Peter shrugged contemplatively. “Then perhaps I shall try a bit harder. When you ask me next, I’ll have made up my mind if I am capable of distinguishing myself.”
“You are capable.” I shot him a sideways glance. “It is very admirable to be honorable, you know.”
Peter sat up straighter. “Admirable to you?”
“Loyalty and trust are very important to me.” I glanced to Clara, who’d just finished playing a Mozart piece rather beautifully.
“I can see why they would be.” Peter smiled kindly. “I hope you do not think I take any of this lightly. I do consider myself an honest man. Perhaps only a little more selfish than the rest.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because I only want what will makemehappy. I do not care enough for the rest of the world like you do. Still, when I think of how you journeyed out alone to save Winter ...” Peter shook his head. “You acted out of compassion. I cannot think of the last time I did something solely for another person, without thought of myself.”
“Peter, you are here with your sister right now. Is that not solely for her?”
“I suppose. But I want her to be happy. And Demsworth is a good friend, so the visit is not at all a sacrifice.”
“Just because you are getting something good in return does not mean you are not sacrificing a great deal in the effort. My racing out to find Winter was not solely for Summer. Her heartache would have been mine also had we lost him.”
“That is because your heart is so good.” Peter’s eyes softened.
I looked down. I did not want to talk about my heart, or his for that matter. I’d be better off remaining as impartial as possible with Peter. My heart would thank me for it when I took Mr. Pendleton’s hand in a few days’ time.
“I think I shall find a book to pass the evening before I retire.” I stood, heading to the small bookshelf by the hearth. Most of the books were poems or academics, and I chose an English and French dictionary. Never had I been allowed such an extensive education with more than the proper English language, and I wanted to take every advantage possible.
Peter gave me an easy smile when I returned, though I refused to give him more than a quick glance.
“French, hmm? Interesting choice.Êtes-vous couramment?”
I did not understand his words, but I would not admit as much to him. I opened the book to a page, skimming until I found what I needed. Completely unaware of how to enunciate beyond having heard tourists use their native tongue, I practiced in my head before saying, “Couchez-vous.”Go to bed.
Peter laughed out loud, and I grinned. Eyes looked our direction, and I blushed feverishly to have drawn such attention over nothing more than a joke.
“Well done,” Peter praised, glowing. “Though I think what you meant to say in English was ‘teach me French,’ and I would love to.”
“That is not—” I started, but Peter raised a finger to stop me.
“Just a simple phrase tonight, I think. And then I shall retire and leave you be.” His eyes were as green as the sea, their depths just as intriguing.
“Fair enough,” I agreed, closing my book on my lap. “Go ahead.”
“Watch my lips,” he said, staring at my own. He waited only a moment before saying, “Tout est plus lumineux.”
Peter’s full lips were as inviting as the depths of his eyes, so much so that I hardly heard the sentence. He watched me, waiting, but I was frozen to my seat.
“A-again. Please.”
Peter smiled, and this time I looked into his eyes as he spoke. “Tout est plus lumineux.”
“Tout est plus lumineux,” I repeated. “What does it mean?” My neck flushed at his nearness and the serious gaze he gave me from underneath his lashes.
Peter dipped his head toward mine. “Look it up.” He stood to bid our company good night and, after one last glance, sauntered away.
I lifted my book, flipping through pages to translate the phrase. I was both excited and hesitant to know what Peter had said. I scanned the papers slowly, running my finger down the lines, then up to the next page and halfway down again until I found what I was looking for.
Tout.All, everything. Everythingest plus lumineux.
What on earth had he said? This was going to take me all night. My eyes were heavy, but my mind was curious.
