Page 11 of The Captain's Midwinter Bride
Phillip smiled, but it slipped when Mr. Newell changed the music sheet for Beth, lingering a tad too long over her shoulder.
“You’re scowling again.”
Annalise’s voice had a sing-song quality to it that made him chuckle begrudgingly. “Yes, well, the boy is hovering.”
“The boy is to marry our daughter. He will be doing a lot more thanthatvery soon.”
“But not yet,” he growled.
“Have you decided to dislike him?” Annalise was all curiosity and no censure.
“I need to know him better before I can make that determination.” Phillip propped his leg on the opposite knee and bounced it up and down. “And that’s the crux. His first impression was wanting, and I’ve not had a chance to expound upon it or change it entirely.”
“I suspect he’s avoiding you.”
Phillip jerked his head about. “You do?”
Annalise sighed. “He’s been glued to Beth’s side or to his mother’s. I don’t believe he wants to make himself available to you and your questions.”
So he hadn’t exaggerated Mr. Newell’s odd behavior in his mind. It was gratifying that Annalise had seen the same thing, but it certainly doubled his irritation with the young man.
“And why not? Do you suppose him afraid to speak with me?”
“After your initial meeting, quite possibly. You are an intimidating man.”
He scoffed. “I am not.”
“You are too.” She laid a hand on his knee before quickly withdrawing it. His neck felt hot under his collar. “You have a certain bearing that can be intimidating to a young man, especially a young man who intends to marry your daughter.”
“In that case, you would think he’d want to repair his first impression.”
“I agree.”
“The night is young. Perhaps he will redeem himself.”
A slow smile spread over her lips. “But you don’t think so, do you?”
“I don’t,” he said, running his hand over his mouth to contain his laugh.
Phillip studied Beth as she prepared to launch into another merry melody. He sensed, rather than saw, Annalise turn toward him. The movement sent a wave of her familiar lilac scent over him, and he fought not to lean into it. Into her.
“The family’s influence concerns me,” she stated.
Darting his eyes about the room and finding no one within earshot, he whispered, “What do you mean?”
With her pink lower lip caught between her teeth, she appeared much younger than her years. “Mrs. Newell has already made it clear that her son is dedicated to a life of politics. His late father had done the same, and based on select comments the woman has made, I believe she doubts Beth is up for the task of a political wife.”
“Of course Beth can handle such a task. Why wouldn’t she?” He worked hard to keep the bite out of his tone.
Her brows shot up, and Phillip knew she had heard it, nonetheless. He was not surprised.
“I’ve done my best to see that Beth is raised with all the skills needed to be a proper hostess and wife.” Annalise dropped her gaze to her lap. “But as we are not a political family ourselves, I could not teach her what I do not know. And why would I possibly spare the expense of hiring a tutor for such an education unless I was convinced she had a life of politics in her future?”
“You wouldn’t, naturally.” Phillip dragged a hand down his face. “We can find a tutor, if Beth is willing. There’s still time for her to tuck some knowledge under her belt.”
“Mrs. Newell said she would tutor Beth herself.” A muscle ticked in Annalise’s jaw. “She declared she would be thrilled to fill in thegapsin her education.”
“Ouch,” he grumbled under his breath, as his blood pumped like a roaring torrent through his veins. “Well, I’d rather we not rely on Mrs. Newell’s gracious offer.Weare capable of educating our daughter, and if she needs lessons to make her more confident in her role as a political hostess, than I will gladly secure the services of a tutor.”
