“Iama duke,” he muttered.
“You know what I mean,” she said. “Alex, what happened?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Nothing, Rosie. I am sure she will write to you soon.”
“I hope she is not upset with me for leaving so soon.” Her brows furrowed with worry.
He hesitated.
Rosalind’s eyes widened. “Oh no. Alex… is she upset with me?”
“No,” he said quickly. “I believe she is busy. That is all.”
Rosalind exhaled loudly. “All right. I suppose that is possible. She always has an experiment of some sort to manage.”
Alexander nodded and hoped that his expression was not readable as Theodora’s experiments flooded his mind.
“Enough about Theo. How has the countryside been?” Alexander prayed that Rosalind would drop the conversation.
“Oh, it is wonderful! I have so much to tell you.”
Alexander was beyond grateful that the conversation surrounding Theodora was over as they made their way through the quiet corridor. He could not bear to speak her name again.
Rosalind looped her arm through his and tugged him into the drawing room. “Although, I hate to admit it…you were missed.”
“Is that so?” He raised a dark brow at his sister and she giggled.
The sound of her laughter warmed his heart. Alexander let himself be pulled along, enjoying her chatter that filled the space where his thoughts threatened to overwhelm him.
“Where are we going?” He looked back as they passed the drawing room and walked outside towards the stables.
“I apologize.” Rosalind stopped and looked at him sheepishly. “I have started riding again. Only short distances, but still. My coach says that I am improving faster than expected.”
“That is very impressive,” Alexander said proudly.
“Thank you. I thought you would like to see my horse before we have some tea.” She motioned towards the stables and looked embarrassed, but Alexander didn’t mind.
“Of course, Rosie,” he said with a bright smile.
Rosalind grinned at him and continued talking as she led him through the garden. Alexander nodded as she spoke, letting her voice wash over him. He was grateful for her presence. It kept him from thinking too much about everything.
Rosalind stopped and picked a rose from a bush nearby. “You are oddly quiet.”
“I am merely tired from the trip, and I am enjoying listening to you,” he said.
Rosalind smiled but looked at him curiously.
“Are you all right?” she asked softly.
He managed to send her a small smile. “I am. And I am happy to be here.”
He fluffed her hair and she laughed. It wasn’t entirely a lie. Wiltshire was safe and seeing his sister eased some of his agitation.
Rosalind softened. “Perhaps, after you see my dashing stallion, then you should go rest. You do look exhausted.”
“Rest? Only the weak rest!” he said dramatically.
Rosalind laughed and shook her head. “Do not speak such nonsense, brother.”
