He had become so belligerent, so defensive. She had never seen him like that, had never been the recipient of his anger. She wasn’t even aware he could be so cruel. But then a change had come over him. He had been about to say something of import to her. She knew he had. She wished they had not been interrupted.
She looked about, not sure where to go. But then her eyes lit on the entrance to the hall that led to the library.
Her father was there, seated at the large mahogany desk in the corner. Several piles of books littered the surface. His nose was buried in one unwieldy tome, and he was busy scribbling notes onto a sheet of foolscap.
Imogen approached and stood before the massive desk. She had a sudden flashback of more episodes than she cared to remember where she had waited for her father to acknowledge her. It had never bothered her overmuch, if truth be told. She had even made a bit of a game of it in her youth, counting the time as it passed on the mantel clock, making silent bets with herself to see when he would finally look up with a start, his eyes glazed over, his mind wrapped in the pages of his book, a sheepish smile on his lips.
As he did just now. “Imogen, my dear. I do hope you haven’t been standing there long. You know how I get sidetracked while reading.”
Imogen smiled and took a seat close by. “Have you been enjoying Lord Willbridge’s library, Papa? I believe I have hardly seen you at all this past sennight,” she teased.
“Oh, I am so sorry. The collection of books here is unlike any I have found elsewhere. I vow, I could spend the next ten years here and still not have unearthed all its treasures.”
There was a spark in his eyes, so much like a small child with a crate full of puppies, that she couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s quite all right. I have not been lonely a minute, so do not worry on my account.”
“Yes, I see you are getting along wonderfully with Lord Willbridge’s sisters. Lady Daphne is a lively young girl. Reminds me a bit of Mariah.”
“Yes, I was under the same impression. She is sweet. I think she will do wonderfully in town next year.”
He sat back. “Now, Lady Emily, she is much more subdued. Though, if I am correct, it seems the two of you have struck up a bit of a friendship.”
Imogen had learned over the years not to be surprised with the extent of things her father actually noticed, even while in the throes of a new intellectual pursuit. Most of what went on passed him by, but occasionally he was so in tune that it was almost shocking.
“Yes,” she replied. “She is actually a lovely girl. We sang several duets together just yesterday. She has a beautiful voice.” She hesitated.
Lord Tarryton’s normally placid eyes sharpened on her. “What is it?”
“I worry about the relationship Lord Willbridge has with his family,” she admitted, a frown marring her forehead.
Her father nodded. “He is unaccountably distant with them. I admit it surprises me, seeing as how easy his manner is with everyone else.” He peered at her closely. “This bothers you a great deal.”
“Yes,” she murmured.
“But why?”
Her head drew back in shock. “I’m sorry?”
He sat forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Why does it bother you, Imogen?
She cast about for an answer, but her mind came up blank.
“You have declared,” he went on gently, “that you will not have Lord Willbridge. You have told me in no uncertain terms that at the end of our stay you will still refuse him.”
Her mouth worked for a time in silence. Finally she managed, “Yes, Papa, that is correct.”
“So why does it bother you so very much that he does not have a close relationship with his family?”
She shook her head, unable to tear her eyes from the kindness in his own.
“Can it be, Imogen, that you care for Lord Willbridge?”
She looked down at her lap, trying valiantly to fight back the tears that had suddenly sprung up behind her eyes. “It does not signify,” she whispered.
He was at her side in an instant, offering her a handkerchief. She took it and wrung it between her fingers.
“On the contrary, I believe it signifies very much.”
“No. It will never work.” When he made to speak, she held up her hand. “Please, Papa. I have my reasons. Can we not leave it at that?”
