Her brother shifted in his seat. His narrowed eyes seemed anxious to look away. “I assume you have a point.”
Eleanor took his irritation as confirmation that she was not entirely wrong in her assessment. “My point…is that I have noticed the difference in you these last couple weeks. Though your obvious distraction has made you wonderfully remiss as an escort and chaperone, it is clear that whatever—orwhomever—has stolen your focus, it has been a good change for you.”
His eyes widened fractionally and his spine stiffened.
“Now, I can see that you are starting to berate yourself for no reason. I’ve been fine. Bridget and Lydia have been fine. We really are capable of managing ourselves, you know. Areyoucapable of caring foryourself, brother?” Though his expression had grown rather fierce, she realized she had more of his attention than she’d managed to claim in a long while and she was going to make the most of it. “I have seen you with Miss Dickson. I know something is going on there.”
His sudden tension was palpable. “I suppose the gossips are running rampant with tales.”
“Of course, but that is not why I bring up her name. I haveseenyou with her, brother. And I haveneverknown you to behave so intently toward another person. When you are with her…you are utterly engrossed by her.” Eleanor lightened her tone. “It’s rather fascinating to witness, actually.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” he declared, but she sensed a waver in his denial.
“Am I?” She queried sharply. “My entire life, I’ve known you to be unflappable, totally focused, untouchably committed to your role as heir to the Lindley dukedom and eldest of the many Fairchild cousins. Don’t think I’m not aware of the weight of responsibility you must carry, brother. And you have certainly carried it well all these years.But when you are in the company of Miss Dickson—for the first time ever—I can see that you are just a man. As any other.”
Seeing his internal resistance to her words, Eleanor shook her head and leaned forward. “It’s agoodthing. Youarejust a man, Ralston. Which is to say you are far more than the son of a duke. It’s time you allowed yourself to acknowledge that.”
She could see his internal struggle and wished he’d confide in her what he was thinking and feeling.
Instead, he muttered, “It’s complicated.”
Truer words… she mused.
“It always is, isn’t it. But complicated isn’t impossible.”
Her brother stared at her with dark focus. “When did you become so wise?”
Eleanor snorted. “There is something to be said for preferring to be the observer rather than the observed. I see things, Ralston. And I understand your reluctance. It won’t be easy to claim your own happiness within the structures you are obligated to support. But you deserve it.” Her eyes caught and held his. “We all do. And if anyone can handle the unnatural pressures of such a situation, I reckon it is you.” She thought of what she’d observed in the lady in question. “And…though I cannot claim to know her, I suspect Miss Dickson is not the type of woman to shy away from a challenge either.”
Ralston arched a brow, a barely noticeable smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. “Wise, indeed,” he murmured.
Feeling warmed and encouraged by his response, Eleanor grinned and gave a firm nod of her head.
Chapter Thirty-Four
After updating Aadeshwith what Eleanor had learned, Phin made a visit to the Black Widow of Whitehall. The owner and ruler over the Lyon’s Den establishment was a formidable woman. But Phin had done a favor for her a number of years ago that resulted in her acquiring a magnificent and rare piece of ancient artwork, so he hoped she’d be inclined to assist him with what she knew.
She was surprisingly forthcoming, but the information she provided on Lord James Ackerly, Fifth Marquess of Ludham, though plentiful, was not particularly helpful. Born to the daughter of a French aristocrat who married the prior marquess, he was raised as most of the British peerage. Spent an idyllic childhood in the Kent countryside, school at Eton then Cambridge. Tour of the Continent upon reaching his majority, with frequent lengthy visits with his wealthy grandfather’s estate in France.
Though the Black Widow noted that he’d recently left the country for several months to travel abroad (which fit the timeline for him to be in India during the theft of the necklace), she did not have information on his destination. Or at least, she was unwilling to share it with him. Ackerly arrived back in London just at the start of the Season.
There was nothing in his history to suggest an inordinate interest in India or its legends. Or his sudden obsessive claim to Eleanor.
When Phin returned home, it was to yet another note waiting forhim. This one, however, was not a threat, but a command.
From his sister.
His niece, Delia, had received an offer and he was being called to perform his duty as head of the family.
Acknowledging that he may have been a bit neglectful of late, he set out for his sister’s immediately. But not before he sent a note to Eleanor advising that he would be tied up with familial duties for a while. He assured that although he couldn’t be near, she would never be without protection. Even so, he stressed for her to avoid Ackerly at all costs.
After firmly shaming him for neglecting to attend calling hours with his niece that day, Maggie informed Phin that Delia had received an offer of marriage from the young Lord Persham, which the young woman was fiercely inclined to accept.
Maggie, however, was concerned with the suitor’s prospects. He was rather young at only twenty-three and merely a second son, but his family was well-regarded and—as far as society knew—well-funded. His sister feared that Delia might be overwhelmed with the attention and was not giving all her suitors a fair chance.
Delia quickly interceded at that point, claiming rather passionately that she loved the young lord and had every intention of accepting his proposal. At which point, Maggie rolled her eyes and threw her hands before gazing pointedly at Phin.
“Be a voice of reason,” Maggie commanded. “She must understand that there are things to be considered before jumping into such an arrangement.”
