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If they tried to carry half of the items, birds would be startled and fly away. Alex looked at the items. “All you require is the spyglasses, sturdy shoes, a warm coat, gloves, and perhaps a small notebook for notes.”

Duchess Torrington gave a firm nod. “I agree. I used to carry my sketchbook but ended up finding it much too cumbersome.”

“I will only take the small notebook and spyglasses, although I’m not sure what I’ll be looking at,” Vivian said, her cheeks pinkening.

When Alex could finally drag his gaze away, he met his aunt’s knowing look. Her lips inched up, and he wanted to roll his eyes. “I will see about gathering my things. Ladies, we will leave promptly.”

“Mr. Yarnsby,” Penelope started, only to stop when he held a hand up.

“I insist you and your sister call me Alexander, or Alex. Whichever you prefer.”

Penelope nodded. “Very well. Alexander. I will not be going, but I do wish to ask when you would be available to give me a tour of your home.”

“How about the day after tomorrow? I must spend a day working on some business.”

He had to smile at the young woman’s happy squeal.

* * *

“Are we to ride?” Vivian asked, unsure of where exactly one went to find birds. Just a few moments after leaving the house, and already her nose was cold.

Duchess Torrington wore a dove-gray coat with a hood over her head. They’d insisted Vivian do the same so her red hair would not distract the avifauna, the word she’d learned from the book that referred to birds or fowl.

“No, dear, we are going to walk from here. We have had wonderful luck in spotting many species just a few minutes’ walk toward the creek.”

They continued onward, Alexander and Duchess Torrington speaking in low tones for the most part. It was interesting to see their rapport, the easy companionship that came from years of sharing a hobby.

According to Clara, Duchess Torrington and Alexander had always birded together, while she and William played music and discussed literature. She was a wonderful mother who split her time evenly between her son and adopted son.

When Alexander chuckled softly at something Duchess Torrington said, Vivian saw him in a different light.

Unlike William, who was the silent, brooding type, Alexander seemed to have a more casual personality. Although he was quiet and perhaps a bit shy, when with his family, words flowed freely, and he seemed to enjoy telling stories.

Just for a moment, Vivian felt a bit saddened that she was not part of their circle.

“Come,” Duchess Torrington whispered, motioning for her to come near. “Look.”

Vivian lifted her spyglasses to the branches of a nearby tree but could not see anything past the fogging of the lenses.

“Try these,” Alexander said in a hushed tone. He held up his to her face, and she peered through them. At first all she saw was the brown bark of the branches, then tilting her head up a bit, she caught sight of a beautiful bird.

Sunlight reflected off its reddish feathers. The bird sat on a thin branch, its head moving side to side as it studied the surroundings. It was strange to see the small bird so close and it not know that someone observed.

She lowered the glasses and looked to Alexander. Their gazes met for a moment before he lifted the glasses to his face and look up at the tree.

“It is a male brambling,” Duchess Torrington said. “The female is just as beautiful, but her feathers are a more delicate color.”

Alexander turned to them. “Should we continue on?”

The continued for another hour, the time passing quickly as they took turns telling her stories of the adventures they’d had while birding. It became clear that although both did enjoy spotting a bird here and there, the outing was more about spending time together.

“What is your favorite bird?” Vivian asked the duchess when they’d come to the edge of a creek.

The woman’s lips curved, a dimple in her right cheek forming. “I believe the swan. Although I must admit to only seeing them in people’s gardens.”

“What about the time we saw that hawfinch?” Alexander asked her.

Duchess Torrington’s expression turned to one of awe. “That was a beautiful bird. I would have to agree, Alex. My favorite bird is the hawfinch.”