His throat bobbed. “If she accepts my courtship, then a good many things might change, Elizabeth.”
“I am well aware of that.”
“And you would be contented with that?”
With a soft smile on her lips and a heart that filled with happiness over his consideration of her, Elizabeth nodded. “Of course I should be, Dennington. You need a wife, do you not? And Lady Annette is quite lovely and, I might say, more than loyal when it comes to her friendships. Her feelings are noteasily altered and I think that, given whatIhave seen growing between you both, you have very little to be concerned about.”
Slowly, her brother began to nod and Elizabeth hid a smile, finding it rather surprising that he had no seeming assurance that Lady Annette returned his feelings. Indeed, they might not be of the same strength but even Elizabeth had seen the happiness in her friend’s expression whenever she had drawn close to Dennington.
“You say that I am foolish for being uncertain of Lady Annette’s feelings,” her brother said, as Elizabeth made her way back to her seat and to her embroidery. “Would you say thatyoumight also be a little foolish?”
Elizabeth frowned, picking up her embroidery. “No, I do not think so.”
“Are you quite sure?”
She lifted her gaze back to him. “Dennington, what is it that you are trying to say?”
A hint of a smile brushed across his lips. “The Duke?”
It was as though she had stepped into a blazing fire, such was the heat that tore through her. Pulling her gaze back to her embroidery and ignoring the sudden frantic beating of her heart, she shook her head. “Do not be ridiculous, brother. The Duke and I have built an acquaintance, a friendship.”
“And what if he feels something more?”
Another burst of heat made Elizabeth feel as though every part of her was slowly beginning to burn up.
“He was close to telling me something at the ball a few evenings ago,” he continued, as Elizabeth forced her gaze to stick fast to the embroidery, though she had not stitched a single thing in some time. “I am quite sure he was going to say that he found himself desiring to court you and wanted to have my permission, but he was sadly interrupted.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together, a fierce excitement gripping her.
“What would you want me to say, should he ask?”
Finally lifting her gaze, Elizabeth’s excitement evaporated in an instant as she remembered the letters. “I am not sure. I – I think I should tell him about the letters first. I do not want to keep a secret from him.”
This did not bring about the reaction from her brother that Elizabeth had expected. He merely shrugged, seeming to think very little of that. “I do not think he would be upset. So, shall I tell him to speak to you directly?” A smile tugged at his lips. “Then you can confess all…all,Elizabeth.” He winked at her, a grin on his face now. “And the rest shall lead on from there.”
A slight trembling ran through her but Elizabeth kept her brother’s gaze. “If he should ask you – and I am not certain he shall despite what you think – then you may only state that he ought to speak to me directly.”And I shall have to be bold enough to tell him about the letters. Her eyes closed tightly.And about my heart.
***
Elizabeth linked arms with Lady Annette as they made their way around Lord and Lady Trentwood’s drawing room and then out into the hallway. “So,” Elizabeth began, wondering whether or not her brother had yet taken the opportunity to speak with Lady Annette. “Have you been in my brother’s company yet this evening? I know that he was eager to speak with you.”
Lady Annette looked back at her. “Is he?” A smile began to form, her eyes shining. “That is quite wonderful to know, for I have been eager to speak with him also.”
Elizabeth chose to say nothing to this, hopeful that her brother would have the positive response he desired.
“I do think that he is quite an exceptional gentleman, you know.”
Smiling at her friend, Elizabeth nodded. “Of course. And you must know that he thinks very highly of you also. As do I.”
“He has told me about his headaches.”
A little surprised, Elizabeth waited for Lady Annette to continue speaking.
“He told me that he was advised to come to London to see if there was any improvement.”
“And there has been.”
Lady Annette bit her lip, appearing a little worried. “I understand that he has concerns that his headaches will return once he makes his way back to the estate.” Her eyes flew to Elizabeth. “Not that such a thing would in any way deter me from his company! It is only that I worry for him.”