Sidney listened with more interest than he had previously. He’d never had much interest in the estate before, always assuming his brother would have an heir and he wouldn’t need to worry about it.
“It’s good that you’re making sure this place will last,” he said. “I know you want it to be in good shape long term.”
Sighing, Nick agreed. “I do want what’s best for the estate, and for Hazel. That’s why I’ve decided to go ahead with the marriage to Lady Effie.”
All Sidney could do was stare at his brother. After a moment, he tentatively asked, “Are you sure she is the best option you have?”
Nick looked uncomfortable, squirming uncharacteristically. “I know she did not present well the other day,” he said, pausing to shoot Sidney a glare when he grunted in agreement, “butshe’s amenable to the match and it’s hard to find a lady willing to take on not just a husband but a child as well.”
“I don’t mean to question you. You know you have my full support—always,” Sidney emphasized. He clasped his brother by the shoulder. “I’m happy for you if this is truly what you want.”
“I think it’s what is best,” Nick replied, not easing Sidney’s fears.
“Well, then we’ll need to celebrate,” he told his brother, grinning. “What would you like to do to mark the occasion?”
“Let’s wait until the marriage contract has been drawn up and everything is settled, I don’t want to jinx anything.”
“Always the practical one,” Sidney muttered.
“Someone has to be,” Nick shot back, though he said it with an affectionate smile. “Come on, let’s get back to the house, I have a wife to secure.”
* * *
It was later that afternoon when Sidney received a note from Angeline. Spread out in the library, he was catching up on work. London newspapers plastered the desk where he was working, as he unsuccessfully tried to read a letter from Henry regarding a new bill they were drafting to present to both houses of Parliament next session. Try as he might, he couldn’t focus with his mind still worrying over Angeline, and had read the same sentence about four times. Needless to say, he was happy for the disruption when a knock sounded on the doorframe.
“Mr. Bright,” a footman said with a bow as he entered, handing him a letter.
Distracted and anxious, Sidney managed a “thank you” to the young man before tearing the note open.
Dearest Sidney,
I must apologize for the abrupt way I left our conversation the other night. I was caught off guard and needed time to collect my thoughts and assess my feelings. I hope I have not caused you too much distress with my silence since then.
I believe we need to have an honest conversation with one another and clear the air before either of us can make any decisions about what should happen moving forward.
I will be at the pond where we met before, at ten tomorrow morning. I hope I might meet you there.
Ever your friend,
Angeline
Breathing a sigh of relief, Sidney clutched the note in his hand. While it had only been two days, he couldn’t live without talking to her for much longer before going insane. He thought it was a good sign that Angeline wanted to talk. He just hoped that when the depth of his pining was revealed, she would not become overwhelmed.
Sidney had no desire to lie to her, but he also knew she was still emotionally fragile. Though she had been a willing participant in their kiss the other evening, he had sensed she was a bit skittish at opening herself up in such a way again.
After living without her for so long, was it foolish for him to entertain hopes now? Closing his eyes, he reminded himself that he just needed to make it to tomorrow, then hopefully he would have more answers.
CHAPTER14
Pacing nervously, Angeline waited for Sidney at the tree line where both estates met. They had spent so much time together there when they were children, but that time seemed like a past life now. She had arrived early, too on edge to sit around and feign engagement with her family. Hoping the scenery might lend her a sense of serenity, she turned to look at the pond just as she heard the crunch of leaves behind her. Whirling around, she noticed Sidney approaching right as he called out her name.
He looked amazingly calm. Either Sidney had an excellent poker face, or he wasn’t feeling nearly as unsettled as she felt. Angeline realized she was wrong as he came closer. Though managing his expressions well, a nervous energy emanated from him, and she could see small stress lines around his beautiful blue eyes.
Relieved he had come, she forcefully expelled the breath she didn’t even realize she’d been holding. Trying to suppress a smile at the unladylike gesture, the twitching of Sidney’s lips betrayed him.
“It’s alright, you can laugh,” she said. “I’m anxious—I can’t help it.”
Sidney reached over and grasped her small hands between his, stilling them from continuing to strangle the handkerchief she had been twisting. “I know, I am too,” he said simply.
