Page 77 of If Not for the Duke

Bernie shook her head. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

“Of course, there is.” Lena tightened her lips. “We should’ve mentioned our…interest in one another rather than allowing you to discover it in such a manner.”

“I won’t deny it was a surprise.”

“It has been to me, as well.”

“Truly?” Bernie’s brow puckered as she looked closely at Lena.

“Very much so.” Lena risked a glance over her shoulder to make certain Sterling hadn’t joined them. “I’m still not certain what to make of it.”

“When you say ‘it,’ to what exactly are you referring?” Bernie’s head tilted to the side, sunlight glinting off her spectacles.

Lena huffed out a breath. “I have no idea. I seem to be attracted to your brother in an unexpected way.”

“Do you love him?”

The pointed question caught Lena off balance, making her breathless. Was this love? This longing to be with him, the desire to kiss him, to wax poetic about the color of his eyes, and simply talk with him when they were together. She feared it might be. How could she admit it to Bernie when she couldn’t admit it to herself?

“I don’t know. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I didn’t say anything to you. This is still so new. We’re exploring what we feel for one another. It’s important that we take our time to see if it’s real and lasting.”

“Hmm.” Bernie’s lips twisted, and she took a step closer. “There’s something I need to know, and I would appreciate your honesty.”

Lena hesitated. “I’ll do my best to answer.”

“Did you befriend me so you could further an assignation with Sterling?”

“No.” That Lena could answer without hesitation.

Bernie heaved a sigh of relief. “I’m so pleased you said that.”

“Regardless of what happens between myself and Sterling, I would like us to remain friends.”

“You sound doubtful. As if there’s a chance nothing will come of it.”

Lena bit back the urge to tell her just how unlikely it was that anything would. Not because of a lack of attraction on her part, but because of the secret she kept. Even now, when she was truly beginning to understand the depth of her feelings for Sterling, she couldn’t imagine telling him about her ability. She reached up to grasp her locket with her gloved fingers, its presence giving her a faint hope.

Was it possible that if her grandmother had found love with her grandfather despite her gift, Lena could too? She gave herself a mental shake. It was far too soon to consider such an outcome.

“I don’t know how what’s between your brother and me will end. But I hope that whatever happens, you and I can remain friends.” However, Lena knew that would be difficult. Seeing Bernie would make her think of Sterling. If their relationship ended, Lena didn’t think she could come to Renwick House. Not when that might mean she’d run into him.

“Your hope is mine as well,” Bernie said with a smile. “I suppose I can understand you not telling me. When one feels a certain awareness, it’s often better to keep it a secret. To hold tight to the idea before sharing it with anyone else.”

Lena’s eyes narrowed. “You almost sound as if you speak from experience.”

Bernie caught her lower lip between her teeth as she adjusted her spectacles. “I didn’t say that.”

“But someone has caught your notice.” Lena didn’t need her gift to understand what Bernie wasn’t saying.

She pressed a finger against her lips, seeming to debate what to share with Lena. “I confess that thoughts of Viscount Worley have filled my mind since you introduced us last evening. He’s so kind. So amusing. He doesn’t speak to me as if I’ve just left the schoolroom, but as a woman who knows my own mind.”

Lena’s heart squeezed. “Bernie, do not allow your feelings to be taken by him. It’s true that he’s exactly as you say. But matrimony is not in his plans.” She struggled to explain. “He will always be a good friend to us, but that is all.” She shook her head as Bernie started to protest, not wanting to be the one who told her the full truth. “Count him as a friend but look elsewhere for love. That is all I can say.”

Bernie’s shoulders lowered. “How disappointing. I don’t pretend to understand how you know this, but I will do my best to see if someone else catches my eye.”

“There’s no rush,” Lena reminded her. “You have years before you think of marrying anyone.”

“True.” Bernie smiled. “Besides, if anything does happen between you and Sterling, I will finally have the sister I’ve always dreamed of. I don’t want to marry and leave if that proves true.”

---