“Are you trying to tell me I should not be worried?”
“Not as of yet, I’m not.”
Arching an eyebrow, Trevor asked, “Is there any reason to seek a solicitor at this time to represent you?”
“No reason I can think of.”
Trevor cupped his brother’s shoulder and squeezed. “Forgive me for worrying about you. It comes natural, you know.”
Tristan chuckled. “I’m quite certain it does with you being the oldest brother.”
“Well, keep your nose clean and far away from the Hollingsworth estate. Then I will not have to worry as much.”
Tristan narrowed his gaze and scrubbed his unshaven chin. “I know you better than that, Trevor. What’sreallyon your mind?”
“I just told you.” Trevor dropped his hand and stepped back.
“No, I can read you, dear brother. You are worried that I am going to try to see Lady Hollingsworth, correct?”
“You cannot be further from the truth.”
“Well, in case you are worried, let me assure you, I have no plans of seeing Diana. She is out of my life forever.”
Trevor smiled, relief sweeping over him. He didn’t want to admit it, but his brother could read him well. “I’m very happy then.” He nodded toward the house. “Now go in and get washed up before our mother sees your devilish appearance and has the vapors.”
“As you wish.” Grinning, Tristan turned and walked out of the barn.
Why Trevor still worried about his brother, he didn’t know. But he’d put that problem aside for now. There were other things to think about, and Louisa came first and foremost.
*
Louisa felt likea princess in her new dress as she took the twins on their afternoon walk. Today she gave them a tour of the flower gardens on the estate. Every rosebud, and every carnation was in full bloom, and the beauty of the flowers nearly took her breath away.
Another thing that amazed her was the fact that she could name each flower. Certainly she had not been a gardener before,so how did she know each name and what the flower represented and what months they bloomed? She wanted to believe—as Trevor had—that she came from a family of Quality, but she did not dare. Something in the back of her mind warned her to beware and not tread in that direction.
She tried to teach the twins about the flowers, but soon their attention became distracted and they wanted to chase butterflies. Laughing, she joined them, realizing they were too young to learn about the names of flowers anyway.
One thing led to another, and soon she started tickling them. The twins made a game of it—to hide until she found them, and when she did, she’d tickle. Laughter floated through the air and made her heart light. She didn’t know why she couldn’t remember her past, but the feeling she had right now told her she wasn’t used to laughing or her heart being so filled with love.
Soon the twins turned on her and tried to tickle her. She fell to the ground laughing as they jumped on top. Rolling around like this made her hair fall out of its bun, but she didn’t care. She loved being carefree and fun.
Within minutes, another voice was heard laughing with them. She glanced around the glade to find their intruder. When seeing Trevor, happiness burst in her chest. He leaned against a tree, his arms folded, as he watched her and the twins.
“Is this what you do the very day you are given a new dress?”
Oh good heavens.How could she forget such a thing? Quickly, she jumped to her feet and brushed the grass from her dress, noticing a grass stain already. “Forgive me, Your Grace, I wasn’t thinking—”
“No need to apologize.” He moved away from the tree, coming toward her. “I found it delightful to watch you play with Adam and Amanda.” He switched his attention to the twins. “Are you enjoying yourself with Miss Louisa?”
“Yes, Papa,” they chimed together.
Trevor motioned his hand toward the grass. “Please continue your game. Do not let me stop you.”
She grinned and strode closer to him. “Why don’t we continue the game with you, Papa.” She glanced at the children. “Does that sound fun?”
The twins cheered and jumped around their father, their cherubic faces red with excitement. Trevor laughed, reached down and tickled them. Louisa loved watching him play with the twins since she’d never seen him do this before. Such a lovely scene with Trevor looking cheerful and enjoying himself.
When the twins pushed him to the ground, Louisa fell to her knees and joined the tickling—Adam, Amanda, and then Trevor. When his gaze met hers, his eyes sparkled.
