Page 65 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"Well, it would mean more to me for her to want to make a good impression on all of you," said Noah.
"I'm impressed. She's an impressive young lady, such poise," observed Charles.
"I've got to travel with you more," murmured Jeremy.
As they finished their breakfast, he readied himself to visit Lawrence and to head off Judith and Esther's curiosities. Charles eagerly went to the study to skim some of the books for interesting points of conversation with Diana.
"Well, for a moment, we are alone," Noah said, looking at Anne with a warm smile.
"We are," agreed Anne, smiling as well. "Please, do not think I am rude for asking, but why do you harbor such tension toward your sister?"
"You've met her," Noah replied as though it was obvious.
"Well, yes, but aside from certain expectations and opinions she holds and voices somewhat inconsiderately at times, she does seem to care about you and be concerned for you," Anne pointed out. "You should appreciate that much."
"My sister cares to control me for her own benefit. Nothing more," said Noah, appearing to have no further interest in the conversation.
"I apologize. Let us move on to more pleasant things," Anne said, not wanting to press the matter further. "I shall prepare our picnic. Do you think we should take a book for someone to read us or perhaps bring supplies to sketch and draw each other or the view."
"As long as you bring your company, I will see to it that you brother and I carry anything else you wish to have," Noah replied with a dreamy smile as he gently touched Anne's hand. "More than anything else, I just want to enjoy your company."
Anne smiled. "And I yours, but I'm sure your sister would like more than that, and I would like to see her enjoy herself and grow as comfortable as you have."
"If you insist," Noah replied with a look of resignment and shrug of his shoulders.
Then, he and Anne met eyes once more, and his charming grin reappeared.
"You prepare the food. I'll ask your brother to fetch a basket so he and I can collect a few books and art supplies," he suggested.
"Thank you," said Anne.
When it was midday, Anne and Noah stepped out the back door and began to walk side by side through the garden. Behind them, Diana walked with Charles, she frowned at the flowers of the garden in the back lawn and rolled her eyes at Charles' attempts to impress her by sounding well read in literature and up to date on the politics of the monarchy.
"I think King George would do well to limit how much romantic fiction is being produced right now. I mean, it has its place, and I could easily recite Shelley or Byron or read you the pages of Edgeworth or Hoffman, but I think the kingdom would be in far better shape if printers published more works about current events and the economy."
"I think more newspapers and periodicals sounds like a terrible idea," said Diana. "Dreadful. If I am going to read something, I do not wish it to be more of what we see every day. There are enough papers publishing their opinions on that."
"Oh," Charles replied.
Then, changing the subject, he gestured to some of the shrubbery they were passing.
"Do you like our shrubbery? I shape and maintain them. I want it to be a pleasant place to walk. I've created small areas with benches for two people to sit and chat. There's one over there. Would you care to join me?" he asked, shifting the basket he carried and offering his arm to Diana.
"I am quite all right, thank you. I would prefer to reach wherever we are picnicking, have a bit of whatever we are eating, and then return to the manor and rest," she said. "I enjoy walking about the city to see merchants, but a walk in the country, so far, does not seem to be something I would like to do again.
Charles looked disappointed.
"That's unfortunate," he said.
"Charles seems desperate for your sister's attention," observed Anne. "I'm not sure why. He recognizes they would be a poor match, but still, he is determined to make some sort of impression on her. Or perhaps he is seeking something of her that will imprint on him as you have for when he seeks a hand in time."
"He can do far better than a spoiled child like my sister and her companions. Although, I dare say there are one or two who have recently held their debut that could suit his temperament in time. He is intelligent but still boyish, so it is hard to say. He would need someone who could spur him along with hiswork but also share a game over hot chocolate with him in the evening. Occasionally offer him wine and encourage how well he is managing things."
"That sounds about like what I have imagined for him as well. No matter his age, Charles will be Charles, but I think that is good. He is good," agreed Anne.
"He is," said Noah firmly. "I imagine by the time he is my age, he will have met his match and already have a little one."
Anne smiled and felt reassured as she glanced back at her brother.
