Page 71 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
“It’s not a difficulty.” Mr. Hart stood too. “I’m always here if you need a second opinion on a matter of business.”
Andrew truly did appreciate that, but as Mr. Hart walked him out, he couldn’t help but wonder: how could he expect his mother, Kate, and Amelia to rely on him financially when he didn’t even trust himself?
CHAPTER 17
As Ameliaand Andrew entered Longley House after attending a ball hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Arundel, he didn’t say a word, and she could no longer deny that something was bothering him.Nevertheless, she didn’t want to raise the issue in front of others. She’d have to wait until they were alone.
“Well, I am exhausted,” Lady Drake declared, turning to face them as Boden locked the door. “I’ll check on Kate and then go to bed. If I’m not up for breakfast, please don’t rouse me. After such a crush of a ball, I feel like I could sleep for hours.”
“We’ll let you sleep,” Amelia assured her. “Good night, Brigid.”
Lady Drake patted her shoulder. “Good night, dearest. Sleep well.”
While Andrew’s mother traipsed up the stairs, Amelia took Andrew’s hand and tugged him around the corner, into the corridor.
“What’s wrong?” she asked quietly.
Andrew frowned. “What do you mean?”
She nibbled her lower lip, uncertain how much to say.She knew some men didn’t like to be questioned, but he didn’t seem the type to get angry with her if she pried.
“You haven’t been yourself since yesterday afternoon.” She was really hoping his mood had nothing to do with the fact her book was being published.
He’d seemed genuinely happy for her, but had it been an act? If so, did she even care? She wouldn’t let it stop her. But truly, she didn’t want him to be unhappy.
“You don’t have to tell me,” she said, “but I’ll listen if you’d like to talk.”
He gazed at her for a long moment, and disappointment settled in her gut at the realization he’d likely brush off her concern. But then he sighed and squeezed the bridge of his nose.
“Join me in the office for a nightcap?” he asked.
“Of course.”
He led her to his office, opened the door, and gestured for her to sit on the worn leather chair in the corner. He lit three candles on the desk, then opened a cabinet beneath the shelf his ledgers were stored on and withdrew a decanter of brandy and two crystal glasses.
He poured a generous portion of brandy into one glass and a slightly smaller amount into the other, then returned the decanter to the cabinet and offered her the smaller one. When she accepted the glass, he pulled over the chair from behind his desk and sat a few feet away from her.
“Have you ever tried brandy?” he asked.
“No.” She sniffed the brown liquor and wrinkled her nose at its sharp scent.
Andrew laughed. “Take a small sip. It’s quite strong, but once you get past the sharpness of the alcohol, it’s quite sweet and fruity.”
She eyed the drink dubiously. She wasn’t sure she’d find it either sweet or fruity. Nevertheless, she was willing to give it a try. She raised the glass to her lips and tipped itback slightly, then sputtered as soon as the brandy hit her tongue.
“You like this?” she gasped, swallowing in the hopes she’d get the taste out of her mouth as quickly as possible.
His eyes gleamed with amusement, but it was good-humored, not cruel, and she couldn’t help but be pleased that he’d at least partly broken the hold of whatever was causing his uncharacteristically somber mood.
“I do,” he said. “If you drink it often enough, you develop a taste for it. Although one must be careful not to develop too much of a taste for it.”
She grimaced, eyed the brandy, and contemplated setting it aside. But she knew she was in no danger of becoming a drunk from one drink, and she was determined not to shy away from new experiences, so she braced herself and tossed back the rest. It burned down her throat and heated her gut.
Andrew’s eyes widened. “That’s one way to do it.”
“Mm-hmm.” She placed the glass on the floor and folded her hands on her lap. “So, is there anything you’d like to talk about?”
He sipped his brandy, and not a single reaction showed on his face. “This stays between us.”
