“I’m sure I’dloveto see you swimming,” Emrys added with a smirk.
Wyndham rolled his eyes.“Do you swim?”he asked Conrad.
“Living in Bristol, we could hardly help it.”
“That’s decided then.”Wyndham picked up his book.“We’ll go to the lake.”
* * *
Conrad didn’t seeSage until dinnertime.His face was drawn and he was even more quiet than usual.Conrad would have worried, except that Roger looked positively glowing.He cheerfully dismissed all queries about what had kept him and Sage so busy all day, merely explaining that Sage had been kind enough to assist with a personal project.Emrys snorted at the word choice and Roger blushed.But Conrad had noted the way Roger was no longer referring to Sage with formal terms.It seemed Sage had done what he’d needed to do after all.
Wyndham explained to the group that a visit to the lake had been decided as the next day’s activity.“So I expect that we will have to skip another round of riddles tonight, Harriet.I don’t want anyone to be too tired for our outing.”
Harriet pouted.“It’s too bad.I’ve picked out some deliciously wicked ones.”
Wyndham chuckled.“Well, we all know Conrad and Sage will be the ones to win those rounds anyway.You both are clearly the best at riddles.”
Sage jolted as if he’d been shocked at the mention of his name.He stared across the table at Wyndham for a long moment.Wyndham didn’t seem to notice, but he had a decided air of satisfaction as he sipped his wine.
Roger beamed.“Indeed, they really are quite a force to be reckoned with.”
“At least when it comes to naughty ones,” Emrys added with a laugh.
“Conrad knewslowtop,” Torquil put in, with a smile at both of them.“I rather think they have the mind for riddles.”
“More than I do, that’s certain,” Keelan muttered.
“Don’t worry about it, Cricket,” Silas said, patting his hand consolingly.“You have the best seat out of everyone here.”
Emrys let out an exaggerated groan.“There’s no need to discuss Keelan’sseat, thank you very much.”
The whole table laughed as Keelan blushed and Silas looked smug.
After dinner, Conrad listened to Cyril and Keelan chat about riding costumes until he could no longer pretend to be interested in the topic.He excused himself from the group and went up to his room.He was unsurprised to find Sage already there, dressed down to his robe, and methodically applying oil to his chest.Their eyes met in the reflection as Conrad closed the door.
“It sounds as if you and Roger had a good day together.”
“I’m not sure I’d describe it like that,” Sage returned.
Conrad smiled to himself and began getting undressed.
“I took your advice,” Sage said quietly.
Conrad paused in the act of unbuttoning his waistcoat.“And?”
“He accepted my apology.Just as you said he would.”
Conrad beamed.“I’m so glad.And how are you feeling about it?”
“Drained.But…relieved.”
“I hope you’re proud of yourself, too.”
Sage gave a little huff and then poured more oil onto his fingers.“I can’t remember the last time I felt that.”
Conrad continued undressing.“It is easy to make mistakes.Easy to act out of fear or hurt or jealousy.It is much more difficult to own up to those mistakes and to repair rifts made from such actions.I’m proud of you, even if you aren’t.”
“Thank you.”The words were soft, and when Conrad glanced at his companion, he saw that Sage was looking downward.
