Yet, the last thing she thought of as sleep claimed her was the scent of amber.
Chapter Fourteen
“Good shot, Duke Warren.” Lord Peter said, admiring the target Luke had just fired into.
“Thank you, Lord Peter.” Luke smiled at the young man, forcing himself not to glance up at the castle behind them.
It was the day after he had found Emily crumpled on the ground. He was with Duke Emberly and his younger brother, Lord Peter, shooting in the grounds.
He had not seen Emily since he had lain her in the bed and been ushered from the room. She had not joined them for dinner or breakfast that morning.Is she all right?
He wanted to ask, but bit the words back. He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand. Duke Emberly was reloading his own gun.
“I will bet you a guinea that you cannot match Duke Warren’s shot, brother.” Lord Peter grinned at Duke Emberly.
Luke was surprised as the older man shook his head and laughed. “Do you think so little of my skill?”
“Perhaps I just think rather a lot of Duke Warren’s.” Lord Peter playfully prodded his brother, who made a playful swot back at him.
The teenager danced out of the way, sticking his tongue out at his older brother. Luke’s chest twisted as he watched them. It was clear they both adored each other. That there was respect and yet also so much playful camaraderie.
His thoughts turned to Rodger, and he felt a prickle of irritation. Emily’s crumpled form ran through his mind once more, and he clenched a fist.I told him she was his responsibility.
He found himself turning towards the castle, and managed to stop himself. He glanced away and met Duke Emberly’s gaze.
“And what do you think, Duke Warren? Do you think I can make the shot?” Duke Emberly asked, his eyes flitting briefly from Luke’s to the castle.
Does he know? Should I ask him? No. I cannot.Luke forced himself to smile. “I would not dare to presume what you are capable of, Duke Emberly.”
The Duke let out a soft laugh. “Very diplomatic, Duke Warren. I shall take the bet then.”
A moment later, there was a loud bang and Duke Emberly had matched Luke’s own shot.
Duke Emberly turned to face his brother. “That is a guinea you owe me, brother-mine.”
“Very well, a gentleman always pays his debts.” Lord Peter threw his brother a coin.
Duke Emberly caught the guinea and tucked into his coat pocket. “Do you think you can match our shots?”
Lord Peter shook his head. “No. Not yet anyway. Natalie probably could – though do not tell her I said that!”
“Do not worry, your secret is safe with us.” Duke Emberly said, miming locking his mouth and throwing away an invisible key.
“Your sister shoots?” Luke asked, canting his head towards the teenager.
Lord Peter nodded. “Yes. She does pretty much everything I do. And she always insists she can do it better.”
“And can she?”
“Some things. But not everything.” Lord Peter shrugged. “I am a better rider than her. And better at archery.”
“Do not get him started, Duke Warren. The two of them are fiercely competitive.” Duke Emberly shook his head, and Luke could see the affection in his eyes.
Lord Peter glared at his brother. “You are just as competitive.”
“When occasion arises, I suppose I can be.” Duke Emberly grinned. “Though it is hardly a competition if I always win.”
Luke laughed at the look of outrage on Lord Peter’s face.
