Louisa’s stomach clenched and her fingers tightened on the handle of her cup. “Is he not sleeping again?”
Violet ran a hand over her gown, as if gathering her thoughts. “He says he is sleeping well, but I’ve noticed his dark circles. I do think he has been up more as of late. I was hoping to give him a good report. Perhaps having dinner with you this week will settle his mind.”
“You should have told me, Violet. I would have invited you sooner.”
Violet waved a hand. “It is not your burden to bear. And truly, he is fine. Just a bit restless since you’ve left.”
“Well, please assure him all is well, and he has nothing to worry about. And I will do my best to do the same.”
Violet gave a tentative smile, nodding as she met Louisa’s gaze. “We only want you to be happy, Louisa. That is our greatest desire.”
“Is Henry here now?” Louisa stood, ready to head to his office.
Violet shook her head. “No. He went to check on the eldest Lord Crowly and his infected toenail.” She grimaced. “He won’t be back for some time.”
“Goodness gracious. That brother of mine can only think of others.”
“Yes,” Violet said with a dreamy sigh, her smile encompassing her whole face. “He is the best of men. I cannot believe I am so lucky.”
“You are the only one that deserves him, Violet. You are so good to him.”
Violet cleared her throat, looking very much as if she might cry. “Thank you.”
Bless her heart. Violet was much more in tune with her emotions and felt things deeply—something Henry needed in his life.
Louisa left her sister-in-law with her emotions warring inside. She wished to put Violet and Henry’s worries to rest, but did not want to mislead them into thinking she had declared passionate love for her husband. Even if she did so to assuage their worries, it left the possibility that Robert would get wind of it and make assumptions, thus ending in a sea of heartbreak. Louisa did not want that. Now she was trying to balance two problems, and she wasn’t sure if she could.
She handed her things to Brooks upon entering the house, fully intending to head to the kitchen to discuss the menu for the dinner with Violet and Henry.
“Your Grace,” Brooks said with a bow, “his grace asked if I would send you to his library upon your return.”
“Oh.” She stopped. “Is everything all right?”
“I believe so. He only wanted to speak with you.”
She nodded. “Very well. Thank you, Brooks.”
The walk to Robert’s library seemed never-ending. What could he want? He had said he would be working the entire afternoon, and she had not expected to see him until dinner. How was she to distance herself if he kept putting himself in her path all day? Surely she was being silly, worrying over his summons. He likely only had a simple question to ask, yet as her steps neared hisdoor, they slowed, feeling heavier as she approached the familiar room.
When she was only a few feet away from the door, a sound caught her attention. It was almost like distant thunder warning that it was coming—a gentle rumble that one could barely make out. Louisa tiptoed toward the door, the sound growing louder as she neared. She peered about the frame, her eyes immediately landing on the desk that stood empty. How strange. Brooks had specifically said Robert’s library. Had he been mistaken and meant his office instead?
Louisa scanned the rest of the room before searching somewhere else. The window was ajar, letting in a soft breeze that fluttered the draperies beside it. Her eyes finally snagged on the chaise in front of the bookcase.
Oh, her poor heart. It didn’t stand a chance at such a sight. For there, with an open book across his chest and his spectacles haphazardly stretched across his face, was Robert, gently snoring as he dozed. And on his stomach, curled into an adorable white ball, was Prince.
She couldn’t breathe—couldn’t move. All she could do was stare and curse Brooks for sending her back here. She could be blissfully unaware in the kitchen, planning the dishes for the dinner with Henry and Violet. Instead, her heart thudded in her chest, asking herself an unrelenting question.
How was she to not fall in love with this man?
Just as she was about to back away from the door, leaving Robert to his nap, he rubbed his face, knocking his spectacles to the carpet beneath the chaise. Without looking, he reached down, his hand aimlessly swinging about as he searched for them. When he finally found them, he placed them back across his nose, picking up his book with one hand while he reached the other toward Prince’s furry head, scratching him behind the ears.
She went to back away and try to block this memory from her mind when Prince noticed her, sitting up and wagging his tail.
Robert brought his book down. “Oh,” he said, his voice groggy with sleep. “Louisa. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“No need to apologize.” She stepped into the room, knowing she couldn’t very well leave now. “Writing letters will do that to a person.”
He sighed, sitting up and removing his spectacles before rubbing his face. “Yes. As will reading.” He held up the book.
