“It is good advice,” Conrad agreed.He glanced back at Sage and then turned around and settled his back against the other man’s chest.Sage’s arms immediately wound around his waist.“This seems like a good start.”
Torquil grinned at him.“You’re picking it up faster than I did.”
Conrad winked.“I’m a quick learner.”
“Oh, I’m sure Sage will takeverygood care of you,” Emrys drawled.
Sage’s arms tightened and Conrad placed a reassuring hand on his wrist.He liked Emrys, but he did not like the sneer in Emrys’ tone, and he liked even less the way Sage seemed to tense under the banter.“Well, considering how generous he’s been in letting me share the room, helping to ensure my clothes are cleaned regularly, and giving me some much needed advice, I’m inclined to agree with you.”
Emrys looked baffled.“Not entirely what I meant.”
“Indeed,” Conrad said, his tone more clipped than usual, “I’m sure I know what youmeant.But I’ll thank you not to say such things about Sage in the future.”
Roger looked worriedly between Conrad and Emrys while Torquil raised an eyebrow at their husband.
Emrys smirked and said, “Glad to see you do have feathers to ruffle after all.”
Conrad shrugged.“Doesn’t everyone?”
Emrys laughed in response and the tension eased.
Sage kissed Conrad’s jaw.“Don’t worry about it, Conrad,” he said, his voice soft but still carrying.“It’s no worse than what everyone else says about me.”
Wyndham turned his gaze to them briefly before returning to his book.
Conrad squeezed Sage’s wrist and resumed his usual easy tone.“Well, I must say this has been a lovely afternoon.”
“Yes,” Harriet said, leaning forward.“And long overdue.I came here to visit with Roger and Wyndham and I don’t much care for being neglected.”
Roger looked chagrined.“I apologize.We really haven’t been very good hosts, have we?It’s just so nice to practice magic with someone new.And to have him in the house makes it even more convenient.”
Harriet gave an exasperated sigh and flopped against Fern.“Then have him stay with you in London, for heaven’s sake.”
Conrad felt his chest tighten a little at her words.Whatwouldhe do after he left here?He’d been so focused on the first part of the journey, he kept pushing the rest of his concerns to the back of his mind.It occurred to him suddenly that he ought to be a little more concerned with what happened next.
“Or at least alternate days,” Cyril added.
“That might be best,” Roger agreed.“We have a nice stable full of horses.Perhaps we can go riding tomorrow or the day after if the weather continues to be fine.”
“Capital!”Cyril said.“I can wear my new hat.”
Conrad tried not to show his own disappointment.He didn’t care for the idea of sitting at home while everyone else left.But he didn’t particularly care to admit that he couldn’t ride either.
Torquil leaned their head against Emrys’ shoulder.“I’m afraid I’ll have to bow out of that one.I can’t ride.”
Conrad brightened.“Oh, good.Me neither.I’ll keep you company.”
Torquil smiled.“Excellent.”
Emrys gasped.“Nonsense.You can’t pass up the opportunity to wear that delectable riding costume.You can share my horse.”
