Page 71 of The Scholar's Key
“Explain this to me again,” Eric said as they rode beside the carriage toward Castleton. “You are in love with a woman who appears to return that love, she is everything you always wanted and more, she practically begged you to marry her, and you told her no, that she should marry someone else.”
Noah shot him an annoyed look. “It is more complicated than that.”
“But am I correct?”
“I suppose.”
Eric shook his head in dismay. “You are an idiot.”
“Percy said the same.”
“She was right. What’s wrong with you, man?”
“This is best for the long term. She wouldn’t be happy with me in the years to come.”
“Says who? You?”
“Women tire of me.”
Eric snorted. “Letitia tired of you, but she was not right for you. She was waiting for someone else to come along. That’s the difference. Lady Percy wants you for the man you are.”
Noah sighed. “Can we not speak of this anymore?”
“Fine,” Eric said, waving a hand in the air. “I am glad that I have at least convinced you to accompany me to Castleton. How long will you stay?”
“I will leave as soon as you let me,” Noah said with a humorless laugh. “I’d like to return to London and take advantage of some of the offers I have received.”
“You know you can set whatever schedule you would like.”
“I am aware,” Noah said. “I will likely also spend some time in the country at the home that you have so graciously provided me.”
“We have two country homes, Noah, and it is not as though I have done anything besides being born first to deserve both of them. Besides, it is far too much for one man to take care of. You might as well help. In fact, you will be doing me a favor.”
Noah nodded. He was telling Eric what he wanted to hear, but in truth, he couldn’t imagine how lonely he would be in a large country home without anyone to share it with, his mind free to picture Percy in her new life with her new husband. At least in London, he could keep his mind preoccupied.
“Tell me something, Eric,” he said, his lips curling. His brother had taken a great deal of interest in his personal life. Perhaps it was time for him to question Eric himself. “Are you ever going to tell Lady Faith how you feel?”
Eric turned to look at him so abruptly that he nearly fell off his horse, and Noah snickered with the first bit of mirth he had felt since he had left Percy.
“Why would you think that I feel anything for her?”
“I have heard you mention your interest before.”
Eric shrugged in an obvious attempt at nonchalance, but he was not a man who easily hid his emotion.
“I find her attractive.”
“And?”
“And that’s it,” Eric said defensively. “There is nothing more to discuss.”
“Very well,” Noah said. “Then no more discussions aboutanywomen, understood?”
Eric sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes. “It is not the same. Not at all.” He caught Noah’s expression. “Very well. No more discussions. But do promise me you will not mope around Castleton over the next week?”
“I do not mope.”
“Noah.”
