Page 14 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

As impossible a challenge as that would be, he needed to know the rest of that story.

As soon as I can.

There definitely seemed to be much more to it, which was why Edwin was saying such terrible things in secret, hushed conversations.

Martin did not want to cause issues at Luke’s home just before his wedding, but if he needed to, then that was exactly what he would do.

Once Luke reappeared with the food in his hands, Martin forced a smile on his face and pushed his worries to the back of his mind. For now.

But he could not ignore the heaviness that clung to him and Susanna as they walked in silence behind Luke and Mary. Edwin’s words seemed to roll around them, reminding them that not everything was well here.

“Oh my,” Mary gasped as soon as she spotted the lake, pulling Martin out of his thoughts. “This is quite beautiful, Luke. Even better than you said it was going to be.”

Luke caught Martin’s eyes, grinning happily, practically beaming from ear to ear as Mary enthusiastically moved closer to the water. Martin hoped and prayed that his best friend really did know everything that had happened, so this would not come as a surprise.

Luke didnotneed to be surprised before the big day.

This was going to be more challenging than he thought it would be, and now that Martin had new information, he felt far too responsible for all of this going well.

Judging by the way Susanna was wistfully staring at her sister, it seemed like she had the same weight pressing down on her shoulders.

They settled on the picnic blanket by the lake, the picturesque setting a stark contrast to the turmoil Martin felt inside. Luke spread out the food, an array of sandwiches, fruit, and pastries that looked as delightful as the view.

Mary clapped her hands in delight. “This is perfect, Luke. Absolutely perfect.”

Luke smiled warmly at her. “I am glad you like it. I thought it would be a nice change of pace. We need an escape from the wedding planning every now and again.”

As they began to eat, Mary started the conversation, talking about the wedding even if they were supposed to be having a break from it. “Susanna, did you see the flowers that Mother has picked out for the wedding? What do you think of them?”

Susanna nodded, looking like she was forcing a smile. “Yes, Mother showed me. I think they will be perfect.”

“Me too,” Mary declared as she beamed from ear to ear. “I just want everything to go well…”

That was a sentiment that Martin understood a little deeper now. He could not blame her for wanting a lovely day after all the pain that she had suffered in the past.

After they finished eating, Luke suggested a stroll around the lake. “It is too lovely a day to stay in one spot. Let us walk and enjoy the scenery.”

But that seemed to be an invitation for Mary only, which was a great relief to Martin.

He needed a moment to stop the pretense. Smiling at his friend with such a heavy heart was really challenging for him.

As the sun beamed down on their shoulders, and Luke led Mary to the water, Martin found himself staring a little wistfully at Susanna.

Much as he wanted to talk to her about what they had overheard, he knew that this was not the time. Luke and Mary were still potentially within earshot and not looking like they were about to move on anytime soon.

So he chose something much easier to talk about.

“They really do look happy,” he commented, nodding towards his friend and Susanna’s sister.

Susanna laughed awkwardly, looking shocked by his words. “Are you suggesting that there really might be something called love after all?”

He held up his hands in a playful surrendering gesture. “Perhaps you are right. Maybe they really are in love and I was too quick to judge their decision. Perhaps they really will be happy for the rest of their lives.”

“So, you agree with their decision to get married? I am stunned.” Susanna giggled once more. “I did not know it was possible to change your mind so quickly.”

“I never said that I have changed my mind completely. Do not get carried away with yourself, my lady.”

Susanna narrowed her eyes at Martin, and he braced himself, waiting for yet another challenge from her, enjoying every single moment of it. “You have rather a high opinion of yourself, my lord. I do not think I have ever met anyone quite like you.”

---