“Well? Are you going to tell me whatever it is that has you acting strangely, or must I endure this excruciating display of hesitation all morning?”
“Have you decided to be equally difficult this morning?” Evan exhaled, rubbing his jaw.
“I am waiting.” She gestured toward herself.
“Fine. I have been thinking,” he admitted. “Perhaps the reason you have been so… interested in my affairs is that you lack sufficient activities to keep yourself busy.”
“Ibegyour pardon?” Isadora scoffed, slightly offended.
That wasn’t true. She had plenty to do.
“You seem restless,” he said, as if that excused his words.
Isadora set down her napkin very carefully, restraining herself from throwing it at him. She wondered how he would react tothat.
“So, let me see if I understand,” she said. “Your conclusion, after all your deep reflection, is that I am meddling in your affairs because I am…bored.”
Evan smirked. “I did not saybored.”
“But that was the implication.”
“Restless,” he corrected smoothly. “And before you set fire to the table, I have a solution in mind.”
“Oh, this should be good,” Isadora leaned forward slightly. “Let us hear it then. Your great solution.”
Evan ignored the mocking tone. “I was going to suggest that you visit your family,” he said casually. “Perhaps seeing your sister will… ease your mind.”
Isadora’s lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the offer.
A visit home? To see Penelope?
The thought of seeing her sister again—of making sure she was truly well—sent a wave of unexpected longing through her.
And perhaps, as though Evan had planned this all along, her irritation at Evan simmered down just slightly.
“So, what do you make of it?” Evan asked when she had been quiet for a while.
Isadora could hardly wipe the smile off her face, but she did. “I think it might be one of your better ideas.”
“Oh, you give me too much credit,” Evan said sarcastically. “I wonder how long it will take you to realize thatallmy ideas are good.”
“Self-flattery does not suit a duke,” she pointed out.
“It suits me,” he winked.
“What will you do while I am away? Carry on with yourrestlessbusiness dealings?” she asked suddenly.
His smirk returned. “Oh, I shall miss you terribly, sweetheart. Unless you wish for me to come with you.”
“Either way is fine,” she conceded. “I just wish to see my sister.”
“You are rather excited.”
“And you find that surprising?” she asked.
“Perhaps. I don’t have any siblings to make comparisons of my own,” he conceded with a shrug.
“It is only natural. Penelope and I are close.”
