Rodger nodded excitedly. “Exactly. And Lady Marie, made the interesting comparison between Platonic notions of the aesthetic and Kantian theories on morality.”
Luke found himself exchanging a look with Emily, each looking away hastily and smiling. “And what do you think, Miss Pembleton?”
They had started reading bits of the book the night before, with Luke helping read sections and Emily repeating. Ever since they had worked out the trick with music, her progress had been impressive.Even if she does need to hum a little to herself when she gets stuck.
“I would not be able to speak to the more philosophical elements of the novel, but I am enjoying what I have read so far. I am surprised you have read the novel. After all, it is rather improper.” Emily smiled at him, and Luke felt the warmth of it as though it were a physical touch.
Luke could hear both the excitement and the mischief in her voice. After all, no one was supposed to know he was teaching her how to read.How long has it been since she has been able to join in a conversation about books and say something meaningful.
He found himself smiling back, trying his best to ignore the feeling that they were sharing some private joke between them. He supposed that in a way they were.
You are being ridiculous, she is supposed to be marrying Rodger.He shook his head. “My brother enjoys it, and I find it useful to have something to talk about.”
Emily raised an eyebrow at him. “And you do not enjoy it?”
Luke made a vague motion with his hand, his cheeks flushing slightly. “I will admit it has some merits.”
“Such as?” Emily asked.
“Why not tell me your thoughts first, and then I shall share mine.” Luke inclined his head, mischief in his eyes as he said, “After all, I did ask first.”
“And I suppose I must answer then, it is only proper.” Emily’s voice was teasing.
Luke only just managed to stop himself smiling as he said, “Indeed, and yet here you are, avoiding the question still.”
“Perhaps it is simply that you are impatient for my answer.” She retorted, her eyes dancing in the sunlight.
“A bold supposition when you have still not answered the question.” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Very well, Duke Impatience. In truth, I have not yet finished it, but I do have some thoughts on the earlier sections.” Emily coloured slightly, but he could hear a faint note of pride in her voice. “Namely, that I rather enjoy Valancourt, his generosity is something to behold. I do not think I care much for Madame Cheron though.”
He sighed. “Of course, you would be drawn to Valancourt.”
“What is there not to like? He is generous and interesting. And it is clear he cares a great deal for Emily.” Her cheeks coloured even more. “I will admit it is rather odd to share a name with a character so unlike myself.”
Luke asked, knowing exactly what she would say. “You think you are very different then?”
Emily made a face and gave him a flat look. “This Emily is obsessed with morality and propriety. She is almost blindly obedient.”
“Some might say that is a virtue. Besides, I think there is some similarity between the two of you.” He grinned at her.
“Really?” a crease appeared on her brow as she looked at him.
“Of course, your deep appreciation of nature for one thing.” Luke laughed softly, catching a slight movement in Emily that made him suspect that she would have thrown something at him had she had anything to hand.I should be grateful that one of the servants is carrying the picnic basket.
“You are lucky I have no scones to hand.” Emily muttered, but her glower was undermined by the small smile on her face. “I suppose it is true that we both have a deep love and appreciation for nature. But I do not spend my time writing poems about it.”
Not yet.Luke was fairly certain he could hear a degree of wistfulness in her voice as she said it. “Perhaps you need to spend more time amongst it, to inspire such things.”
Emily shrugged, her arms wrapping around herself. “I do not think I will ever be the kind of person who writes poems about nature. Besides, why write about something when you could simply be in it?”
“Because we cannot always be in nature.” Luke explained.You can do anything you set your mind to.
He bit back the words. He knew he should not say them.What is wrong with me?Why did it hurt him to see her think so little of herself? What did it matter to him whether or not she could see how much she had to offer.Stop it, she is hardly the bastion of perfection.
Emily canted her head towards him. “Why not?”
Luke shrugged and gestured around them, feeling as though they had ventured into safer territory. “I do not know if you have realised, but we do live in England, and the weather does leave rather something to be desired.”
