“I see.” Rodger nodded and looked away.
There was a moment of silence as they looked across the horizon, a fine mist was settling.Dangerous riding conditions, but not impossible for a skilled hunter.
Eventually, Luke asked, “Are you going to explain why you have not been championing the match yourself? Have you decided against it?”
Rodger adjusted his hat absently. “No, I have not made up my mind either way. I am still very much open to the idea of a marriage between us but…”
“But what?” Luke probed.
Rodger sighed. “I wish she read more philosophy books. Or novels. Then perhaps… Well perhaps we might have more to talk about.”
Luke gestured to the landscape around them. “Have you tried talking about gardening? She is rather interested in that. Or perhaps playing a game of some kind—chess, maybe?”
“Brother, you know that I have no head for either of those things. And in fairness I have tried, but… Well, there is only so much one can say about trees and plants.” Rodger gave his brother a look; he had never been much of an outdoorsman.
To Luke’s surprise he found himself saying, “Well, there is still time for you to get to know one another better. Perhaps you could read something together.”
Why am I encouraging this?He tried to hide his own confusion as he puzzled at the answer. It made no sense, yet somehow the thought of leaving because the match was a failure made his chest tighten.It is probably because it would look rude if we have already stayed for so long and not kept an open mind for the rest of the trip.
“Perhaps. I do not know, maybe I am expecting too much. As you say, we have only known each other a few days. It is normal I expect for there to be a level of silence between people in such a situation.” Rodger chewed on his bottom lip.
Luke thought on his own exchanges with Miss Pembleton. Though they had not been what he would consider pleasant, they had rarely struggled to find anything to say to each other.
If anything it is quite the opposite.He murmured. “I find it hard to imagine Miss Pembleton silent. The woman seems far too curious for such a thing.”
“Speak of the devil.” Rodger indicated something over Luke’s shoulder.
“What?” Luke whipped around.
He saw instantly what his brother was pointing at. A woman, dressed in a stunning riding habit of deep and rich red, riding towards them. In the light mist, she cut a stunning figure. Her black hair seemed ethereal, her amber eyes alight with determination.
Luke shook his head as he realised that her choice of a red riding habit was entirely intentional.She cannot be serious.“You must be joking.”
“Good morning, Lord Baine. Duke Warren. A pleasure to see you both.” Miss Pembleton exclaimed as her horse drew level with their own.
“Good morning to you, Miss Pembleton. Do you mean to ride out with us for the start of the hunt?” Rodger asked.
Luke narrowed his eyes at the woman, the slight flush of her cheeks confirming his suspicions. “I suspect, brother, that Miss Pembleton intends to ride along with the hunt. Which is quite out of the question.”
“But-” Miss Pembleton began but Luke cut her off.
“-Aside from being entirely improper, it is dangerous! This is not like shooting, Miss Pembleton. A hunt requires hard and difficult riding.” Luke thought of the men and horses he hadknown, the many injuries he had seen.It would be far too easy for her to fall.“I would not see any harm come to you.”
Miss Pembleton’s eyes widened, the anger that had flared a moment before softening into something else as she said, “While your concern for my safety is rather sweet, I assure you good sir, I am quite the accomplished rider.”
Rodger gestured around them. “I should hate for Miss Pembleton to miss out on all the fun.”
“She will miss out on nothing by joining the women who will watch from the road, or ride along at a more sedate pace.” Luke pointed out.
After all, there was a picnic planned for them, and nothing dangerous was likely to happen at a picnic.
“I have joined my father on hunts before, I am well aware of the dangers.” Miss Pembleton insisted.
Luke only just managed to keep from gaping at her in disbelief, and forced himself to say as coolly as he could manage, “What a man permits on his own land is his business.”What kind of man would allow his daughter to put herself in harm's way like that?
“Well, it is a good thing we are not on your land, is it not, Duke Warren?” Miss Pembleton said, her tone light but with the characteristic edge of anger Luke had grown used to.
“We are not, but nor are we on your father’s estate, Miss Pembleton.” Luke pointed out, breathing deeply to soothe his racing heart.
