“Prince seemed to be enjoying the nap.”
Robert’s eyes widened, glancing down at the dog as if he had forgotten he was there. “Ah. Yes, that. He must have snuck onto my lap while I was sleeping.”
Prince whined, jumping from the sofa as if indignant at Robert’s rebuff.
“You needed to see me?” she asked.
“Yes.” He stood, scratching his head and mussing his hair, which was already in disarray from his impromptu nap. “I wanted to tell you that I got another note today.”
“Note?”
“Yes. I had thought you might want to join me?” Walking over to his desk, he picked up the note, handing it to her.
She unfolded it, noticing an address scrawled inside with Thursday’s date beneath. “Oh, this sort of note.” Her heart skipped. He was openly inviting her. A small part of her sounded warning bells, knowing that spending more time with him could only complicate matters. But how could she say no to something so exciting? “Yes, I would very much like to attend.”
“What day is your brother coming for dinner? Hopefully the two do not conflict.”
“Why don’t we plan to have them for dinner on Wednesday?”
“Perfect. Would you like to send out the invitation, or should I?” He walked over to his desk, grabbing some foolscap andbending his head. He went to pick up his quill, but it twirled in the ink jar, causing him to mumble to himself as it kept eluding his grasp.
Louisa watched as his hair tumbled across his brow, her heart aching as he tried again to grab the writing utensil. This was her favorite version of him and the one she considered to be his truest self—a bit unkempt, comfortable in his shirtsleeves and messy hair, and slightly clumsy. But it was also the version of himself that worried her the most, for she wasn’t sure how to protect her heart against it. His nap must have softened his edges, for rarely was this version of himself out during the day. It was usually kept for the hours after everyone else had gone to bed, when he could shed his layers of protection and be the vulnerable man beneath.
“I can send the invitation. You seem to be having a bit of trouble,” she said with a nervous grin.
He grasped the quill, sitting up with a smile of triumph. “Ha!”
Louisa’s throat seized, and she feared her emotions might get the better of her, so she turned to leave and spare them both the embarrassment.
“So Wednesday then?” he asked as she made it to the door.
She stopped, putting her hand on the frame but refusing to look back at him. “Yes. That seems like the best plan.”
“I will send the invitation since I am already at my desk.”
“Very well.”
Her hand fell from the frame, and she walked off to talk to Mrs. Powell. Hopefully, her heart would begin to behave itself.
Chapter twenty-three
Robert stood with hisshoulders erect, his nose held exactly level, and his fingers pressed tightly against his leg as he watched his wife embrace her family upon their entrance. Her face lit with joy as she spoke of the small things of life with them, how little Colin had mispronouncedgiraffein his schooling, sending them all into a fit of laughs—while Robert stood to the side, watching it all unfold.
They were on the opposing side of his window—a wall of clear glass keeping him safe from the unpredictable elements of life.
Louisa’s mother was the first to offer her greetings to him. “Your Grace, thank you for your invitation. We have missed our Louisa so, and it is such a pleasure to see her in your beautiful home.”
Robert dipped into a shallow bow. “Yes. It only seemed the correct thing to do.”
The dowager viscountess’ brow gave the slightest of crinkles before brightening once more. “Louisa seems so comfortablehere, for which we are all grateful.” She gazed up at the ceiling, taking in the room. “It is truly beautiful, Your Grace.”
“I am glad it is to your liking.” He pressed his fingers harder into his leg.
Do not tap your fingers, son . . .
Louisa sauntered over to his side, turning to face her family. “Shall we all go to the Lavender Room until dinner is served? I’m not sure if you’ve seen it before, but it has undergone a bit of a renovation.”
“I would love to see it,” the younger Lady Wood chimed in with a bright smile. “You had mentioned it on your last visit.” She took Louisa’s arm, following her down the hall.
