She heaved a sigh, doubting she could explain it properly without giving away her feelings. “Books have helped me through many difficult times. They’re like a friend of sorts. A constant in my life that I have always counted on to help me escape the world around me and bring me comfort when I need it. I’ve learned so much from books that it’s impossible to imagine life without them.”
“Hmm. Based on your passion for the topic, I will have to reconsider and read a novel again.”
“I hope you do.” Her heart warmed to think he would be willing to try just because she wanted him to. Because it was important to her. That suggested a level of respect and appreciation for her—something she already felt for him—and was the basis for a true relationship.
Perhaps that was love—appreciating one another’s preferences. Being willing to change and consider a different point of view. A couple didn’t have to be mirror images of each other to be perfect together.
All the same, she glanced around the room at the objects surrounding them to find something they might agree on. “Do you enjoy history?”
“Parts of it.” He raised a brow. “Does that further lower your opinion of me?”
She laughed in response. “Your dislike of reading might but history is optional. I appreciate better understanding how people lived hundreds of years ago more than I like reading about battles. I think there’s much to learn from the past and exhibits like this can be quite interesting.”
“I am beginning to think you enjoy learning of any kind.”
“I do, though there are some subjects that are more intriguing than others.”
“On that, we can agree.”
As if by unspoken agreement, they turned to wander through the displays of artifacts, pausing to look at some that caught their eye.
“What a collection Sir John had,” she said as she perused an intricate jade carving of a horse. “I hope they brought him joy.”
“Yes, otherwise, what is the point in collecting?”
“Some do it for other reasons.” Eliza glanced over her shoulder. “I think my aunt acquires items to prove to others, and perhaps to herself, that she is worthy.”
“That’s an interesting observation.” He appeared surprised.
“I’ve done much of that over the years.”
“Observing?” At her nod, he said, “You speak as if you’re ancient when you’ve only just begun your life.”
She held his gaze, hoping he understood what she was trying to say. “It’s not age but experience that brings wisdom. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Their age difference shouldn’t matter. It was of no consequence in her mind.
“You truly are wise beyond your years. I can think of a friend or two who hasn’t changed since our university years, which proves your point.”
“Thank you.” Though the victory was a small one, she relished it as well as the fact that they’d agreed with one another.
“Now then, back to the gentleman in question,” Philip said as they continued to the next display, and Eliza nearly groaned in frustration. “Is he here this evening?”
“I don’t know.” That seemed like a reasonable answer since she’d only spoken to Philip since her arrival and hadn’t been paying attention to the other guests.
“Allow me to guess. If you did know, you wouldn’t tell me.”
Eliza turned to face him again. “I appreciate your concern, but I am confident in my ability to judge whether or not mytendreis justified.”
He scowled but seemed prepared to let it go. “But you think our efforts have proven helpful?”
Her chest tightened. Yes and no. Yes, because they were speaking at this very moment. No, because she didn’t think he cared for her in the same manner she did for him. But she couldn’t share any of that.
“It’s difficult to say. These things take time.”
“Well, if he is here, I shouldn’t be taking so much of your attention. The poor man will decide any hope is lost if we continue speaking.”
Disappointment flooded Eliza. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Even when she didn’t like the direction of the conversation, she still enjoyed speaking with Philip.
