“But surely you have spent enough time with the family to make a judgment now? Especially after today. They are a good sort, eager to have fun. I know Edmund can be a little cavalier with his opinions, but I’d rather that than have someone who is reticent and hides himself away.”
Nathaniel wondered if this was a slight directed at him, but he decided to let it pass without comment.
“I would not wish to make a rash decision. I am weighing everything carefully, and I assure you that I will come to a decision that is best for you.”
“But it’s you who gets to determine that. Why shouldn’t I be able to decide that for myself?”
Nathaniel could hear the agitation in Alfred’s voice.
“Be careful, Alfred. You forget your position.”
Alfred sighed and shook his head.
“Brother, there are times when I admire your discipline and self-control. You have complete faith in your convictions and are never plagued with doubt. But sometimes, I wish that you could make room in your heart for emotions that trouble the rest of us. If you knew the agony of love, the ache of yearning, then I’m sure you would not torture me like this.”
Nathaniel arched an eyebrow.
“And that is precisely why the decision is left in my hands. I shall not be influenced by raw emotion. There is more at stake than your heart, Alfred. There is the family to consider.”
“May I ask what precisely is wrong with them? They are all willing to make an effort here. Lady Lydia is becoming more comfortable by the day. It was lovely to see her join in the game, and Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess, is eager to ingratiateherself with Mother. You have developed a healthy rivalry with Charlotte, too.”
Nathaniel wasn’t sure he would call it healthy.
“Brother, please have faith in my judgment. What do you make of Lady Charlotte?”
“Charlotte?” Alfred asked to confirm. Nathaniel inclined his head, so Alfred continued, “She is intelligent and forthright. Mary speaks highly of herself. The two of them have long been friends, helping support each other through difficult times. Mary has been distraught in recent years, of course, but she told me how Charlotte’s kindness and compassion helped buoy her heart.”
“I see. She possesses a sharp tongue, though.”
Alfred grinned and cast a sly look toward Nathaniel.
“Are you afraid that you are no longer the most intelligent person in the room?” he chortled. Nathaniel’s cheeks turned crimson. He gripped the reins more tightly and pulled ahead of Alfred. Bastion leaped over a narrow stream. Hermes was just a heartbeat behind.
“Have I struck too close to the quick?” Alfred cried out, his laughter fading.
“Certainly not,” Nathaniel snapped. His body moved up and down, undulating with Bastion’s natural rhythm. His legs ached as he gripped tightly with his thighs, but he embraced the pain, making it a part of him. Somehow, it seemed easier to cope with thoughts of Charlotte.
“I think it is. Has my brother, the Iron Duke, met his match?”
“You know I detest that moniker. And I certainly do not think of Lady Charlotte as a match by any stretch of my imagination. She is willful, obstinate, unpredictable, and she seems to think she can live by whatever rules she chooses.”
“Aside from being unpredictable, some might describe you in the same way.”
Nathaniel brought Bastion to a halt at this, twisting the horse around. Hooves skidded in soft mud, and Alfred pulled Hermes up as well. He didn’t have as strong a seat as Nathaniel, so when Hermes’ hooves slid in the mud as the horse came to a sudden stop, he was nearly jolted out of the saddle. He managed to regain his balance at the last moment.
“There is no need to insult me just because you are unhappy that I have not made a decision yet. There are many things to consider, and these jibes are not endearing you to me. I fear you have been spending too much time with the Duke of Stonewood.”
Alfred lifted his gaze.
“Are you going to be this rigid for the rest of your life?”
“Yes. As for Lady Charlotte, I’m sure there is a man who possesses the endless patience that joining her in matrimony would require. I would prefer a more traditional choice, such as the one my mother has made for me. I am sure she has chosen a suitable bride, one who is exactly as I want.”
Alfred studied Nathaniel for a few moments. As Nathaniel felt the weight of his brother’s gaze, he almost sensed pity in Alfred’s eyes.
“Brother, you may soon learn that with marriage, what you want is less important than what you need. I hope you do not learn that lesson too late. If you don’t mind, I shall take my leave of you now. I believe there will be more jovial company back at the house.”
With that, Alfred gave a low whistle to summon Hermes and mounted up. Chunks of dirt were kicked up as the horse galloped away. Nathaniel leaned forward and stroked Bastion’s mane, finding the motion calming. He turned his gaze to the wider horizon and breathed deeply, pondering Alfred’s words.
