Page 4 of The Viscount's Code
“You do not think anyone will find it odd that the viscount is accompanying his mother?”
“Not with his mother’s current state of mind,” Faith said. “Now, I am sure Father will have questions as to why the viscount is so interested in spending all of his time with his nose in books.”
“Do you think Father will allow him to look at his own book quite readily?”
“I am not sure. I have to admit that I have never seen the book in question, which means that he has it hidden away somewhere. Fortunately, that is not our problem. As the viscount is the one who claims to be able to crack this code, he can be the one to discover the book as well. We promised to arrange the visit. We have lived up to our part of this arrangement.”
“We? I do believe you left me to see it through.”
“For I would have declined to have anything to do with it,” Faith finished with a smile for Hope, who could only sigh once more. She had never won a battle of wills with Faith, and she supposed she likely never would.
“He is not one to talk much, is he?” Hope mused.
“No, although I suppose that is for the best,” Faith said, “for whenever he does speak, he only serves to darken the mood of the entire party. Perhaps that is why his mother is so on edge herself.”
“Faith! That is not fair. Mother said she has been a different woman since the death of her husband.”
“Perhaps.”
“You are quite frustrating, do you know that?” Hope said, standing and crossing the small parlor. She had chosen to sit here this morning because it offered a view of the front drive. It was beautiful, yes, with the gardens blooming around the fountain that stood in the middle of the circled path, but it would also allow her to see when their guests arrived.
“I do,” Faith said, her voice calling out to Hope as she stood in front of the three large sash windows, the cream curtains pulled back to showcase the outdoors beyond. “Why do you not sit and play for me while we wait? Your nerves are getting to me.”
Hope turned around, annoyed with herself that her sister could read her emotions so easily. “What would you have me play?”
“Anything you like, as long as it is not dreary.”
As they were in the front room, Hope’s harp and pianoforte were not available to her, but her mandolin was sitting upon the side table.
She knew her sister’s favorites – she just wondered whether she should play one for her, or if it would be far more fun to vex her with something she hated.
“PlayThe Mansion of Peace, if you will,” Faith said, and Hope nodded, unable to decline. Faith was right. She always chose to please others before herself.
She picked at the strings of the mandolin, softly singing the words to accompany the song as she stared out the window, anticipation heavy in her breast.
What was it about the viscount that bothered her so? And just what was she going to do about it?
She saw the horses first as they rounded the bend and started up the drive. She stopped playing so abruptly that Faith’s head snapped up to her, and heat crept into Hope’s cheeks.
“What has gotten into you?” Faith asked, horrified. “It is not as though we have never had a visitor before.” She paused, staring at her. “You are nottakenwith the viscount, are you?”
“Of course not!” Hope said crossly. “Not only is he far from affable, but I will never accept a suitor until you do.”
“That is ridiculous,” Faith said, waving her hand. “I am never going to have a suitor, so do not hold yourself to that. I would far rather you find a man who will make you happy. That will makemehappy in turn.”
“But, Faith—”
“Do not wait for me, Hope,” Faith said, shaking her head before pursing her lips. “I ask only that you promise me one thing.”
“What is it?”
“Do not allow the viscount to be that man for you.”
“Of course not. But I’m curious – why?” Hope asked, curious.
“You will just have to trust me,” Faith said crisply. “Now, let us go prepare for our visitors.”
* * *
