They were as close as mother and daughter, though he supposed they would be. Everyone knew that Sophie had lost her parents when she was very young and Louisa had raised her for most of her life.
Which meant he would have to be very careful with how he proceeded with Lady Louisa. Friendship or not, he doubted she would be happy if she thought he was sniffing around her niece for Sophie’s fortune.
In truth, he wasn’t very pleased with that idea, himself. But the twenty-four hours since the ball had been rather awful. He’d received his copy of his father’s will, and Percy had helped him obtain a solicitor that very morning. The man had only to read over the document once to say that Alistair was within his rights to remove Rowan’s funds. That fighting for otherwise in court would likely result in nothing but a lot of lost money that Rowan now didn’t have.
Which meant he was back to the options he’d been tossing and turning over all night. He was bad at investment, never had the head for it. He didn’t want to fall on the kindness of friends. His art didn’t yet make enough to support him.
But plenty of men married for the dowry of their intended. It was mercenary, but expected. And at least Sophie was attractive. Very attractive, really. He’d always found her in the crowd. Always appreciated the way she moved.
“Rowan Sinclair!”
He turned from the portrait as Lady Louisa entered the room, both hands outstretched. Her smile was wide and welcoming, and he returned a grin of his own as he moved toward her and allowed her to kiss each cheek as a welcome. He had always genuinely liked Lady Louisa. Five years before he’d been seated next to her at a dinner party and they’d been friends ever since. She was intelligent and amusing, kind and eccentric.
“My lady, you are a vision as always,” he said as he waited for her to sit and did the same.
She slapped his forearm good-naturedly. “You are a flatterer and a flirt, sir,” she teased.
He leaned in. “Always, Lady Louisa.”
“It’s been an age since I last saw you,” she said, leaning forward to prepare his tea.
“Too long,” he agreed, and meant every word. “I think we last shared tea…six months ago?”
“Just after your father’s death,” Louisa agreed, and her tone became more somber. “How are you holding up?”
Rowan stiffened. “As well as can be expected,” he admitted softly.
“And are those wretched brothers of yours giving you too much trouble?” she pressed.
He darted his gaze to her. There was something in her tone that made him wonder if she knew his dire circumstances. But that was not possible. He’d only discovered them himself just last night.
“They are pleasant, as always,” he said, keeping his tone dry and neutral.
She nodded. “Well, they may mellow now that Alistair has the power he’s always wanted.”
Rowan shook his head. “He does revel in the power,” he muttered, his mind going to his brother’s smug expression.
Louisa sighed. “You cannot wish to discuss this topic.”
He laughed despite himself. “No, I do not.”
She tilted her head and looked at him more closely. “What brings you by, Rowan? I was surprised to receive your request to call.”
“Can a man simply wish to see an old friend from time to time?”
She sipped her tea before she answered. “Perhaps you come here to inquire after Sophie.”
His eyes went wide and he stared at her. God but the woman was a hawk—she didn’t miss a thing. And she was entirely unreadable in this moment, he couldn’t tell her reaction even a fraction. He would have to tread carefully.
“And why would you say that?”
She folded her hands into her lap without breaking eye contact with him. “We have already established that half a year has passed since our last tea together. I cannot help but think the timing of this new call isn’t a coincidence. After all, her change in demeanor is on the wind, isn’t it?”
He hesitated and then nodded. “It’s the talk of the town, of course. After all, how often does a woman go from refusing even the casual interest of gentlemen to dancing with any one of them who asks? Whowouldn’ttalk?”
“I admit that there is reason for the general interest,” Louisa said. “But I’m more curious about your interest specifically, Rowan. You and Sophie have bumped into each other over the years in Society and through our friendship, but I’ve never sensed a deeper connection. So I wonder why you come all the way here to inquire. Is it more than wanting to be the center of knowledge?”
He swallowed. “Lady Sophie and I are of an age,” he said, choosing every word carefully. “No one could say she isn’t beautiful. And I know she is also intelligent.”
