Torquil and Keelan both laughed.
When Peony hopped back up into the empty chair, Keelan wriggled his fingers underneath her chin.She leaned heavily into the touch.“Are you making an effort to be more affectionate, then?”He smiled down at the little cat.“I’m sure Conrad is pleased about that.”
Sage met Torquil’s steady gaze.
“Would someone care to explain the fascination between myself and Mr.Moore?I’m quite certain neither of us has done anything to justify it.”
In a matter of days, bold assumptions had become something far more serious.Sage had fallen asleep with his arms around the lavender pillow and his thoughts around what Keelan said after the game had ended.How could they look well together?The only time they’d beentogetherwas out of view, and even then it was in proximity alone.Sage had no reason to be worrying over what would make Mr.Moore happy.
“You are a bachelor.He is a bachelor.In case you’ve missed it, you are the only unattached people in residence.Can you blame us for wondering?”
Sage narrowed his eyes at Torquil.
“Your curiosities feel strangely like assertions, Mx.Pimpernel-Smith.”
Torquil’s answer was a blithe shrug.
“You must admit,” Keelan said wistfully, “it would be an awfully romantic way to meet someone.Each of you traveling across the country for entirely different reasons, finding one another in the same gorgeous country house, letting your unavoidable feelings free.”
“Feelings?”Sage blurted.“What are you?—”
“None of us are trying to pass judgment, Sage,” Torquil cut in.“I’m afraid you’ve simply found yourself surrounded by a group of people who are thoroughly preoccupied by love at the moment.”
The word twisted sharply in Sage’s chest.None of them knew how fortunate they were to associate love with happiness rather than heartache.
“I can only speak for myself, but I would appreciate it very much if you would all leave me out of it.”
After one more glance at Peony, Sage whirled around and stomped down the hallway, this time trying exceedingly hard not to hear what was happening inside the study as he passed by.
* * *
His efforts were for naught.Sage couldn’t have shared his story about Peony at dinner even if he’d been serious about doing it.It was as though Roger and Mr.Moore were the only two in the room, going back and forth with their excitement over what a successful day it had been in the study.Wyndham had joined them to watch Silas perform his unique blend of fae and human magic, which was apparently different from what Torquil was able to do with theirs.Everyone had read reports about the results of the Council’s project in the papers, but Sage had to admit that hearing it directly from the people who were involved was considerably less boring.
Eventually, Wyndham broke up the frenzied chattering to tell the story of how Silas had to be paired with every available fae involved with the project—himself included—to find a suitable match.Keelan appeared increasingly more bashful as the narrative went on, until Emrys finally spoke out and divulged the secret relationship that had formed between the gentlemen, all thanks to a chance encounter weeks before the project ever began.
After a round of nearly the entire table telling the Rook-Worths how sweet their story was, Lady Imogen Fitzhugh recounted her own experience in her search for a partner.It had been a far more proper affair as she courted Lady Anthea with calls for tea, filling dance cards, and eventually winning her heart.
“I assure you,” Lady Anthea had said demurely, “there was never any doubt on my part that Imogen was the one I was meant to be with.”
Miss Thackeray barked out a laugh in her direction.“Save for the months of worrying yourself sick to the rest of us if she actually meant to court you at all!”
Lady Anthea gave her friend a very disapproving glare.
The evening stretched on with little delineation, further supporting what Torquil mentioned about love being at the forefront of everyone’s minds.By the time Wyndham declared the meal was over, they all agreed it was too late for gathering in the drawing room and made a slow parade up the stairs.
As soon as the bedroom door was shut behind them, Mr.Moore gave a strong yet airy exhale, almost dreamy in nature.
“That was a most entertaining conversation, don’t you think?”He went on before Sage could reply, dragging his bag from beneath the bed.“It’s wonderful to be surrounded by so many contented people.”
“I am not sure those are the words I would choose,” Sage said, peering at the man in his peripheral as he undressed, working deftly at the buttons of his own waistcoat.
They settled into the routine that suited them best, Mr.Moore propped on a pillow with one arm behind his head, reading one of the books he’d borrowed from Roger, and Sage applying the rose and sweet almond oil at the dressing table.He took his time, working slow circles into his skin, watching the reflection of Mr.Moore.The man was entirely at ease.Sage found it highly disconcerting.
“Is there nothing that bothers you?”he asked, tossing his silk banyan across the ottoman as he stood.
Mr.Moore looked at him around the pages of his book.
“Should something be bothering me?”
