She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “That’s all I ask, my dear.”
Madeline returned to the table. Her hands were empty now, and she was skipping from one foot to the other in the most exuberant fashion.
“Come on, Peter! Let’s go find something fun to do. There’s bound to be something exciting in the gardens.”
Peter allowed himself to be led away, grateful for the distraction.
As they wandered through the gardens, the lively atmosphere and Madeline’s infectious enthusiasm began to chip away at his earlier unease. She pointed out different flower arrangements, marveled at the fountains, and even convinced him to try his hand at a game of lawn bowling, which he found surprisingly enjoyable.
Peter laughed more than he had in weeks. His sister’s cheerfulness lifted his spirits in a way he had not anticipated. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, the ones he had been neglecting in favor of other pursuits.
But as the day wore on, he found his thoughts drifting back to the conversation with his mother. He knew she was right, in a way. He couldn’t avoid his responsibilities forever. But the idea of marriage, of being tied to someone for the rest of his life, was overwhelming. He had seen too many unhappy unions among his peers, including his parents’. Marriages of convenience that brought little joy to either party.
He was lost in thought when Madeline asked, “Brother, are you listening?”
He blinked, realizing he had been staring off into the distance. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
Madeline gave him a knowing look, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I was just asking if you were enjoying yourself.”
Peter smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. “Yes, I am. It’s been a good day.”
Madeline studied him for another moment, her expression thoughtful. “If you say so,” she said.
Peter did not say anything else. They wandered deeper into the estate, away from the noise and bustle of the main party. The further they went, the quieter it became, until they were walking in near silence. The only sound they could hear was the rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the distant birds.
As they rounded a corner, Peter’s steps slowed as he caught sight of a familiar figure standing near a secluded fountain. Lavinia was alone, her back to them as she gazed into the water. His heart skipped a beat; he could still feel her lips against his.
Madeline noticed the sudden change in his demeanor and followed his gaze. “There’s Lavinia!” she said excitedly.
Peter nodded, his eyes fixed on Lavinia’s graceful form.
Madeline could not contain her glee and immediately ran towards Lavinia.
“Lavinia!” she screamed.
Lavinia turned to her. A wide smile spread across her face as soon as she saw Madeline. However, it quickly disappeared when her eyes landed on him.
“Good, you are all here.” Charles appeared out of nowhere. His usual cheerful energy quickly enveloped the group.
“I already told Mother that we would be staying here,” Lavinia reminded him.
“I promised my mama that we would stay for the banquet as well,” Madeline chimed in sweetly.
Charles shot Peter a look, likely hoping for some assistance, but Peter simply shrugged his shoulders.
“We told everyone that our outing would take place on the morrow. We should stick to the plan.”
Charles gave a good-natured laugh, then offered Madeline his arm. “Well, if you all insist on being sticks in the mud, I suppose I shall just have to find a way to fill the rest of the day before our escapade.” Madeline tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and beamed up at him. “What do you say we return to the lake?”
Peter waited to see how Lavinia would respond. She nodded once, then he followed suit.
As Madeline and Charles headed toward the lake, Peter offered Lavinia his arm. She took it, and a strange feeling, one he had experienced just a few hours ago when they stood in the woods together, came over him.
He liked the way her hand draped over his forearm, and he thought just briefly of how nice it would be if she never had to let go of him.
CHAPTER 14
The journey to the village was brief, made even more enjoyable by the lighthearted banter that filled the carriage.
