Page 13 of The Secret Suitor

Millie grimaced. “I should have come to you.”

Nell’s eyes twinkled. “I am only teasing. Wesley’s room is nearby, is it not? I shall have him escort me back.”

“He is directly across the corridor.”

“Perfect. What has happened?”

Millie’s smile widened until her cheeks strained. She crossed to the dressing table and retrieved the note from the place she had tucked it while Betty had taken out her hairpins. Placing it in Nell’s hands, she nodded. “You may read it.”

Nell made quick work of the few lines. “You have an admirer.”

“A secret one,” Millie said.

“Who could it be?”

“I haven’t the faintest clue. I watched all the men at dinner tonight, but no one paid me special attention except for Mr. Stroud.”

“Could he be the⁠—”

“Never.” Millie sat on the edge of the bed beside Nell and read the two perfect lines again. “Mr. Stroud? I told you, the man has no feeling. It is impossible.”

“Improbable or impossible?”

Millie let herself fall back on the bed and groaned. “If it is him, I shall die of disappointment.”

“Who else at the party knew you prior to coming here?”

“Quite a few, I should think.” Millie sat up again, considering the question. “I met many of them over the course of the Season, both this year and last.”

Nell shrugged. “Do not despair yet, then. It might not be Mr. Stroud. How are you going to learn your admirer’s identity?”

It was the very question Millie had asked herself repeatedly today since receiving the note. This man wanted her to learn who he was, but not yet. That was what it seemed like. “Your brother has promised to keep an eye out for them.”

“Has he?” Nell straightened, her blonde eyebrows lifting.

“Do not look at me like that. It is merely a matter of convenience. His room is directly across the hall, so he is in a good location. That is all.”

“How do you know it is not him who left this note?” Nell waved the piece of paper with a smirk. “Surely that would make your childhood dreams a reality.”

“Childhood dreams, Nell. I do not carry feelings for him anymore.”

Nell clearly did not believe her, but she let it pass.

“What have you thought of the gentlemen in the house?” Millie asked. “Has everyone been kind to you?”

She grimaced. “You mean, aside from Lady Dalmeer, who wishes I had not come?”

Millie drew her arm around her friend’s shoulders and squeezed. “I am glad you are here. Your character is true, and anyone who cannot see that is utterly blind.”

“I am determined to prove myself.” Nell stood, stretching her arms. “I shan’t put a foot out of line.”

Millie gave her a skeptical look. That was a good deal of pressure to place on herself. “You had better fetch your brother to walk the corridor with you, as you said. It is late.”

“Next time, you must come to my chamber.” Nell retrieved her gloves and crossed to the door. “If you can find it.”

“I can agree to that.” Millie followed her, standing in the open space as Nell knocked at her brother’s door.

Wesley opened it, wearing a waistcoat over his shirtsleeves. His cravat and jacket were missing now, but he had yet to remove his boots. “Nell. I thought you had gone to bed.”