“Yes,” Ophelia agreed. “And if you are that protective and nurturing over a sibling, one can only imagine you would be even more so with your children.”
Tristan opened his mouth to argue, but his mind blanked. It was not the first time someone from his inner circle had said such things. The truth was though…he was terrified of being a father. Terrified of leaving behind children the way his parents had left him and Theo.
“Ophelia!” Seraphina called, “Would you come here, darling? Hugo and I have a favor to ask.”
“They probably want me to watch their children for another trip,” Ophelia sighed, setting down her champagne glass. “I do not know why they allow me to do so. I spoil their children rotten.”
Even though she tried to sound annoyed, Tristan could see the pure joy shining from his eyes.
“Well, have a pleasant evening, Lord Perfect,” Ophelia goaded with an impish smile.
He only nodded as he watched her walk over to Hugo and Seraphina; the three of them already laughing at something Ophelia said.
He pictured it then. Future children with Ophelia. With her overly loving hand and his overprotective one, their children would be perfectly loved and protected.
“I know you hate one another, but I do love watching you with Ophelia,” Theo said, drawing Tristan from his bewildered thought.
He turned and looked down at Theo, who was giving him the same impish smile Ophelia had.
“Why on earth would you say that?” He demanded.
Theo’s eyes softened as her smile grew wistful, and she reached up to smooth a tuft of his hair back behind his ear.
“You grew up so fast, you know,” Theo sighed. “Having to take over the family business and title. Having to chase after me when I rebelled. You never truly got to be a boy. Yet when you are with Ophelia, this…this look takes over you. Young. Mischievous. It is like she brings out that part of you always had to tuck away.”
He looked back at Ophelia, realizing that his sister spoke the truth. It was, he understood, why his chest suddenly hurt and it felt so hard to breathe. It was because he felt free with her.
He set his glass down, and forced his eyes away from the woman he was starting to have feelings for. It did not matter. Even if he wanted he could not let go of his control. Not now. Not with Perley still out there, threatening to bring them all down.
“I do not know what you are talking about, sister,” he said, then leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“You are leaving? She asked, catching his arm as he moved to turn, “But we are just about the start playing the games!”
He gently pried his arm away from Theo’s grip as he shook his head.
“Have a wonderful time,” he encouraged, sparing one glance at Ophelia. “I, however, am done playing games.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“Lord Weavington!” Ophelia exclaimed. “What are you doing here!”
Abraham’s smile was wide, but not as contagious as the first time she’d seen it. Still, she mustered up one in return.
“My apologies, Lord Weavington,” she said quickly, “That came out wrong. I was just surprised when our butler informed me that it was you in our parlor.”
“No need for apologies, Miss Wexley,” he assured her with a kind look, “And please, call me Abraham. Your reaction is extremely warranted as I gave no warning that I would be visiting today.”
Ophelia’s small smile stayed in place as she waited for him to continue.
“You had mentioned at the Duke of Caldermere’s birthday celebration that due to your poor father’s poor health it was hardto schedule a call, so I thought I would take my chances with an impromptu visit,” Abraham explained.
Ophelia’s brows rose in surprise, and she bit her bottom lip to stop the words she wanted to say.
Your chances are poor. Please leave.
While she had been dazzled by the handsome older gentleman at the ball a week and a half ago, he had lost his luster by their second conversation at Alistair’s party. He had made her laugh quite a bit first, yes, but soon, his interest moved more toward her father and her appearance. Though worded politely, his questions and compliments had put her on edge, which was why she had been more than comfortable with his sudden departure from the party.
“Well that was…bold of you,” Ophelia managed to say in a polite tone.
