Rodger raised his eyebrows, affecting an overly innocent look. “Perhaps you should define what you think is reasonable.”
Luke smiled. “No more than three or four new titles.”
“Only three or four?” His brother looked crestfallen.
“Yes. That is plenty. We are only here for a few more days after all, you are not going to get through more than that. Not if you want to spend any time socialising.” Luke pointed out.
As he did so, he wondered whether Rodger and Emily had spent any more time together.Soon she may be able to speak to him at least a little of books.A prickle stirred in his chest as he imagined the two of them giggling over books together, and he frowned.
“I suppose you are right.” Rodger sighed.
Luke shook himself lightly and said brusquely, “There is no supposing. The whole point of this trip is for you to get to know Miss Pembleton. You will not do that if you spend the rest of our time here with your head stuck in a book.”
“I know that.” Rodger grumbled.
“How are things between the two of you?” Luke asked, taking a steadying breath.
“They are fine, I suppose. Not much has changed, I wish – Ahh!” Rodger slipped and lost his footing, almost falling, but Luke caught his arm. “Thank you, what on Earth did I step on?”
Luke glanced at the ground, and saw a small book. “That.”
Rodger stooped to pick it up, frowning. “I wonder who this belongs to? Oh, it is Tom Jones, how marvellous. It is truly excellent!”
“We should try and return it to its owner.” Luke glanced up and down the lane, but could not see anyone. “Perhaps we will find them in town. We cannot be far.”
“Hopefully, I should hate for anyone to be parted with such a wonderful book.” Rodger was gently wiping it off with a handkerchief. “I hope I have not damaged it.”
“If you have, then perhaps you might buy them a new copy.” Luke began to walk down the lane. “I assume it is not an especially rare title?”
“No.” Rodger was inspecting the pages of the book as they walked, which resulted in Luke needing to gently guide him out of the way of a passing carriage. “Thank you.”
“Perhaps you can inspect the book when we are no longer walking.” Luke gestured to it.
Rodger nodded, and held it in his hand. “That may be wise.”
“It is generally best to focus on what one is doing, especially when on a road.” Luke dusted a speck of dirt off the lapel of Rodger’s coat.
Rodger shrugged and coloured slightly. “You are always looking out for me.”
“Of course.” Luke smiled.
“It is nice to see you in such a good mood. I cannot remember the last time you smiled this much.” Rodger gave him a sidelong look.
Luke’s stomach twisted and he did his best to keep his face neutral, arching an eyebrow at his brother. “You paint quite the dour picture of me brother.”
“Not dour, just… Well serious.” Rodger made a vague motion with his hand. “I understand it, you bear a heavy mantle.”
“It is the nature of being a duke.” Luke shrugged.
“I know but… Is that Lady Marie?” Rodger gestured a little way down the road, to a figure who was bent over distractedly. “Lady Marie?”
The figure looked up, and Luke saw that his brother had been right.What was she doing out here, alone?Luke frowned as they moved towards Lady Marie.
“Lord Baine, Duke Warren. It is good to see you both.” She said distractedly, still looking around them as though searching for something.
“And you.” Luke replied. “I am surprised you are out unchaperoned.”
“I was with Natalie and Emily, but I left them in the dress shop to come look for my book.” Lady Marie bit her lip as she peered around.
