Her expression turned contemplative as she continued along the wall, staring at the glass cases. He didn’t give a fig what was in the case.
“It is not that I do not enjoy it. Only that I undertake the activity when I have nothing else I am allowed to do, and so it often feels like a chore. But I certainly enjoy it over embroidery or gossip.” She smiled, but he only continued to study her, his hands clasped behind his back.
“What is it youdoenjoy?”
Her eyes left the many winged specimens and locked on his, surprise etched across her features. “Do you truly wish to know?”
“I asked, did I not?”
A crease developed between her brows as she eyed him. What he wouldn’t give to know what she was thinking in that instance. Whatever it was, she eventually determined to take him seriously.
“I like music above all else, though I am only proficient at the pianoforte.”
Yes,onlyproficient.He did not speak the incredulous words aloud, since he would not wish to give away his now near-daily occupancy of the hall outside the music room. He may need to have a chair placed beside the doors if only to save his backside.
“Next, I believe I enjoy being out of doors. Experiencing the world. AndthenI enjoy reading. As I said, it is not an unpleasant pastime, simply not my first choice.”
“Why do you do it at all then? The first two sound enjoyable enough.”
She raised her eyebrows before whispering conspiratorially. “Because the first two are not looked upon with favor in my home.”
Humor colored her voice, but he did not find it humorous. “What is this? You were banned from music and the outdoors? Gads, girl, what sort of family are you a part of?”
Amelia chuckled, patting his arm softly. The noise sounded... sad. “Oh no. I was notbanned. At least not from the outdoors—Miss Harlow, my governess, adored the outdoors. I was simply encouraged to partake in other activities when my family was at home. Embroidery, pleasant conversation, studying London’s peerage. Not that I did any of those things, though studying the peerage probably would have helped me in our unfortunate meeting.”
Edward did not agree.
“I do not believe my family would have enjoyed even my reading; it is not nearly feminine enough. Thankfully, none of them ever entered the west library, so they were wholly unaware of that pastime.”
“But the music?”
“That Iwasbanned from. More or less.” Her tone was light, but something flashed in her eyes, and her cheeks pulled in slightly before she spun on her heel and walked farther down the row.
It would seem she did not wish to continue this line of questioning. But much as he wished to honor her desires, he needed to ensure she was not mistreated. That was a husband’s job, was it not?
He approached, more slowly this time, and came to stand at her elbow. She was reading in the companion book they were given upon their arrival. He waited until she looked up again.
“Why could you not play your music?”
Her eyes darted between the both of his, before her shoulders drooped marginally. “My mother played the pianoforte. When she died, my playing reminded my family too much of her. I was asked to stop.”
His heart lurched at the pain in her eyes. “My mother played the pianoforte a great deal before passing as well.”
“I am sorry for your loss.”
“And I yours.”
She smiled rather sadly but did not walk away from him. He needed to restore her to better humor. It was painful to see her so downtrodden.
“Your favorite type of weather?” he asked.
Her brows shot up, but she did not question him again. “Sunny, of course. Yours?”
“Rain.” When she looked askance at him, he smiled. “Your favorite color?”
“Lavender. And yourself?”
He did not even need to think. “Blue or green.” They began walking again, heading for the next exhibit. “Your favorite meal?”
