“You know,” James said with a wry twist of his lips, “in the dark you wouldn’t have known the difference, and I rather think—”
“Ugh.” Disgusted with both his brothers and what they implied, William shoved his way past them. Eloise was special, funny, charming, and spirited. No one could replace her, not even in the dark. But how could he make them understand without their insisting he must love her if that were true?
He couldn’t, and he was through trying.
“I think I’ll walk home,” he said when they parted ways outside the fencing club half an hour later. “The fresh air will do me good.”
“I can walk with you if you’d like some company,” James offered.
“Thank you, but I’d prefer to walk alone, if that’s all right. See you later?”
“Of course,” Charles said. James merely nodded. Both had a dubious look about their eyes – the sort that seemed to say without words,you’re drowning, reach for a life line, damn it.
William simply turned away and started toward Townsbridge House. He had no use for their pity or for the guidance they were trying to give him. And keeping his distance from Eloise wasn’t helping. He’d thought that if he filled his days and kept himself busy, he’d avoid thinking about her. But that wasn’t the case.
As the days went on, he just thought of her more, regardless of whether or not he saw her. In fact, it had gotten to a point where seeing her, or at least being near her, actually offered some small relief. Even when she was trying to push him away.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turned onto Oxford Street. His heart still beat in a steady rhythm, but it felt heavier than usual. How on earth was he going to solve this conundrum? How was he going to convince her to listen to him and accept what he wanted to give her?
He glanced toward a shop window and stopped. Several books were on display, but one particular one caught his eye.French Landscapes in Color. He studied the beautiful cover for a good five minutes while weighing his options, and eventually decided to inquire about the price.
“A stunning piece for any library collection.” The clerk was an enthusiastic older gentleman with a beaming smile. He placed the book on the counter and pushed it toward William. “Have a look inside. It’s bound to take your breath away.”
William opened the book and was instantly drawn in by the vibrant display of color depicting a lavender field stretching toward a rustic farm house with rolling green hills in the background. He turned the page to a vineyard, then to the Mediterranean shore. Each image was labeled with the location where it had been painted, along with a brief description of the area.
“How much is this?” William asked while carefully closing the book. His heart was knocking about his chest with excitement. Eloise had told him she missed her homeland. Hopefully, this would help bring it closer.
The clerk shifted. “The application of color on every page makes it more pricy than a novel or any other book printed in black ink.”
“I expect as much.” William gave him a direct look.
“It’s three pounds.”
Good God! That was more than thrice as much as he’d thought it would be. Not that he couldn’t afford it, but really, it was an exorbitant amount – as much as he’d paid for his last saddle. “Is it hand painted and inlaid with gold?”
“Umm...”
William sighed. “It’s fine. I’ll take it.”
“You will?”
“Yes. Please wrap it for me.” He wanted to do something not only nice but useful for Eloise, and while it was inappropriate of him to purchase a gift for her, he decided to ignore the social stricture. Making her happy was more important.
The shopkeeper beamed as he handed over the brown paper parcel in exchange for William’s coin. “Thank you, sir.”
“Thank you too.”
Pleased with himself, and with his heart a great deal lighter than earlier, William continued on his way. He arrived home and handed his hat and gloves to Simmons. A nervous sort of energy fizzed through his veins. He wanted to seek out Eloise right away and give her the gift, only that wouldn’t do at all, would it? Someone might see and he couldn’t have that. Not if he was to safeguard her reputation.
He pondered his options. The upper floor where the servants slept should be vacant right now. Perhaps if he went up there and left the book in her bedchamber? No. That wouldn’t work. Not only because he’d no idea which room was hers but because it would be disastrous if he got caught.
Athena.
That was it.
He’d enlist her help.
It wasn’t the perfect solution, especially since he dreaded all the questions he’d most likely have to answer, but it was the best he could think of. He started upstairs and was soon standing outside her door. He raised his hand to knock but paused when a muffled sound met his ears. Was his sister crying?
