Page 65 of Hawthorne

“You’re so…knowledgeable,” I blurt.

Edgar chuckles, one hand covering his chest over his heart. “You sound surprised. That wounds me.”

“It’s not that…I—”

“In my world, knowledge is power. It’s been working wonders for me, to be honest. And…I’ve got too much free time on my hands, as well.”

“I see,” I comment, pressing my lips together to avoid a smile.

Edgar is nothing like Vincent. He is relaxed and easy-going and seems to have a unique sense of humour.

“You still didn’t answer me. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” I answer. However, it comes out more of a question than an affirmation.

“No need to lie to me, sweet Milla.” His arm wraps around my shoulders, with my dog nestled on his lap.

“Does the duke know you're here?” I can’t help but ask, changing the subject.

“Are you afraid he’ll be jealous again?” Edgar smirks, and I blush furiously.

The last time he saw us together, he threw a huge fit. Neither of us will admit it out loud, but it was jealousy—or at least possession.

I thought it was ridiculous until I felt the same today. With Her Grace’s insinuating words about him and Eleanor, I felt a burn from the inside spreading out. Especially when I noticed how she was looking at him…

He was unbothered, but her hungry glances were constant, and it angered me so much.

“I—I don’t–”

“Don’t worry,” he reassures me with a smile. “I asked him for permission.”

“You did?”

He chuckles, and I look down at a fast-asleep Primrose. I just gave myself away; so much for deflecting the subject.

“Alright, I’ll give you that desperate break you’re looking for. You barely told me about yourself the last time; how about we continue the conversation?”

“There’s not much to tell. I grew up here all my life, and Her Grace took care of me after my mother’s death.” I shrug.

“There has to be more, for example, your origins,” he comments. “You give me the Asian goddess vibe. Tell me about that!”

“My mum was half-Indonesian.”

“And your father?”

“I don’t know,” I answer curtly. “But I assume British since I was born here.”

His semblance changes, a little bit of sadness covering it. “I apologize. I didn’t know.”

“No harm done.” I smile weakly. “It’s normal to talk about these matters.”

“You’re too kind. I can see what’s got my brother so drawn to you. It’s not often we can find people who are beautiful both on the outside and inside. It’s a rare trait in this cruel world we live in, even rarer in our little bubble. Please don’t ever change.”

“Why do you say that?”

“My people tend to be heartless and take advantage of good hearts like yours.”

“Your kind doesn’t have to worry about me. But I still appreciate the kind words, Your Grace.”

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