Finn had quickly learned that nothing ruffled Ronald’s feathers more than being called “it.” Ashley shot Finn a quelling glance. But Finn just smirked at him.
A soft scratch sounded at the door and Wilkins stepped inside the threshold. Ashley jumped to his feet.
“You could at least try to play hard to get, Robin,” Finn said.
“What is it, Wilkins?” Ashley asked.
“You have a visitor, Your Grace.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s her, Your Grace.”
There were a good many hers he could be referring to. But only one Ashley would give his last breath to see.
“It’s Miss Thorne.” Wilkins looked like he was almost happy about it.
“Thank God,” Finn roared. “Finally, he can stop pacing and looking at the clock. Bring the lady in, Wilkins. Don’t just stand there.”
Ashley really wanted to see her alone. But he had the whole night to do that, didn’t he?
“Your Grace?” Wilkins questioned. He lifted his nose higher in the air and ignored Finn. Finn was better left ignored in most situations.
“By all means, show her in,” Ashley finally choked out.
***
Sophia preceded Wilkins down the corridor and toward Ashley’s study. Her heart beat like mad within her chest, and her lungs refused to take in a full breath of air. Yet, still, she went where the butler led. Because Ashley was at the other end of the journey. She stepped into his library and the room fell silent. He stood with his back to her, looking down at a piece of parchment on his desk. He did not look up. Not when Finn bowed over her fingertips nor when Ronald took her hand and brought it to his lips to greet her.
She forced herself to look down at Ronald. “Are you well?” she asked.
“As well as can be expected after being imprisoned by the dangerous Duke of Robinsworth.” He played with a loose thread on the sleeve of his coat.
Sophia ruffled the tiny tuft of hair on the top of the gnome’s head. “You’re lucky he didn’t consume you in one bite, as small as you are.”
Finally, Ashley looked up, and storm clouds brewed behind his sky-blue eyes. “I save the big bites for those who are not innocent,” he said, his voice low. A shiver walked down her spine. She remembered him saying those very same words to her in his garden the first time they were alone.
She could barely find her tongue. But she forced herself to scoff. “And you think he is innocent? You couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Ronald puffed out his chest with pride. He worked hard at being a libertine at times.
“Wilkins, could you see Ronald to his chambers?” Ashley asked. He still hadn’t greeted her. He still hadn’t touched her hand. She wanted desperately for him to say or do something.
“Back to my chambers,” the gnome grumbled.
“Don’t worry,” Sophia assured him. “I’ll be along to collect you shortly.”
He skulked away with Wilkins at his side. Wilkins poked a finger at him in warning. “Don’t even consider trying to trip me. You remember who won the last time.”
When they were gone, Sophia looked from Ashley to Finn. Finn appeared as though he had no intention of leaving.
“Good night, Finn,” Ashley said loudly, not taking his eyes from Sophia’s. His gaze was locked with hers.
Finn started for the door, mumbling, “I can tell when I’m not wanted.”
It wasn’t until the door clicked shut behind him that Ashley reached for her.
Twenty-Four