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“That feels like the sort of thing Louis would do.”
“I fear you are giving me a glimpse into my future,” Elliot said with a sigh. “Louis gallivanting off with someone completely unsuitable and Papa and I dispatched to bring him home before he brings shame on us all.”
“An alpha would never be considered unsuitable.”
“They would be if they were not planning to finish any pursuit with a mating ceremony.”
Jack nodded at that. For men of their station, only a mating ceremony would be acceptable. “I am not included in this fictional rescue?”
“Mama would never risk your reputation.”
“But yours?”
Elliot shrugged. “Second son.”
“Of course.”
“He better gallivant soon,” Elliot said. “I’ll reach my majority in a year and will no longer be here to rescue him.” He paused. “The task will fall to Marc, and I am not convinced he will leave the pianoforte for long enough to actually do it.”
“You are still set on seeking out a horticultural apprenticeship then?” Jack asked. It was not the first time he’d asked the question and Elliot doubted it would be the last.
Elliot shrugged. “It seems the sensible thing to do. You know I love the outdoors, and this would give me a socially acceptable career path. This is something I must think on, Jack. It is that or a mating, and given mama is unlikely to have a rich alpha in mind for me I would like the opportunity to choose my own mate.”
“Choosing one’s own mate seems like a fantastical idea.” Jack paused before saying, “He is at the house now.”
“Who?” Elliot asked.
“Mr. Bingley.”
Elliot started at those words. It took him a moment to realise that Mr. Bingley was Jack’s alpha and that he was clearly paying a visit because Mr. Bennet had visited him, such was the custom. Omegas and betas always visited the alphas first, there were no exceptions to that. Introductions had to be made before the rest of the family could then be presented.
“Then why are we down here?” Elliot asked.
Jack frowned. “He is returning papa’s visit. There is no expectation that we will see him.”
“Aren’t you curious to see what he looks like?”
“Does it matter?”
“It will if he is to be your mate.”
“You surely don’t believe mama’s schemes will come to fruition,” Jack asked.
“This is our mother we’re talking about.”
Their eyes met at those words and a shadow of something crossed over Jack’s face. It was so brief that Elliot could not fathom it, but he reached out and took his brother’s hand, in much the same way Mrs. Bennet had when she had announced Jack should be the alpha’s mate.
“I had imagined marrying someone in Hertfordshire,” Jack said softly.
“Who?” Elliot asked. “There is no one suitable here. Every alpha we know is already mated. Even the high-ranking betas are mostly promised to others. I cannot think of a single person who would be considered appropriate for you.”
“Perhaps one of the Hardy boys?” Jack said.
“They’re omegas.”
“There’s nothing wrong with choosing another omega.”
Elliot sighed. Jack was not wrong, after all they were omegas, and were keen that someday, someone would want them! And yet… “There is for you,” Elliot said slowly. “Mama would never allow it. She has her mind set on you catching an alpha and bringing the family into prominence.”
