Chapter 5 #3
Lady Emily’s eyes flicked up to Roman’s, her brows raised. “Surely envy suits neither.”
Roman tipped his head forward, mirroring her expression. “Perhaps not. But admiration, at least, cannot be helped. So we will settle there. You have mine for your kind rescue.”
The lady glanced at Lyness, but he looked away before he could read her expression.
Because he did not want to see what she made of Roman’s admiration, so directly stated that it surprised Lyness into complete silence.
He gave his attention to the ruins. Tracing the fallen stone on the ground with his gaze.
“You are too kind, my lord,” she murmured.
Lady Juniper spoke next, quickly and with a determined brightness that made Lyness cut her a curious glance. “We are so fortunate to meet you both here today. Last time we saw Mr. Eastwood, we had the pleasure of an introduction to your mother. I hope Lady Hartwell is in good health and spirits?”
“The very best of both,” Roman answered, voice sincere.
“In fact, last evening she asked about all of you. She is curious to know the ladies of the family better. A formal invitation will likely arrive at your home today or tomorrow, but my mother hopes all of you will dine with us in two days’ time.
I believe our other guests that evening will be valuable acquaintances here in York. ”
“Oh, that sounds lovely.” Lady Juniper threaded her arm through her husband’s. “We will be delighted to accept the invitation when it arrives.”
“Excellent. I look forward to welcoming all of you into my home.” Roman bowed once more to take his leave, and Lyness did the same. As he straightened, and prepared to turn, he realized Roman had not finished.
Roman’s attention returned to Lady Emily, his expression more friendly than polite. “Until we meet again, Lady Emily. I find myself already anticipating our next conversation.”
This time, Lyness could not help looking for her reaction to what was—for his brother—a bold statement. Which meant Lyness didn’t miss a flicker of surprise in her eyes before she dipped into a graceful curtsy. “Then I shall endeavor to think of interesting topics upon which to converse, my lord.”
The response was light. Perhaps too light. Flirtatious, even. Was she flirting with Roman? And what was Roman doing? And why?
And why did Lyness feel as though the sun had dimmed, though not one cloud occupied the sky above?
Roman finally started walking, commanding Apollo to trot along beside him, but Lyness remained frozen a moment more.
Lady Emily noticed. “Are you all right, Mr. Eastwood?” She took a half step closer. “I look forward to seeing you at the dinner, too.”
Lyness looked away—to the ruins, the grass, anywhere but Lady Emily—and wondered when a simple afternoon had grown so complicated. “Yes. Of c-c-course. Until then, Lady Emily.” And he followed after Roman at a quick step, needing to get away before he said anything he regretted.
At least he hadn’t stuttered much until the end. When his anxiety over his brother’s behavior cut through his speech.
After he caught up to Roman, he scrutinized his brother. “What was all of that?”
“All of what?” Roman asked, gaze still ahead, expression bland as it ever was in public.
“Your particular attention to Lady Emily,” he said, and then immediately regretted it when Roman’s head turned and his older brother stopped walking completely.
“Oh. Was it obvious?”
“To me. Yes.” Lyness looked down at Apollo, who sat between them and kept his eyes fixed to Roman, waiting for command or acknowledgement. Like everyone else in Roman’s life. Always looking to him to make the decision, to issue the order, to approve or disapprove.
Roman glanced back, but they were at the edge of the grounds the ruins occupied. Far enough away from the Sterling family that they would not be heard or likely even still observed.
“Hm. I had not thought it noticeable. Ah well. It cannot be helped this time.” He started walking again, leaving Lyness no choice but to keep up with him.
“As I said the other day, I think it time I give more thought to securing a wife. Though I have not shared my thoughts with her, Mother is concerned about the same. She has mentioned it several times, and I have to think it must cause her some agitation not to see the succession of our title and lands secured. She brings it up more often.”
“Wh-what has that to do with Lady Emily?” A sinking feeling in Lyness’s gut warned him that he already knew.
“Mother took a liking to her when they met the other day. She suggested I get to know Lady Emily better.” Roman spoke as though it were all quite matter-of-fact.
“Sterling is a fine chap. They are close to other prominent English families now. Lady Emily is an appropriate candidate for courtship. If we suit one another.”
Of course she would suit Roman. Roman belonged in the world Lady Emily was struggling to enter.
Lyness swallowed a protest he had no right to make. “Oh.” That was the only word he could get out. Did it even count as a word? It did not matter. Nothing in that moment mattered. His brother wanted to court Lady Emily. If they suited one another.
He reached up to adjust his hat, to bring the brim lower over his eyes—but it was gone.
Given to the service of Lady Emily and her little canary.
Leaving him bare to the sun and the curious glances of passersby.
He wasn’t certain which made him feel more vulnerable in that moment.
His lack of topper, or that his brother had set his sights on the most charming lady Lyness had ever met.