Page 8 of A Duchess Mistaken
Johnathan tried not to sigh. He jammed his hands into his pockets, trying to keep the wry smile off his face. He knew he had to choose his words carefully. Miss Agnes seemed like the type of lady to see right through any lie.
“He is far more sprightly than he presented himself this morning,” Johnathan said at last. “He only makes…bad decisions.”
“I do not understand.”
“Perhaps you could ask him for further detail when he awakes from his nap. Though I doubt you will be very impressed with the answer.”
Miss Agnes frowned. She didn’t seem very pleased with that response. “You are rather callous when it comes to your brother’s health.”
Johnathan tried not to let those words irritate him. What did it matter that she challenged him on his opinion of his brother’s physical state? She did not know the reason he felt little sympathy for Christopher, nor did he have any intention of letting her know. If she deemed him an insensitive lout, then so be it. Just as long as she was still determined to marry his brother. Johnathan would hate to miss out on the substantial dowry he would receive if she decided against it.
“You need not worry, Miss Agnes. My brother is a healthy man, though he oftentimes overestimates his body’s endurance. After a good night’s rest, he will be right as rain, I assure you.”
She stared at him for a moment longer. It was disconcerting to see how deep her brown eyes were, like a never-ending well. It felt as if she could see right through his skin, like she knew that his heart was beating an odd staccato at her stare and that his palms were sweating under his gloves.
Finally, she looked away and Johnathan found himself free from her hold. They settled into silence since she did not bother to respond to his last words. Johnathan didn’t know what she thought of his answer.
“Was your long trip to Claymore Castle tiring, Miss?”
“Not very,” she answered. “I rather enjoy traveling long distances. It gives me the chance to focus fully on reading, though I oftentimes find myself ill after a few hours with my head down.”
“Ah, you enjoy books then. Is that the only interest you enjoy?”
“My interests expand far past that of a library, Your Grace. I enjoy the simpler pastimes such as the pianoforte and embroidery. I do try my hand at watercolors as well but I do not think I am very good. Certainly not as good as my brother is.”
“Mr. Parsons enjoys painting?” Johnathan asked with a note of surprise. He glanced over at the younger Parsons sibling only to see that he had given up pretending he was listening to the dowager duchess and was now playing with the hem of his waistcoat.
Miss Agnes followed Johnathan’s line of sight and sighed. “Yes, he is rather skillful in that regard. I only hope that he will one day learn to apply himself aptly.”
“And what do you like to apply yourself to, Miss Agnes?”
Miss Agnes looked up at him with her delicately arched brows raised in surprise. Johnathan realized a beat later that he was being inordinately interested in her. He tried to appear casually pleasant as he waited for her response.
“Why do you ask, Your Grace? Do you wish to offer me a list of interesting things to do while we vacation with you and your family?”
“It is being considered,” he admitted after a beat. “I wish for you all to be happy, after all, and to enjoy your time here.”
“What of parties then? Do you throw them often?”
“Often enough for a man of my stature, I suppose,” Johnathan answered vaguely. He didn’t need Miss Agnes to know that he was in such dire financial state that the thought of hosting another party made his stomach churn.
“I enjoy parties,” she said. “Especially themed ones.”
“A lady who enjoys both reading and dancing. An interesting mixture.”
“I never said I enjoy dancing.”
“Do you not?”
“I do.”
Johnathan frowned at her. “Then I was correct.”
“You were.” She glanced up at him and he could have sworn that the side of her lips twitched upwards. “But you should never assume anything about a lady, Your Grace.”
“I…” He trailed off, not knowing what to say in response.
She raised her brows expectantly and when she realized that he was not going to answer right away, she opened her mouth to respond. She didn’t get the chance to when the sound of a carriage pulling in came from outdoors.
