“You do not always win!” Lord Peter exclaimed.
“I win often enough.” Duke Emberly shrugged. “Besides, you should respect your elders. We are wiser.”
“Some elders might be, but you are not.”
“Impudent wretch.” Duke Emberly growled affectionately, pulling his brother towards him and ruffling his hair. “I’ll show you.”
“Get off me.” Lord Peter laughed, and pushed at his brother. “Duke Warren will think we are entirely uncultured. I bet he never does this to his brother.”
“That is because Lord Baine is probably less annoying than you are.” Duke Emberly teased.
“I do not know about that. Little brothers do have a tendency to make themselves a nuisance.” Luke found himself saying, thinking of the times Rodger had done something ridiculous.Like letting a young woman almost die in his care.
His amused exasperation turned to anger and he forced it away. He had already spoken to his brother about it.After the dressing down I gave him, I doubt it will happen again.
“It is testament to the strength of an older brother’s will that we put up with it.” Duke Emberly said, releasing his brother and grinning at him.
Lord Peter dusted himself off and straightened his clothes. “You love me, dearly brother.”
“Of course I do.” Duke Embery replied, and then glanced down at his gun. “Speaking of younger brothers, will Lord Baine not be joining us?”
Luke shook his head. “No, he wanted to remain in the castle and read.”
Rodger hated shooting at the best of times, but after yesterday he had refused to join them. Luke might have pushed him in other circumstances, but he was still irritated enough at him that he appreciated a little distance.
Besides, he will be around if there is any update on Emily.His chest squeezed as he thought of her, and he pushed the image of her away.I hope she is safe.They would have said if she was in danger. Someone would have mentioned.No news is good news.
“Ugh. He is like Marie. She always has her nose in a book.” Lord Peter’s voice jerked him back to the present. “Why read, when you could be outsidedoingthings?”
“Reading is important, Peter.” Duke Emberly chided, but Luke could see the amusement on his face.
“I never said it was unimportant. Simply that I did not understand the appeal when there are other more interesting things to do.” Lord Peter crossed his arms and shook his head.
“Perhaps it is interesting to Lord Baine.” Duke Emberly shrugged, his eyes flitting to Luke.
Luke nodded. “It is one of his favourite things to do.”
“And I shall never understand it.” Lord Peter insisted.
“You do not need to.” Duke Emberly responded, calmly.
“On a day like today, it is much nicer to be out of doors.” Luke admitted, breathing in the crisp air.
The sun was high in the clear blue sky. Everything was clear, and a gentle breeze tugged at his coat. It was stunning. Almost enough to distract him from thoughts of a certain black-haired woman.
“You see?” Lord Peter gave his brother a triumphant look. “Duke Warren understands.”
“Everyone is different.” Duke Emberly said, but before he could say anything else an excited squeal sounded and a boy came running towards them. “Arthur! How many times have I told you not to run in front of people who are shooting?”
“Sorry, Father. But Aphrodite has had puppies!” Duke Emberly’s son was beaming. “I wanted to show them to Uncle Peter. Natalie and some of the girls are already there. Marigold says that she wants the white one butIwant that one.”
“I do not think I will ever be used to being Uncle Peter. You make me feel so old, Arty.” Lord Peter shook his head and glanced at his brother and then Luke. “You do not mind if I go with him?”
“Of course not, though we will not join you. I expect it will be far too much of a crowd for Aphrodite.” Duke Emberly raised an eyebrow at Luke. “Unless you would like to see the puppies?”
Luke had been looking at the castle and at Duke Emberly’s words realised what he had been doing, and hastily turned back, his cheeks colouring slightly.
“I am happy to see them at another time.” Luke said.
