Chapter 63

Julien waited some time before following at a leisurely pace, reminding himself that if he started being too blatantly obvious, Society would no longer be able to conveniently overlook his actions. He found Cordelia and Leander seated on a stone bench near the back of the garden.

“Ah, Julien,” Cordelia said. She stood up, and Leander immediately did as well. “Do come and keep Dearborne company. I really ought to find Carysfort.”

Julien did as instructed, taking a seat next to Leander as Cordelia glided back into the house.

“I take it your aunt is no longer displeased with us,” Leander said.

“She never was displeased with you,” Julien corrected.

“She seemed to think I was ill,” Leander added, giving him a pointed look.

“Well, your color is off and she knows that you aren’t fond of crowds.”

Leander nodded. “It’s no longer a matter of getting accustomed to them. I suppose I’m never going to be comfortable around so many people.”