“Not as yet, but the night is young,” Zach said.
“You enjoy this, don’t you.” Forrest realized then that it was all part of the game these two played. The morning calls too.
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Dimity told me that Ella’s tutor has a brother who is lame.”
“Yes. His name is Adam, Duchess.”
“And that his walking sticks are barely adequate?”
He’d been wondering about how to replace those. Ruby had pride, as they all did, but he felt hers was fierce when it came to her brother and her need to provide his care. He didn’t think she’d simply accept him purchasing the boy new walking sticks.
“I have two that he could have. I hurt my ankle some years ago. I had these made especially. They fit under my arms and hold my weight. They have good solid arms on them. Give them to the boy.”
“I will see he gets them, Duchess. Thank you very much for that kindness; it will mean a great deal to both Adam and his sister.”
She made a harrumphing sound that Forrest had learned meant the discussion was done with.
The recital was good. Dimity was sniffing after the second song, tears of appreciation in her eyes. Gabe held her hand. Forrest’s thoughts kept circling back to Ruby. Why had she been crying when Dimity, Beth, and Freya had managed to get her into their carriage? He would ask her. Not that she’d tell him, but he’d tell her he was there if she needed anything. Something was off with her. She didn’t smile or laugh like she had just a few days before. Her smile seemed forced.
“Did you enjoy that?” the duchess said when it finished.
“Very much. You?”
“I’d rather have someone read to me, but it was adequate.”
“Adequate?” Dimity squawked.
“Excuse me, I will get refreshments,” Forrest said quickly.
“Coward,” Gabe drawled as he walked sideways out of the row.
“I’ll help.” Zach followed.
“Why it is you and Mary argue constantly, cousin?” Forrest asked when they’d moved away from the others.
“She is annoying is why,” Zach muttered. “And we covered this when we paid the morning call to the Blake household.”
“For you to apologize.”
“What will it take for you to shut up?”
“I find it curious that none of us argue with Mary. Odd, don’t you think, if she is so annoying?” Forrest decided he quite enjoyed annoying Zach. This was what he’d been missing by not having a sibling.
“She is irritating.”
“If you say so, but I stand by my claim that there is more to this animosity between you.”
“As in?” Zach’s eyes were on a lovely young lady a few feet ahead. She was shooting him a coy look.
“As in you and she feel an attraction to each other.”
Zach choked on air. Forrest had the pleasure of hitting him hard on the back.
“I-I could never be attracted to a woman like that! Good Lord, have you looked at her?”
“That is rude, Zach. Keep your voice down.”
