Page 24 of The Earl and Miss Muffet
She shook her head, clearly flustered. “How did you find your friend?”
He chose not to press her and answered her question. “He is prone to melancholy and was deeply depressed in spirit. He usually fairs better in the summer, but I knew as soon as I received his letter, he needed me. We met at school, and he latched on to me—though he hated Gunther.”
Miss Muffet gave him a hint of a smile. “He likes someone a little more serious.”
“Yes, but I can never be too serious when I am with him. He feeds off of negative energy.”
“Are your visits draining?”
Anton sighed. “You might say so.”
“You are a good friend to go to him when he needs you.”
She always had a way of making him feel like he was the most chivalrous person in the world. “Who do you turn to when you need someone?”
Her brows raised. “Me? I . . . I write in my diary.”
“Really? I do the same. And when you are done? Do you feel better?”
“Mostly. I usually eat something sweet if writing did not help.”
Anton shook his head. “I can just see you pilfering the contents of the larder while everyone is asleep.”
“I would never do it while anyone was awake.”
Her serious expression made him laugh.
“What’s so amusing?” Mary asked, turning her body away from Gunther to face them.
“She hates to miss a good joke,” Gunther explained.
Anton shook his head. “I would never reveal Miss Muffet’s secret midnight snacks.” He looked at her, wondering if she would take offense to his public tease. When she chuckled, he relaxed. If they were to marry, she would have to be able to take a little teasing if they were to survive his family.
Marry? His smile slipped. Was he thinking so seriously about her? It made sense that if he cared for her, marriage would be the next plausible step.
“I am sorry if I am better at stealing food than any of you.” Miss Muffet’s quip made his smile return. Finally, she was relaxed again in his presence. Maybe he should not have left her alone for three days. She needed an ally with all these engaged couples. But would she stay long enough to give him a chance to sort through his feelings and make a decision about the future?
Chapter 12
Theovercastskydidnot stop the picnic preparations, nor did Elena let a disheartening letter keep her from participating. Blankets were draped like a patchwork across the courtyard and around the few trees. Servants set up a table for the food, carrying tray after tray with delicious items. Families began arriving in the late afternoon with a handful of children shepherded by their nursemaids. Anton had been busy greeting guests and seeing to arrangements, so Elena kept close to Mary and Mr. Gunther. There was something about Banbury and the Crawford family that breathed new strength into her, giving her permission to enjoy life while she could.
“I am eager for you to meet Blake’s parents.” Mary tucked her legs underneath her and smoothed her dress. “Be warned. My future mother-in-law can be quite intimidating. Oh look! There is Lord Templeton.”
Gunther, who was leaning against a tree with his legs spread out, choked on his drink and coughed into his arm.
Mary put her hand on Gunther’s back. “I did not mean anything by it. I thought only to introduce him to Elena.”
Gunther wiped his face with a napkin. “Can Terrance do the favor? I hardly think it appropriate foryouto make the introduction.”
Mary turned a beaming face to Elena. “Isn’t he darling when he is jealous? I do believe Lord Templeton is coming this way. Blake Gunther, be on your best behavior.”
A fine-dressed gentleman with dark hair and pleasing features weaved around the clusters of people, intent in their direction.
“Who is he?” Elena asked.
Mr. Gunther answered for Mary. “He is new to the neighborhood, and I have already made an enemy of him.”
“Have you?” Elena asked. She could not imagine anyone truly disliking the amiable man next to her, even if he was a bit of a dandy.
