Page 97 of Hearts of Briarwall

“You always were headstrong.”

“I learned from the best.”

Both men smiled.

Spencer looked above him. “She’s somewhere in this massive house, and I intend to find her. But before I go, I ask you one thing.”

“Oh, you’re going to ask? How considerate of you.”

“On second thought, I’ll tell you.” He took a step forward and gripped Andrew’s shoulder. “You teach your sister to drive, or I will.”

Andrew screwed up his mouth, then huffed. He held up his hands in surrender.

Spencer gave his shoulder a firm shake before striding toward the door.

“Wait!”

Spencer threw his gaze heavenward and turned around. “Jove, what is it?”

Andrew’s look intensified. “Do you love her?Reallylove her?”

Spencer sobered, shaking his head. He shrugged. “How could I not?”

Andrew gave him a nod, and Spencer turned at a run.

“Best of luck getting up there,” Andrew called after him.

He took the stairs two at a time, shouting Lydia’s name.

“Sir,” a slightly frazzled butler followed him, though not as swiftly. “Sir, this is highly improper.”

“Lydia!” He paused at the top of the huge staircase, looking all directions.

“At least allow me to announce you.”

“I believe I’ve already covered that part, thank you. Lydia!”

The butler reached him, out of breath, as a door banged open far to Spencer’s left. A flurry of footsteps pounded down the corridor, then Lydia skidded around the corner, followed closely by her friends. She paused, causing those behind her to bump inelegantly into one another. A small dog barked raucously at the commotion while the girls tried not to step on him.

But Lydia only watched him. “You ... bellowed?”

“Yes.” He was suddenly as out of breath as the butler.

“Forgive me, miss,” the butler said. “He just blasted through.”

“It’s alright, Stafford,” Florrie said, scooping up Nibs. “This one is allowed.”

Stafford looked between Spencer and the girls, then threw his hands up and returned down the stairs.

To Spencer’s chagrin, Florrie, Violet, and Ruby remained, flanking Lydia like avenging angels.

“Spencer,” Lydia breathed. “What are you doing here?”

“Let me guess,” Violet said behind her.

Lydia’s cheeks turned charmingly rosy. “Hush.” She faced Spencer. “You can’t be here,” she said, though the protest was weak.

Weak enough for him to step forward. “Ladies, may I be here?”

---