Rodger gave her an excited nod. “I am the same. There is just so much to read!”
“And I want to read it all!” Lady Marie agreed.
“I often think that if I had the power to halt time, I should use it to give myself the opportunity to read more.” Rodger said.
Lady Marie gave an excited nod. “I say the same thing as well! Although, I often wish I had the ability to go back in time, which is essentially the same thing.”
“I suppose that would depend on how the power manifested.” Rodger countered.
Luke glanced between the two of them, trying to keep up with their train of thought. He frowned at them.
“Hardly, to be able to travel back in time would defacto grant one the ability to have more time.” Lady Marie gestured with her hand.
“Not necessarily, for it does not account for the passage of time in oneself.” Rodger pointed out.
Lady Marie shook her head. “But nor does the ability to freeze time, unless you imply that in so doing you would freeze it for oneself which would negate the entire purpose of such a power.”
They had reached the modiste, and Luke held open the door, ushering them in as they continued their conversation. He hesitated, wondering if it would be better for him not to enter.
You are being ridiculous. There is no reason to avoid her.He took a steadying breath and walked into the modiste’s shop.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Icannot believe we are going to go to a ball together! And I am not even out yet.” Natalie said excitedly as they walked through the modiste together. “Honestly, Rose may be the best thing that ever happened to this family. There is no way Alexander would have agreed to such a thing before he met her.”
Emily smiled at her friend. She had a slight suspicion that the surprise ball was her sister’s way of orchestrating a romantic evening between her and her intended, but she did not want to spoil Natalie’s fun.Besides, even if that is the intent, it does not mean that Natalie will not enjoy herself.
“I am sure it will be delightful. And it will be good practice for you Marie.” Emily turned to Marie who was peering around them distractedly. “Marie?”
“I think I have dropped my book.” She wrung her hands. “I know I had it when we left the castle, but it is not in my bag any more.”
“Why did you bring it anyway? We are supposed to be shopping for dresses, not reading!”
“I can do both. Besides, I have gotten to the most intriguing part and simply have to know what happens next!” Marie shook her head and looked despondent. “And now I have lost it.”
“I am sure it will be around here somewhere, would you like us to help you look?” Emily offered even as she saw Natalie begin to open her mouth in outrage.
Marie shook her head. “No, do not worry. I am sure it won’t be far. I do not want to distract you two and I suspect Natalie would not forgive me if I dragged her away.”
“We will be here.” Natalie called after her sister’s retreating back. “Honestly, sometimes it is hard to believe we are related.”
“That is the way of family’s, often we are different as night and day.” Emily thought of her own sisters.But soon I will be able to read, and then perhaps, that might bring us closer.
Natalie nodded. “Like Duke Warren and Lord Baine.”
“Exactly.” Emily’s heart sped up as Natalie mentioned Luke, and she could not help but smile as she thought of their lesson the night before.
He is like me. His mother was the same. I am sure one day someone will study this, and there will be a name for it.Emilyshook herself, realising that Natalie was looking at her with a mischievous grin on her face.
“What?” Emily asked, her cheeks flushing.
“Just that you started smiling as soon as I mentioned Lord Baine.” Natalie laughed. “I take it things are going well between you?”
Emily’s flush deepened, and she felt a heavy weight settle across her shoulders at the thought of Lord Baine.What is wrong with me?
“Or is his brother still standing in your way?” Natalie asked, her brow furrowing, clearly noticing Emily’s reaction.
“I think the Duke and I may have turned a corner.” Emily said, breathing deeply. “Though I am not sure he would give us his blessing.”
