“Oh.” Sarah shrugged. “I still like her.”
“Good.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And you do too, do you not?”
“There is nothing to dislike,” he said cautiously.
“You were keen to drive her home,” she said with a sly smile.
He handed her the glass of ratafia and turned back to the sideboard to pour himself a glass of Madeira. “Should I have asked her to walk?”
She laughed. “You know what I mean.”
“Miss Kershaw is comely, and being betrothed doesn’t render a fellow blind.”
As Hugh took a seat, his sister frowned. “How are things between you and Miss Ashton?”
“Not as good as I would like. I have a problem I’m not sure how to deal with.”
“What is it?”
Hugh contemplated whether it was a good idea to disclose what he had witnessed. It was not something he would have done previously. He had never expressed his feelings openly. He thought that his emotions were less intense than most people’s because of his upbringing. Gentlemen were taught from an early age to appear aloof from unruly emotions. And while he hadsought out women he’d found attractive, he’d never developed deep feelings for any of them.
He and Miss Ashton had been neighbors since childhood. Could he have let her down by failing to pursue her passionately? Had a vicar answered her need for more than Hugh had been prepared to give?
It was surprising, but since meeting Miss Kershaw, his views on life seemed to have changed. She’d given him a glimpse of what might be. And he would very much like to have it for himself.
Hugh pushed those unsettling thoughts away. It didn’t matter what he might come to feel for Miss Kershaw with her passionate soul. He had to at least attempt to win Miss Ashton’s affections and accept their marriage as his future.
As he considered telling Sarah, he finished his wine. She could exhibit sound good sense. And she was the only one he could discuss this with. They needed airing, for doubts had crept in. Was he wrong about the scene in the church? Had he understood Miss Ashton and the vicar to be closer than they actually were?
“The vicar?” Sarah looked astonished after he’d described what he’d seen. “It sounds odd to me that she would undertake such a task. It’s my understanding that older or married ladies arrange the flowers for the church.”
“Miss Ashton denied anything occurred. But if she cares for the vicar, it explains her reluctance to come to London for the Season.”
“What about her parents? Wouldn’t they urge her to make her debut?”
“She is to attend the queen’s drawing room in July. But I suspect Sir Phillip and Lady Ashton prefer her to remain in the country until then. Her mother is keen for her to live close by.And if Miss Ashton comes to London, who knows what might happen?”
“What a mess.” Sarah raised her glass to her lips. “You should extricate yourself from the betrothal. Since you were never involved in the decision, it wouldn’t be seen as unethical. Besides, few people in London are aware of it. There may be vague rumors, but you’ve made no official announcement. And Miss Ashton has yet to come out.”
“But what would happen to Miss Ashton should I renege on the promise made between her father and mine? Her parents will be furious, not only with me, but also with her.” He shook his head. “It would not be honorable.”
Sarah shrugged. “She can marry her vicar. Not everyone is well suited to handle a countesses’s responsibilities.”
“If only it were that simple.” Hugh finished his wine and put down the glass. He must talk to Miss Ashton. Convince her they would be happy together, although he had yet to convince himself of it. “If Mama is well enough to remain in London as your chaperone, I’ll drive down to Kent.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “This conversation with Miss Ashton is long overdue.”
“I’m sure Mama will be pleased, should you tell her. It will relieve her, in fact. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she gets plenty of rest.”
Hugh nodded. “I’ll leave the day after the Williams’ card party. You can attend that party with me.”
Sarah’s eyes brightened. “I may play cards?”
“Yes, but don’t lose all my money.”
She glared at him. “I intend to win.”
“Not so easy among those seasoned players.”
