“That I believe. But he could have overpowered you.” Graham spoke as he strode to his friend’s side, searching for any signs of distress.
“He wasn’t here when I did it. Look at me, though. I’m fine. I look better, don’t I?”
He did. Another sign that it was indeed time for Graham to leave. He took the chair opposite Petrov, and Alston studied him.
“You look contemplative.”
Graham sighed. “I’ve just had a... disagreement with your sister.”
“I’m glad not much has changed.”
“I think it’s time I return to my own lodgings.”
Alston frowned. “Truly? You want to leave?”
No. “It’s the proper thing to do.” Between Alston and Amelia, he might not have the will to walk out that door. Fencing words with one Clark was enough trouble; two ensured defeat.
“She’s driven you away, has she?”
Graham rubbed the back of his neck. “No, actually. Amelia wanted me to stay. It is my opinion that I should leave. You’re awake and getting better. We don’t need to court scandal by having me here. The worst has passed.”
Alston scrutinized him with narrowed eyes. “You don’t have that usually stony edge to your voice. You don’t want to leave.”
Graham folded his arms. “I like your cook.”
Alston snorted and grimaced, touching his bruised ribs. “Bloody hell.”
“I’ll leave tonight.”
“No, you won’t. I forbid it. You’re going to eat cake with me, and we’ll play games.”
“Alston.”
“If you must go, I expect you to return as frequently as possible to entertain me. It will be abominably inconvenient going back and forth. You may as well just keep your room. In fact, why don’t you move in here permanently?”
Graham rolled his eyes. “I don’t think Dr. Bradley considered the effects of your injury on your mental state.”
Alston smiled. “I want all of the people who care for me to be close. Is that so wrong? If I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s not to take the people we love for granted. None of us are owed time. We have to make the most of it with what we have, even if we must beg, borrow, or steal.”
“I don’t think most of society will agree with those sentiments, sincere though they are. Amelia’s reputation will take the brunt of it.”
Alston rolled his eyes. “She doesn’t care for it anyway.”
“Oh, I am aware. But she ought to, and you ought to.”
“She’s been saying she won’t marry at all, unless it’s for love. I can’t think of a single man who could sway her heart. She’s fiercely independent now. The older she gets, the more she wants to make good on her promise to Aunt Ruth to die a spinster. But—don’t tell her I said this—I think one day she’ll meet her match, and marriage won’t feel like a trap, but a journey. And I...” He stroked his chin in thought.
“Youwill marry a woman of your choosing who will bring you happiness,” Graham said. “Not a marriage of convenience orchestrated by the Widow because you have no other options,” he added pointedly.
“Oh, yes,that.”
Graham smiled. “Forgotten already?”
“I had. I’m too young to marry. Look at me—a right hellion. Too wicked to settle down. What could she be thinking?”
“One never knows.”
“I’ll send a missive and inform her I appreciate the thought, but I respectfully decline. That might stave her off for a little while.”
