Page 5 of How to Charm an Earl
“It’s a long story,” he said. “A tale I don’t wish to expound upon.”
“I understand,” he said, but he didn’t. Roman could only guess at to the reason, and it had to include one of those three ladies. But which one? He prayed it wasn’t the one he’d suddenly become fascinated with. “What are their names?”
Thornridge swallowed hard. “Lady Athena and Lady Maeve are the twins,” he answered. “The oldest sister is Lady Isla.”
Had it been his imagination, or had his voice grown a little gruffer at the mention of Lady Isla? Had something happened between them? He didn’t want to pry, but his curiosity had grown exponentially. It was best to leave his friend alone. His questions had left him anxious, and that had not been Roman’s intention. “Thank you,” he told Thornridge. “I’m sure you have much more work to do.” He gestured toward the account books. “I’ll see you at dinner. I have to see to my leg or I won’t be doing much walking later.”
The duke nodded. “Stay away from them,” he said in a harsh tone. “If the rumors about them are true, they’‘ll ruin you. They are not a good sort.”
Roman frowned. “All right,” he said in a quiet tone. He refused to stay away from her, though. Roman couldn’t say why, but he knew she was meant to be his. It might be whimsy or he might even be a fool, but he had always followed his instincts. Those very instincts had saved his life. He might be damaged, but he was alive. He couldn’t ignore something that had kept him breathing, and he wouldn’t let go of a woman that could very well be his future. “I’ll heed your advice.”
Some things were meant to be. Roman left Thornridge alone and went to his bedchamber to take care of his leg. The duke had followed the same advice from someone else, and that had led him to letting go of Lady Isla. He didn’t know how he knew that with certainty, but he did. He would also bet that Thornridge regretted that decision, but would refuse to admit it.
Maybe one day he’d realize that having her was far more important than his pride, but he wouldn’t welcome that observation now. Roman would keep those thoughts to himself, at least for now. One day his friend might be open to hearing them, and when that day arrived he’d say his piece.
Three
Athena sighed and strolled into the library the next morning. Their father had been called away on estate business the previous day and she’d been informed there would be a family meeting after breakfast in the library. They all woke at different times and there was no formal breakfast meal. It was easier for them to set a time to meet that would work for the entire family. Athena was a late riser normally, but she had difficulty sleeping the night before. So she’d been awake before Isla, who was usually the first to rise.
She entered the library and found it empty. Surely she wasn’t the first to arrive. She had had a tray sent to her room earlier that morning and had only left her chamber a few moments ago. Athena frowned. Where was her family? Had the meeting been cancelled, and no one had bothered to inform her? No, that wasn’t possible. They wouldn’t have forgotten her.
“You’re early,” Isla said as she strolled into the library. “I would have thought you’d still be dressing for the day.”
Any other day Isla would have been correct. Athena hated mornings. She shrugged. “I woke earlier than normal.” That seemed like an understatement; however, she didn’t want to explain to her sister why she had trouble sleeping the night before. She’d never told either of her sisters about her encounter by the pond. At first she’d decided against mentioning it to Isla because of how she’d likely react to her riding on the duke’s property, and then Maeve had been too engrossed in her latest painting for her to take a break for fear of losing her optimal light.
So she’d kept her own counsel… It was probably for the best. She didn’t know exactly how to describe what had happened with Lord Kendal. Honestly, nothing had happened. They talked, and he’d introduced himself, and she’d kept her own name to herself. It was her feelings that confused her. She would wait a while and sort them out before speaking about Lord Kendal. After all, she knew little about the man, and until she gained more insight, her silence was necessary.
“Is something bothering you?” Isla asked.
Her sister was too observant for her own good. Sometimes Athena wished she it was easier to hide things from her oldest sister. “Not at all,” she replied in an amiable tone.
Isla stared at her as if she didn’t believe her, and why should she? Luckily, she was saved from Isla’s interrogation when Maeve and their father entered the library. “Good, you’re both here,” their father said as a way of greeting Isla and Athena. “Please,” he began. “Everyone sit. This won’t take long, and then you can go about your day.”
They all sat on the settee in the library and their father took the chair to the right of it. They sat in silence and waited for him to speak. “As you all know, Athena and Maeve are set to have their debut ball in a few weeks.”
“We do,” Athena said. “Has something changed?”
Her father nodded at her. “The debut ball will happen as scheduled,” he explained. “It’s our travel plans that have to change.”
Athena frowned. She did not like the sound of that. Her time in the country was important to her. If they left for London sooner, then she would have less time with Hades. He couldn’t come to London with them. “When are we leaving?” she asked.
“In five days,” he told her. “It’s only a week sooner than planned. I’ve already informed the servants. Your maids will pack for you in time and be ready to travel with you.”
So good of him to inform their servants before them… That was discourteous of her to think, but she couldn’t help being displeased. Their father had a large estate to run, and he didn’t have to explain himself to any of them.
“Do I have to go?” Isla asked in a petulant tone. She hated society, and for good reason.
“Yes,” their father said. “I need you to help oversee the girls’ season. I’ve hired an elderly matron to chaperone, but I expect you to be there with them.”
“I understand,” Isla replied in a dejected tone. Poor Isla. Her season had been a terrible disappointment. “I’ll do as you ask.”
“Now that I’ve explained that there is one other thing we need to discuss,” their father said.
They all glanced in his direction. What else could there be? Hadn’t it been enough to end their quiet days in the country sooner than planned? Yes, Athena wanted a season, but she also wanted the time with Hades she’d been promised.
“I expect you all to be on your best behavior while we are in London.” He pinned Athena with a glare as if he was directing this speech at her. “No unlady like behavior.” He turned to Maeve. “No staring at people and making them feel uncomfortable.” Then he focused his attention on Isla. “And no avoiding company because you find them distasteful.” He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers together. “We’re going to enjoy London. Do you all understand?”
“Yes, father,” they chorused together.
