“Yes?” Seraphine asked, lifting her brows expectantly.
“If you have no other plans after luncheon, perhaps you might allow me the pleasure of accompanying you on a turn through the gardens?” he asked, shifting slightly on his feet.
At that exact moment, Seraphine saw Damien enter the breakfast room.
Her pulse stumbled. She immediately looked back at Lord Everend and smiled brightly.
“I would love to take a turn in the gardens, Lord Everend,” she said rather louder than necessary. “I shall look forward to it.”
Lord Everend's face brightened. “Excellent. I shall eagerly await the afternoon.”
“I shall do the same,” Seraphine replied with perfect composure.
After he departed, Rosaline slowly turned towards her.
“Oh,” Rosaline said, drawing out the word suspiciously.
Seraphine immediately groaned. “Oh no.”
“Oh yes,” Rosaline replied, wiggling her brows.
“Must you do that?” Seraphine asked, pointing accusingly at her sister's face.
“Absolutely,” Rosaline said without a shred of remorse.
“It is alarming.”
“It is romantic.”
“It is not,” Seraphine replied, tearing a piece from her roll.
Rosaline laughed. “He likes you.”
“We only danced two dances,” Seraphine argued, gesturing with the piece of bread.
“That is how courtship begins,” Rosaline replied with maddening confidence.
Seraphine dropped her head briefly into one hand. “You are unbearable.”
“He seems lovely,” Rosaline continued, completely ignoring her complaint.
“He is,” Seraphine admitted, straightening again.
“And handsome enough,” Rosaline added.
“Reasonably,” Seraphine shrugged.
“And wealthy enough,” Rosaline said going down the list.
“Indeed,” Seraphine agreed.
Rosaline clasped her hands together. “Wonderful. You have my full blessing.”
“Your blessing was not requested,” Seraphine replied, narrowing her eyes.
“It is being provided anyway,” Rosaline said with a regal wave of her hand.
The smile faded from Seraphine's face as her gaze drifted towards the far end of the table.
