Simone squared her shoulders. "Well, I apologize for having wasted your time, Mr. Skelton. Chestnut is as healthy as she was yesterday when we went out for a ride. Would you like some tea? I'm quite certain Price will be very pleased."

Mr. Skelton awkwardly smiled and nodded. She escorted him to the parlor for tea, where Price later found them. "Ah, there he is," Simone said, giving her brother a tight smile.

Price had a satisfied look on his face as he sauntered into the room, hands behind him. "Lovely to see you both having such a pleasant time," he said, eyes on Skelton. "Did you see Chestnut, Mr. Skelton?"

The man nodded. "She—"

"Chestnut is perfectly fine. You must have had a lapse of judgment, brother." Simone glared at him over the rim of her teacup before she set it down and stood to her feet. "Now that you're here, I suddenly remember I have matters to attend to. I apologize once again, Mr. Skelton. Please let Price give you a ride home."

"What?" Price asked.

"Since you've so graciously asked Leroy to take Mr. Skelton here, it's only right that you take him back."

Price's eyes skittered to the windows. "But it's too early. Don't you think, Mr. Skelton? Please join us for dinner. It's the least I can do for having wasted your time."

Simone turned toward the door with a roll of her eyes.

"Sisi—"

"Good day, brother."

"Sisi!" Lydia's voice said from upstairs. "Did you know Emmeline sent letters?"

"No, but let me read!"

"She met Pauline and the two of them have become fast friends! I told you they'll like each other!"

Lydia met her halfway up the stairs, holding out Emmeline's letter. "Aren't you painting the old man?"

"He's sleeping," said Lydia. "His eyes are closed and I can't—" Lydia shuddered. "It reminds of what Quincy said about the viscount's closed eyes and—Well, no matter. I can't paint him now."

The two of them sat on the steps and bent over Emmeline's letter, giggling at the woman's impression of Pauline Baker. "Oh, I can't wait to see Pauline. I miss her terribly," Lydia said. "We should come to Coulway soon."

"That's a perfect idea."

"And maybe," Lydia whispered, "you can spend time with the duke and—"

"Hush." She looked around and cleared her throat. "Let's not get too excited. We still have a wager to win."

"And when we do, I'll buy more paints."

"I'll buy more fabrics." They grabbed each other's hand and shared a secret squeal of excitement. "Three more days and it will be over."

***

Just as they reached Abberton, it started raining. Daniel cleared his throat and shifted in his seat, biting the side of his finger as he glared at the dark and dreary scene outside. He could feel Emmeline's amused gaze from across the carriage.

Traveling for three days had not eased his mind. It was not about Skelton courting Simone that made him skittish. It was the fact that the entire household was betting on another match. They would do anything—anything. Skelton may take the opportunity, or grow weak in Simone's presence. Or worse, they may be caught in a trap and cause a scandal.

He could not take that chance.

He shifted in his seat again, ignoring his sister's laughing face. Then he straightened when the carriage slowed, finally reaching Abberton House. Despite his impatience and slight panic, and despite the rain and dark clouds, entering the Abberton House driveway felt like coming home.

"Oh, for God's sake, Daniel, it's raining!" Emmeline laughingly said when he pushed the door open and jumped out as soon as the carriage stopped. "You'll get wet!"

He entered the courtyard and strode across it, almost crashing against one female servant whose eyes went wide upon seeing him. "Your Grace!"

"Please escort Lady Emmeline out of the carriage," he ordered, looking around the hall.

"Daniel?" Price's voice asked.

He turned and found the young man walking out of the parlor. "Price," he said.

"What are you doing here?"

"I—"Yes, indeed. What was he doing here? He knew why, but he could not tell the man. "Emmeline and I were on our way to Dafield and she's quite tired. We were hoping to seek refuge from the rain."

Price blinked a few times, then smiled. "Why, of course! You should join us for dinner. Mr. Skelton is also—"

"Skelton?"

Price blinked at him and smiled. "Yes, Skelton. He's joining us as well."

His jaw tightened. Emmeline arrived, laughing with the servant. "I'm indeed back in Abberton. Not five minutes and I'm running in the rain!"

"Lady Emmeline," Price greeted with a bow. "This is a pleasant surprise. Juliet, would you be kind to inform Lydia that we have guests? I'm sure she'll be delighted."

"Just Lydia?" Emmeline asked, throwing Daniel a knowing look. "Why? Where's Sisi?" He would have knelt in praise in front of his sister if they were alone, but he contented himself with a smile of gratitude.

"I don't know," said Price. "Perhaps upstairs in her studio. I heard her telling Mr. Skelton about Mr. Peck."

"Mr. Peck the robin?" Daniel incredulously asked.

