Thomas drained his drink. “There is a problem with that?”
“The problem is,” Sebastian said with a sigh, “we’re not officially attached. I can’t just ask her questions about the future because we kissed, and I suddenly dream of things I never dreamed before.”
“Why not?”
Sebastian gave them both a flat look. “Because she deserves… I don’t know, but not a steamroller of a proposal from a man halfway to madness.”
“You know there is a lodge on our property,” Thomas said, leaning back with a smug tilt of his head. “I’m just saying. It’s yours to use and use to woo if you want.”
Sebastian blinked at him. “You want me to abduct her?”
Thomas rolled his eyes. “I’m suggesting youinviteher. Like a gentleman.”
Sebastian eyed his friend skeptically. “Invite her forwhatexactly?”
Rotheworth choked on a laugh. “He says it like it’s a mortal sin.”
“Itfeelslike one,” Sebastian muttered. “An invitation. To a lodge. Where we will be alone.”
“Do whatever you want.” Thomas blinked. “Or not want.”
He scoffed.
But still… the lodge. Itwassecluded. Private. Far enough from the main house to be free of prying eyes and whispered speculations. If he asked Maddie there—invited her properly, respectfully, with whatever decorum was required—it might buy him the space to speak with her plainly. To ask the questions he’d kept swallowing every time she looked at him like she might feel something more.
It was a ridiculous idea.
It was a perfect idea.
“I’d have to arrange a proper escort,” he said slowly, his mind already racing ahead. “Make it look respectable. Not some scandalous assignation.”
Thomas snorted. “You’re asking her to take a walk, not climb into your bed. Though if she decides to—”
Sebastian threw a crust of bread at him.
“Just being supportive,” Thomas said cheerfully.
Rotheworth leaned forward, the tavern candlelight casting shadows beneath his eyes. “If you do this, Sebastian, don’t make it a half-measure. Don’t take her to the lodge just to fumble around the edges of what you want. Be clear. Ask her if she sees a future—with you. Not someday. Now.”
Sebastian’s throat worked. “What if she says no?” This was his biggest fear.
Thomas didn’t flinch. “Then at least you’ll know. And you’ll have done something most men don’t.”
Sebastian tilted his head. “What’s that?”
“Had the courage to tell a woman what she means to you before it was too late.”
There was a long pause.
*
Maddie was notinebriated. Not on beer, at least. She was, perhaps,pleasantly marinated—not in beer, but in thoughts of a certain marquess—which was exactly the sort of mood required for the conversation now taking place inside the Linsey family brewery. The rather lovely space—normally bustling with workers—was quiet for the afternoon, giving her the opportunity to catch up with her friends.
And quite timely, Sera arrived on the estate not even a quarter of an hour ago, which made the moment even more perfect. They’d practically dragged her from the courtyard straight to the brewery.
“Where is your prince?” Maddie asked. “I cannot believe he let you travel alone.”
Sera snorted. “Did younotsee my retinue? I am never alone and miss Alex.
