CHAPTER22
CONRAD
Conrad was havinga marvelous time at the lake.It was freeing to have so much fun with his new friends; to be fully himself without worrying about the gap of education or polish.The only thing that dimmed his pleasure was that Sage was still sitting on the dock, fully clothed, and looking more isolated than ever.Conrad had hoped that after the conversation with Roger, Sage would be more comfortable with the rest of the group.The way he’d easily slid his hand around Conrad’s arm had felt so relaxed, so simple.And yet, he hadn’t moved since they’d all jumped into the lake, and he didn’t appear to be changing that any time soon.
Conrad splashed Emrys as he teased him for the backflip and made his way to the dock.He hoisted himself up and sat next to Sage.“Not going in?”
Sage shook his head.
“You don’t have to strip down if it makes you uncomfortable?—”
Sage gave out a little huff.“It is notthat.”
“What then?”
“I am simply uninterested,” he said crisply.But he didn’t meet Conrad’s eyes as he said it.
Conrad reached forward and cupped Sage’s chin to direct his gaze to him.“Is that the truth?”
Sage pressed his lips together.“I do not want anything to happen to my clothes.”
Conrad arched an eyebrow.“I’m sure the servants will look after them for you.”Sage was silent, and Conrad leaned closer.“Sage?”
Sage sighed and said in a whisper, “I cannot swim.And I do not wish to make a spectacle of myself.”
“I see.”Conrad wiped one wet finger down Sage’s cheek fondly.“I’m sorry you can’t participate.”
“It is nothing.I don’t wish my clothes to be ruined anyway.”
Conrad pulled away and leaned back against his palms, stretching his legs out.He felt Sage staring at him.
“You aren’t going back in?”
“If my beau is not going to enjoy the lake, I’m certainly not going to let him sit by himself.”
“You were enjoying yourself.Don’t be silly.”
“I will not enjoy myself if I know that you are sitting here alone.So we shan’t say another word about it.”He looked across the lake at the rest of the group frollicking.“Tell me something that surprised you today.”
Sage made a small sound of uncertainty.“I’ve never seen Roger without his glasses.”
Conrad smiled.“Mmm.Nor I.”
“And what surprised you?”
“That the Ladies Fitzhugh didn’t wish to swim, either.”
“Humans are odd creatures.So prudish and fussy.”
Conrad laughed.“Harriet isn’t.”
“An anomaly, to be sure.”Sage paused.“You aren’t, either.However, I’ve come to the conclusion that this has more to do with the fact that nothing seems to bother you.So why add nudity to the list?”
“A very kind assessment.Although not entirely accurate.”
“You wish to pretend that you are bothered occasionally?”
“More than occasionally.I’ve snapped at a number of ship captains who demanded more speed than is safe.I’ve scolded fellow dock workers who were drunk while at work.I’ve even been known to raise my voice at sailors who made our work more difficult.”
