Page 6 of The Lord's Compass
“So far, very similar to unmarried life, but that is sure to change soon,” Noah said, adjusting his glasses. “Eric, can I speak to you?”
“Why so serious?” Eric asked, reading the expression on his brother’s face. “Today is a day of celebration.”
Noah looked around at the rest of them and sighed, apparently deciding that his only option was to share with all of them what was on his mind. He was always far too worried about the future. Eric wished he would enjoy the moment – especially on a day like today.
“I have been thinking about this trip of yours to Spain.”
“You are going to miss me, are you not?” Eric said jokingly, even though deep within he knew it was the truth. He and Noah might be as different as could be, but he would miss his brother – and he knew the feeling would be reciprocated.
“Yes, but that is not my concern,” Noah said. “I am not sure if now is the best time to be travelling to Spain. I know we are not currently in conflict with the country, but the waters are somewhat perilous for an English ship due to our skirmishes with the French. In Spain, if you are discovered?—”
“Noah,” Eric stopped him, holding his palm up. “That is the beauty of this. I am not going to be an Englishman when I go there.”
“What do you mean?”
“The very reason I volunteered for this is because I can speak Spanish – and I can speak it rather well,” he said, unconcerned about modesty when it was the truth. “I am going to pretend I am a Spaniard.”
“That is all very well, but what if the truth is discovered?”
“What is the worst that could happen? They would not want to cause an issue with their new allies by untoward action against an English nobleman,” Eric answered with a shrug, although the concern had reared itself within him.
“Well—”
“Ferrington, you do know that you do not have to go?” Ashford cut in. “I appreciate what you have offered to do for me, truly I do, but perhaps your brother has a point. Discovering the next clue in this treasure hunt is not worth your life.”
Eric waved them away. “My life? You are all being overly dramatic. I will be just fine. I have it all figured out.”
He planned to take things one day at a time and see what happened, but he wasn’t about to tell them that, for he knew most of them would far prefer he had an idea of what he was going to do once he arrived.
“Very well. But if anything changes, do not hesitate to return, even without the treasure or the next clue,” Ashford said, and Eric nodded.
“Of course.”
“Now, shall we toast to the groom?” Eric asked, summoning a footman to bring them another drink. When they were all prepared, he lifted his glass. “To love.”
“To love,” they echoed before clinking their glasses together. Eric’s spilled slightly, for he was suddenly no longer focused on what he was doing.
No, his gaze was across the room – arrested by the woman staring back at him. But it wasn’t affection in her eyes.
No. It was undisguised disdain.
And it was all for him.
* * *
“Faith?”
Percy approached, looking as beautiful as she ever had, her pale blue dress the perfect accent to her long auburn curls.
“Percy. You are radiant.”
“Thank you,” she replied with a smile. “That is happiness.”
“Well, I am happyforyou,” Faith said, taking Percy’s hands as her sister joined them. “I am happy for both of you. You have found the men who complete you.”
“You will one day,” Hope said in that optimistic way of hers.
Faith inwardly rolled her eyes but pretended all was fine. She would not be a cynic today of all days. She would smile and say what they wanted from her.
