Another moment’s pause.
“Would it be permissible for me to write to you?” he asked.
Her gaze flashed to his, her heart giving a quick, joyous leap. But seconds later the traitorous organ resumed a slower beat when she recalled Rupert and what he would have to say if she started getting letters from Nick. “It would be better if you did not.”
A muscle tightened in his jaw. “I see.”
She watched his withdrawal and felt the ache start again inside her chest. She should say nothing, she knew, and let him think the worst, let him believe she felt nothing for him. But she couldn’t. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t like you to write to me. It is just that my family would not approve.”
Something dangerous flashed in his eyes as her meaning sank in. “Then I’ll write anyway.”
She shook her head. “Do not. We shouldn’t even be speaking tonight.”
“Why not? Are you forbidden to speak to men?”
“No, but you are not just any man. My chaperone may return at any moment, and she cannot see us together. I have to go.”
“No.” He stretched out a hand to her. “Emma, I must see you again.”
“It is impossible. And do not call me by my given name. Not here.”
A glower of frustration crossed his face. “Very well, Your Highness. But, please, there must be a way for us to meet.”
She looked him full in the face, her cheeks suddenly cold and pale. “There is not. Do not attempt to contact me. If you come to the estate you will be turned away.”
His face turned hard again.
Her own expression crumpled. “I know I told you to hate me,” she whispered, “but I beg you, do not. I cannot bear the idea of you out in the world and thinking ill of me.”
Confusion washed over his handsome features. “Emma.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I have to go.”
“Wait.”
But she didn’t, turning away before she could change her mind, before she lost control and let the tears that threatened begin to fall. Not caring who might see, she fled back to the box.
Nick started after her, determined to catch up.
Before he’d taken more than a few steps, however, a soft hand caught hold of his sleeve. “Stop, my lord.”
Turning, he swung around to see who was interfering with his pursuit. His irritation fell away the instant he saw the concerned face of Emma’s friend.
“Your Highness,” he said, meeting Princess Ariadne’s gaze. “I didn’t realize it was you. If you’ll forgive me, I need to go after Emma—Princess Emmaline, I mean.”
A slight smile moved over the princess’s lips as she lowered her hand to her side. “Emma will do nicely. It’s what all her intimates call her,” she said meaningfully. “But it is best if you do not follow her for now. The interval is nearly over and time grows short. The baroness and our other friend, Princess Mercedes, will return at any moment.”
“So Emma said as well.”
He hesitated, wondering how much he could trust the young woman at his side, how much he dare reveal. Yet he knew that she had done him and Emma a favor by deliberately concocting an excuse that would allow them time to speak alone.
Exactly how much did she know about him? he wondered. And what had Emma told her concerning their relationship?
Some of his uncertainty must have shown, since the princess gave him another smile—reassuring this time. “Go home tonight, my lord, and refrain from contacting her for the time being.”
“But I must see her again,” he protested. “If I leave tonight, I may never have another opportunity to say what needs to be said.” Although what that was, he wasn’t entirely sure.
“You will see her again. Trust me,” the princess said. “For now, I urge you to be patient and wait.”
But he had already waited far too long, he realized, wasting precious time with his anger and wounded pride. Seeing Emma again tonight had made everything clear, had reminded him just how much he wanted her and exactly how important she was to him. Nothing had been the same since she’d come into his life and nothing would be right about it again without her.
I love her, he thought, finally admitting the truth to himself. As hopeless as the situation might seem, he had to let her know how he felt, had to find out if she had any feelings for him in return. But if he did as Princess Ariadne suggested and walked away tonight, would he really have another opportunity to speak to Emma? Or would she vanish once again? Disappear—possibly forever?
His insides twisted at the idea. Yet what other choice did he have but to put his confidence in this young woman? She was right that pursuing Emma to her box would do nothing but draw unwanted attention their way. And if her chaperone noticed more than she ought, such scrutiny might prevent him from seeing Emma at all.