"Yes, the one. He landed on her windowsill just last night but has been refusing to fly away. I heard and Skelton is kind enough to check on the poor thing. Could be broken wings." Price started walking away. "For the meantime, please allow Leroy to escort you to your rooms. I'll tell the old man that we have additional guests. Damon has not returned from his trip out of town, but I'm sure he'll be back in time for dinner."

Leroy, as if on cue, appeared from one of the many corridors and bowed at Daniel. "This way, Your Grace."

"I'll find my way, Leroy," he said, brushing damp hair off his forehead.

"I insist, Your Grace," said Leroy with a tight smile.

He shot Emmeline a helpless look, but her sister only shrugged and asked Juliet where she could find Lydia.

Climbing up the stairs, he considered his options. Now that he was here, he felt foolish. But since he was here, he might as well be a fool. Clearing his throat, he told Leroy, "I can find my way to my chambers, Leroy. Supposing you're leading me to the one I was given before, of course."

"You're correct, Your Grace," Leroy said, stopping at the landing with a tight smile, raising a stiff arm toward the corridor that led away from Simone's studio. "This way, Your Grace. You may think you know the way, but I know you often get lost here. Your luggage should also be on the way. I'll order for a hot bath, if you wish. I'm sorry if Clark, the butler, cannot attend to you. We're all quite surprised by your arrival."

"It's not a bother," he murmured, throwing the corridor behind him a look. Later, he told himself. He had to get rid of Leroy first.

And it was so that he found himself back in the same bedchamber, accepted the hot bath prepared for him, and changed into dry clothes. He regretted not bringing his valet with him. The man could be of essential help. He let out a sigh of relief when, finally, Leroy bowed and left, saying dinner shall be ready soon.

Alone in the room, he counted in his head as he paced, hands on his hips. When he reached a hundred, he rushed to the door, down the corridor, cursed at a wrong turn, and cursed again at another, until finally, he found her corridor.

When he reached the door to her studio, she was laughing. Laughing!

Stiffly, he knocked, trying his best not to break the bloody door. The laughter inside the room died, and he heard footsteps. To his utter horror, the face that greeted him was no other than Leroy himself. How in bloody hell could this man be in many places in a short span of time?

"Your Grace!" Leroy hissed, looking over his shoulder.

"Who is that, Leroy?" Simone asked. "Don't tell me it's Price again. I'm done playing your games, brother—" She came to a stop behind Leroy, dressed in a light yellow dress, her hair down, glorious in the warm light of the room. Her beautiful eyes widened in surprise and her mouth dropped open. "Daniel!"

"What are you doing here?" Simone, Leroy, and Daniel asked in unison. Simone addressed him, Daniel Leroy, and Leroy him.

The servant blinked a few times, then said, "Miss Sisi is sewing a dress for my mother, Your Grace. I'm a customer, you see." The servant moved to block the opening. "And you, Your Grace? This is not the dining room. You cannot be here."

Sisi was biting her lips behind the footman, but Daniel read the anticipation in her eyes clearly enough. Without a word, he sighed and stepped aside, telling Leroy, "Please step out of the room, Leroy. I have something to discuss with Miss Priest."

Leroy shook his head. "No, I cannot, Your Grace—"

Losing patience, Daniel grabbed the man by the arm and pulled, reversing their position. Looking scandalized, Leroy gasped. "Your Grace! You cannot—"

"I say you keep quiet and guard the door," he murmured through his teeth. "If you wish to win this bloody wager."

"B-But—"

"Not one bloody word, Leroy," he ordered, closing the door only to discover resistance from the other side. "Leroy, I'm warning you."

"Your Grace, please reconsider. This is not an ideal time or place for—"

"Back off!" he hissed, giving the door another push. As soon as it closed, he reached for the lock.

"Your Grace!" he heard Leroy's muffled plea outside. Breathless and still facing the door, he shook his head, feeling utterly incredulous. As he turned, he said, "Should you ever wish to shame me in the future, remind me of this moment—"

A flurry of yellow and long arms met him. He caught her and buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent and laughing at himself.

She leaned her head back to look at him. "Whatever are you doing here?" she whispered, laughter in her eyes.

"It's foolish," he said, shaking his head. "Impeccably embarrassing."

Her throaty laugh echoed between them. "Embarrass yourself further. Tell me."

"I found out Skelton's courting you."

She frowned. "Mr. Skelton? But he isn't."

He blinked in confusion. "Web told me—" He looked around the room, then stepped away just enough to look down at her. "Where's Skelton? Price said he is with you."

"I don't know. He was here earlier to check on Chestnut, but—" Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh, no."

"What?" he asked.

"This is a trap," she groaned, stepping away from him. "They're all in on it."

"Who?"

"Web, Price..." Her face hardened and her eyes narrowed into slits. "Leroy!" She whirled around, hands balled to the side. "Oh, I'm going to kill them. I'm going to kill them, for sure!" As she fumed and stalked to the door, Daniel caught her hand and pulled her toward him.

