“I am trying to be polite.” Miss Pembleton shot him a look, and then shook her head. “You do not know me, and I do not know you. My sisters think that your brother and I are well suited, and I would like to get to know him. But it is clear you do not share their view.”
“Does it matter what I think?” Luke canted his head towards her.Why should she care what I think?
“You know it does. Lord Baine thinks most highly of you. He would not marry someone you disapproved of.” Miss Pembleton chewed on her lip. “And you seem very invested in his choice of wife. Why is that?”
“Is my interest in my brother of particular importance?” Luke countered, Miss Pembleton’s directness catching him off guard.
“Not really, but I am curious about it. I do not know many people who are overly invested in the marriage of a second son, particularly when they themselves are not married.” Miss Pembleton tapped a finger against her bottom lip, a slight challenge in her voice.
“That is their business.” Luke said stiffly.
“You still have not answered my question.”
“Perhaps I do not understand it.”
“Or you are avoiding it.”
“Or I have no wish to answer.” Luke tried to keep his voice light and unaffected, but felt his chest squeeze.
“How about this? An exchange. For each question I ask of you, you may ask me one in return.” Miss Pembleton gave him a knowing look as she added. “I am sure you have many more questions you wish to ask of your brother’s potential bride. It would not surprise me if you had a list.”
Luke did in fact have a list, but he was not about to admit that. Sighing, he moved his pawn, referring to his book to ensure the placement was correct. Miss Pembleton moved her knight, and as Luke checked the book, he was surprised and impressed to see she had moved it exactly as the book suggested.
She really does have a most strategic mind. And must have a most impressive memory.“Very well. I accept your terms.”
“Shall we shake hands?” Miss Pembleton’s eyes glittered as she smiled at him.
“I do not think that would be proper or necessary.” Luke began and then he saw the smile on her face “Oh, you were joking?”
“I was.” Miss Pembleton admitted, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she moved her bishop and captured his knight.
“What would you have done if I had said yes?” Luke canted his head towards her.
Miss Pembleton made a non committal noise, gesturing for him to make his own move. “I would have been surprised, but I would have done it. I do not see the harm in a handshake.”
“Of course you do not.” Luke sighed and glanced at his book, double checking that all the pieces were where they should be. “Do you still wish to know why Rodger is so dear to me?”
“I do.” Miss Pembleton nodded.
Luke ran a hand through his hair, wondering how he could explain it.How much do I wish to tell her? I cannot tell her all of it, but some of the truth cannot hurt.“I came into my inheritance when I was thirteen. Rodger was only ten, and he had led a more sheltered life. He was still full of joy and optimism, and though our parents’ deaths hurt him, I could not bear to see that wonderous attitude end.”
He moved another piece on the board, frowning as Emily moved her own. “I looked after him and guided him. When he was scared I was there to comfort him. When he wanted to explorephilosophy I encouraged him, even though I find the discipline frightfully dull.”
“You do not share his love of Kant then?” Miss Pembleton’s voice was teasing.
He found himself smiling wryly at her. “No, but I have learned what I need for him. And I have done what I can to protect him from the pressure of our family name.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.
“Ours is the oldest Duchy in the land. The line can be traced further back than our current monarchs. That means something, to me, to my parents. Rodger may be the second son, but he has a natural talent for almost everything he does. He understands things instinctively, he is optimistic and caring.”He is better than I could ever be.Luke swallowed. “And I would see no harm comes to him.”
“So you protect him, because you see him as all that is good?” Miss Pembleton’s eyes widened and she nodded to herself.
“I do. Is that not something to be protected?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“It is. Though it is a surprisingly romantic notion, I must confess.” She flashed him a grin, and then claimed his castle with her queen.
She had a knack for planning, for seeing and mapping out each move. After all, she was recreating his game without the same reference that he held. It was fascinating to see.
