“And what if it was?” Moira asked. “I’m not one to judge. I would have a hard time saying goodbye to the joys of married life too.”
While happy to learn Moira only wanted to support her, Angeline had to repress a shudder knowing the joys she spoke of were in reference to her brother. “More than I needed to know, Moira. But thank you.”
“So what did happen, if it’s not what it looks like?” Moira asked, the side of her mouth twisted in amusement.
“Yesterday was harder for me than I had anticipated,” Angeline admitted. “I couldn’t sleep, so I went downstairs for a snack and ran into Sidney. We only talked, but it left me emotionally drained, and I didn’t want to be alone. I asked him to stay up with me in the library, and we fell asleep reading.” She shared this in a straightforward manner, but what she didn’t share with Moira was how unnerved the evening had left her.
“I’m glad you were able to find some comfort,” Moira said. Brushing Angeline’s hair off her shoulder, her expression was more serious than Angeline expected. “Just be careful with Sidney.”
Confused, Angeline asked, “what do you mean?”
Moira pursed her lips, weighing her words carefully, before answering. “I believe Sidney has always cared for you. While I am glad you are starting to reach out and ask for the comfort you need, be cautious that you don’t give him ideas you may not be ready to follow through with.”
Angeline could only stare at Moira, mouth agape. However, along with her surprise, a thrill ran up her spine, causing her to shiver. It’s true that right around the time of her debut she thought Sidney might be viewing her differently. She had changed drastically in the years he had been away on his grand tour, and when he returned, she was no longer a schoolgirl but a young woman. Angeline sometimes wondered if she had imagined the change in him, for when he returned from mourning, she perceived nothing from him other than friendship. Was it possible that what Moira was insinuating was true? Could the feeling she once suspected have been real, and Sidney chose to hide them after she had met Phillip?
“It’s possible that he may have had feelings for me before I married,” Angeline said, “but he’s always been respectful, and I’ve never felt anything from him other than friendship.”
“All I know,” Moira replied, “is that you were already married to Phillip when I first met Sidney. While he’s never actually said anything about a fondness for you, I’ve always felt an undercurrent when the two of you are in the same room. It’s the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is watching.”
Angeline was dumfounded. Her emotions tangled within her as she tried to make sense of everything she had felt over the last day alongside Moira’s revelations. In one way, she was thrilled that the awakening feelings she had felt when around Sidney may have been reciprocal, and they might not have come from out of nowhere as it had seemed. Maybe she was feeding off feelings from him that she had not recognized.
On the other hand, Angeline did not know if she was anywhere near ready to contemplate another relationship with a man, even if that man was Sidney. If Moira was right, she needed to be cautious that she did not give him false hope moving forward until she could better understand her own heart.
“I hope I’ve not caused trouble with my impulsive actions.”
“Please don’t worry yourself over it,” Moira said. “I probably shouldn’t have mentioned anything, as it is truly only a feeling I’ve had from time to time. And the last thing I want to do is stifle you as you begin to stretch your wings again. We all love you, Angeline, and we want nothing more than to see you happy.”
“I know that,” Angeline reassured her. “And I’m so grateful that you and Fitz are allowing me to move in with you and the children. It’s time for me to move forward, but I don’t believe I’m ready to live on my own. I need your little angels to keep me company.”
With a snort, Moira said, “Angels they are not, let me assure you. But I know they will be happy to have their Auntie Angie around. And we are too—you know you are always welcome, and you can stay with us as long as you like. Stay forever if you feel so inclined.”
While hearing the words of affection warmed her heart, Angeline felt an inexplicable sadness when she considered remaining a widow, forced to live with her brother for the rest of her life. Glad to have the support and never wanting to take it for granted, she still couldn’t help but wonder if living with another’s family would ever be enough.
CHAPTER8
Sidney raised up his arms and rolled his shoulders, tensing them to give a good stretch and release before lowering them after his long ride. Working his way across the backyard toward the house, he reflected on how nice it was to be back at Ravenswood. He had settled in a few days ago, and while he was enjoying the time with his brother and niece, his mind consistently wandered to the neighboring estate and Angeline.
It had been a week since Reid’s wedding, and Sidney couldn’t stop thinking about how it had felt to hold Angie in his arms when she had needed comfort. He knew better than to make more of it than what it had been, but his thoughts returned to that evening again and again. It wasn’t even their close proximity that stayed with him, though he had certainly enjoyed it, but more the intimacy of the entire day with her. Their conversations at the wedding were some of the most profound they had shared in years. Sidney hoped that it was the start of a more intimate and meaningful relationship.
Entering the house, he swung through the kitchen and grabbed a scone that was laid out to cool, angering the longtime cook, Mrs. Thompson.
“Off with you now, Mr. Bright,” the woman scolded. “I knew it would be trouble having you back in the house. Never could keep your fingers out of my food when you were growing up.”
“Come now,” Sidney teased with his most charming smile, “you know you’re secretly glad I’m here.” She grumbled and put on a good show, but Sidney could see the smile she was trying to hide. He took off before he could get into more trouble and went in search of his brother.
Knocking on the study door, Sidney began opening it even before his brother uttered a perfunctory “enter.”
“You could have waited for me to acknowledge you before barging in, you know,” Nick said from behind his desk, head still bent over his task. Sighing, Nick sat back and rolled his shoulders, an echo of the movement Sidney had performed just moments ago. Observing Sidney as he polished off the last of the scone, Nick gave a grunt. “I see you’ve wasted no time in reacquainting yourself with the kitchens,” he said while gesturing to the crumbs Sidney was leaving on the carpet from brushing his hands together.
“I’ve never been able to resist Mrs. Thompson’s baked goods—you know that,” Sidney replied. “Looks like you could use one yourself. How long has it been since you’ve taken a break?”
Sidney’s brother, Nicholas Bright, Viscount of Hasting, was dedicated to his work. Sidney had always admired his brother and how responsible he was. He supposed that came with being the eldest and carrying the weight of the title. As a second son, Sidney held much more freedom, and had taken advantage of it for many years. But when he began to feel empty in his frivolous life, it was Nick whom he had thought of and tried to imitate. In Sidney’s opinion, there was no better man.
“I actually could use a break, and I’m glad you’re here. I’ve something I need to talk with you about,” Nick said. “Let me just ask for tea to be sent in—I do want one of those scones.” Sidney smirked at how well he knew his brother while Nick found a staff member and arranged for the tea.
Sitting back down behind his rather imposing desk, Nick asked, “How are you settling in? Hazel sure is excited you’ll be here for a while.” Sidney smiled at the mention of his niece, for whom he was inordinately fond and loved dearly.
“It’s nice to be here. I do enjoy my work, but with all the upheaval lately, it’s been exhausting. I’m enjoying having a bit of a break before things start winding back up for the next session.”