Hands on her arms, he said, "Darling, I don't understand. What do you mean?"

"The wager! They're all in on it!" She stepped away from his hold. "I'll kill Leroy, that traitor!"

"But Leroy is—"

"This is all part of their plan! Don't you see?" Simone asked. "I should have known. Price is the mastermind of all this."

He caught her hand again, this time with a laugh.

"This is not a laughing matter, Daniel. And let go of me," she said, stepping away. "We can't lose."

He sighed and placed his hands on his hips. "I'm still quite lost."

"They're doing this on purpose. They created two groups, see? One is the obvious group responsible for bringing us together at every chance. The other is the secret one that keeps us away from each other so we...so we long for each other's presence. It's a mind game. Don't you see it? They bring us together, then they cut it short so we long for more."

When she finally stopped talking, he smiled at her with amusement. She was genuinely furious. "Sisi, it's just a game."

"Oh, no, it's not. Nothing's just a game here."

He nodded. "I can see that now." He threw the door a look. "Do you think they're outside?"

"I'm certain of it," she groaned. "Do you think you can climb out the window?"

"No."

She nodded, eyes focused as she bit her lower lip. "Then we tell them you came to deliver a letter from Pauline Baker."

He did not think that was convincing, but he nodded nonetheless. "And we'll pretend there was nothing to all of this."

Letting out a sigh, he shook his head. "Sisi..."

"Just three more days, Daniel," she said, nodding, willing him to agree. "Now, remember. Pauline Baker."

He just stared at her wryly and watched her go to the door, scratching his head. As she swung it open, everyone was outside. Well, not everyone. There were just Leroy, Price, and Gale who was scratching his ear. "I'm not as good as Lydia, but I think I heard enough."

Price had a contented look on his face—like the mastermind that he was. Leroy, the traitor, must already be counting his winnings.

"What are you talking about?" Simone asked, voice sounding terribly defeated.

Gale turned to Price. "We have letters to send to Web, cousin. Man's been quite eager to get his winnings."

"Let's keep him waiting. I'm not yet ready to hear him gloat about his part in all this," Price wryly said, smiling at both Simone and Daniel, wrapping an arm around Leroy. "I told you, Leroy, didn't I? I never fail."

Daniel saw Simone's shoulders tighten. He did not know how he sensed it, but he knew she was just seconds away from making an attack. To save her and everyone the trouble, he took the remaining steps to the door, grabbed the handle with one hand and her arm with the other. "Congratulations, gentlemen. You won."

"You traitor," Simone growled at Leroy just as Daniel closed the door.

"I'm sorry, Miss Sisi! I'll pay for my mother's dress!"

She tried to reach for the handle when Daniel locked it, but he guided her away with a laugh, saying, "Good God, Sisi, you're a bad sport."

"Well, only if they play dirty!" she retorted, then growled when they heard the collective victorious laughter from the other side.

"I'm afraid this is my fault," he said, wrapping an around her waist, walking her farther from the exit.

"I was waiting for you to say that," she snapped, slapping his arm.

His shoulders shook with laughter. "I should have waited."

"Three days, Your Grace. Three days! But you didn't because you thought I'd be naïve enough to entertain suitors!"

"I know," he said, sighing in defeat. "I was fooled."

"Web is a dangerous player. You should know that. You should have been careful!"

"I'll try to be in the future," he said, bending his head. "So... There is no wager for a match between you and Skelton."

"No," she said, her lips brushing against his. A slow smile stretched her mouth. "You fool."

He grinned as he pressed for a kiss. "I know." He pulled her closer. "Now, give me a proper welcome."

With a chuckle, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I missed you."

He kissed her once, then twice. "I'll have to bring a wife to Coulway when I return."

She laughed against another kiss. "Do you think Mrs. Craig will like me?"

"Can you fix windows?"

"Better than how I break them, Your Grace," she retorted.

A knock came at the door. "Sisi, that's enough. Come out now," Price's laughing voice said from outside. When they both ignored it, lost in a kiss, her brother knocked again. "Sisi, don't make me break this bloody door." This time, his tone was serious.

"We have to go out," Daniel murmured.

Simone shook her head. "Later."

"There might not be a wedding if we irk your brother."

"Price will win this wager no matter what. Trust me, there will be a wedding."

"Leroy, get the keys. Sisi, I'm counting to ten."

Simone broke the kiss and lovingly looked up at him, eyes sparkling. "I think I'll grow to love losing this wager."

Daniel buried his face in her neck with a soft laugh, wrapped in warmth and rushing waves of love. Outside, the rain was steady, the sky dark. But here in her arms, it felt like summer. "This must be what it feels like."

"What?"

He tightened his arms around her. "To embrace sunlight."