“Yes, I thank you,” Tristan said, stepping into the warm vestibule, Dennison close on his heels. He looked at Dennison as the butler walked up the stairs. The poor man was soon to learn Caroline’s affections were wholly engaged with another. Tristan did not rejoice in providing the man with disappointment, but he was eager for the matter to be dealt with so they could move forward.
The silence between them was thick and uncomfortable.
Tristan rocked back on his heels. “Beautiful pair you have. Prime bit of horseflesh.”
Dennison’s smile became authentic at once. “Just acquired them a fortnight past. Been meaning to take them out the Bath Road—give them their heads and test their mettle.”
“They’ve a fine pace in them, I’d wager,” Tristan said. He couldn’t recall seeing better lines on a horse in years.
The butler returned before Dennison could propose placing any real bets. “If you will follow me.”
The men fell in line behind him, trudging up the stairs and toward the parlor. Midday light streamed through the windows, falling over the seating area where Caroline and Kitty were situated.
Mrs. Whitby sat at the desk against the wall, but rose on their arrival. “Welcome, gentlemen,” she said. “Please do be seated. Forgive my rudeness for not joining you. I am attending to my correspondence.”
“We look forward to your company once you have finished your task, ma’am,” Tristan said. She smiled at him, gesturing for the men to take the chairs, then lowering herself on her cushion again, turning her back on the company.
Caroline was dressed in blue, making her eyes bright. Her dark hair was styled neatly at the crown of her head, and her lips looked particularly pink. Were they always that color, or had Tristan only noticed them especially because he was more familiar with them?
She looked up into his eyes, and he noted a strain within her expression he had not expected. Perhaps the notion of putting off Dennison was providing her with undue stress.
“These are for you, Miss Whitby,” Tristan said, gesturing to the pink roses in his hand.
She glanced at them but did not move to accept the bouquet. “Thank you, Mr. Shepherd. That is thoughtful. Pomfrey? Would you care for them?”
The butler stepped forward, taking the roses from Tristan. The entire ordeal was strange.
“I’ve come to ask if you would like to ride out with me, Miss Whitby,” Dennison said. “As you appear to have a guest, I suppose we ought to do so another time.”
The poor man was about to receive a set down.
Caroline’s attention shifted to him, her smile growingwide. “How kind of you. I should like that very much…another time.”
Tristan’s thoughts shuddered to an abrupt stop. She wouldlike that very much? What the deuce did that mean? Was she not meant to rebuff the man? She had shown more emotion for a ride with horses she did not like than for the flowers Tristan had brought.
He looked at her hard, but she would not meet his gaze. A vague uneasiness swept over him.
Dennison continued to talk of the park and his new horses, and all the while Caroline listened intently.
Kitty looked immensely bored, however. She still wore the same gown from yesterday, though her hair was neatly styled.
Tristan edged in the first time Dennison left a space of more than one second in the conversation. “You are looking well, Miss Fielding. When last I saw you, I believe you had experienced quite a shock.”
“Oh, I am very well,” Kitty agreed. “Caroline and Mr. Whitby have been immensely kind, allowing me to sponge off their generosity and time.”
“It is no trial,” Caroline argued. “I adore having you with us.”
“Do you see what I mean?” Kitty asked, grinning. “Such good friends.”
There was the slightest strain in her expression, though, and Tristan believed she did not feel as composed as she seemed.
The door opened, permitting James into the room. He paused when he noticed the additional guests, his eyes darting to his sister.
“Good day,” he said.
Tristan nodded to him.
James pulled his pocket watch out and looked at it. “I’ve just returned from an appointment, and the sun has made a rare appearance. I was hoping to entice the ladies to walk in the park with me.”
