“There is no such thing as bad weather, simply poor preparation.” Emily made a dismissive motion with her hand.
“That assumes you will always know what the weather is.” Luke said.
“Or that you are observant enough to note the colour of the sky.” Emily gestured to the sky above them.
Luke laughed softly. “Yet weather can be a rather fickle thing. One moment beautiful and the other you are caught in a downpour.”
“Is that not part of the fun?” Emily laughed. “Or do you wish everything to be utterly predictable?”
“Perhaps I simply enjoy being comfortable. After all, it is rather more enjoyable to view nature from the comfort and warmth of a roaring fire.” Luke replied.
Emily nodded, running a finger across her lips thoughtfully. “I suppose there is some truth to that.”
“Besides, writing can be just as moving as nature itself. There is an entire cohort of people demonstrating that.” Luke pointedout, thinking of the many romantic writers that the ton seemed obsessed with.
“I do not think that is true.” Emily frowned at him.
Luke gave her a frank look. “Then you are not moved by Radcliffe’s descriptions of the countryside?”
“Of course I am, I daresay the book would not hold my attention otherwise.” Emily shook her head. “And now, I think it is your turn to tell me what merits you think the novel holds.”
“I think that like many romantic writers, she perfectly captures the beauty of the natural world. Her prose evokes the colours of an autumnal evening perfectly.” Luke avoided Emily’s gaze, thinking of how they had played the notes of the colours of each other’s autumns to each other the night before. “The characters are interesting, though I would not say that Valancourt’s generosity outweighs his impropriety.”
“Of course you would not. I expect Emily is your favourite character.” Emily’s cheeks flushed, her eyes widening as though she realised what she was saying, and Luke stifled a laugh as she hastily added, “I mean only that you no doubt admire her strong morality and sense of propriety.”
“I do indeed. You have not yet reached the final part of the novel but it will be interesting to see what you think.” To his surprise, Luke found he genuinely meant it.
“I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you.” Emily said, a look crossing her face that Luke could not quite place. “Though I am not sure I will finish it before the fortnight ends. Especially not with all the preparations for the ball. And I doubt we will have a chance to speak on it even if I do.”
“Ah yes, I have rarely found that a ball is conducive to discussing works of literary merit.” Luke felt a pang of loss in his chest and unbidden the image of Rodger and Emily dancing rose in his mind.That is what one is supposed to do.“Perhaps you will have to write to me with them.”
“Would you like that?” Emily asked, an odd tightness in her voice.
Was that hope? Fear?Before Luke could say anything else, Rodger’s voice broke into his thoughts.
“It looks like it’s going to rain.” His brother gestured to the darkening sky.
Luke managed not to jump, he had almost forgotten that his brother and Lady Marie were with them.I was too caught up in my own conversation.Some part of him knew he should be encouraging his brother to talk more to Miss Pembleton, but surely it was a good thing that he and the young woman were on more cordial terms?
It will make it easier if they marry.He felt a peculiar roil in his stomach at the thought and pushed it away. Frowning at it.
Lady Marie was saying, looking up at the sky. “Perhaps it would be best to return to the castle?”
His brother nodded excitedly. “Then I can show you the quote and prove that you are mistaken.”
Lady Marie shook her head, a wide smile on her face. “I think you will find Lord Baine, that I will be proved correct.”
The two of them turned around and began to make their way back towards the castle, leaving Luke and Emily standing alone together.
“Well, I suppose we should join them.” Emily murmured glancing from the sky to Luke.
He felt a tug of reluctance at the thought of returning to the castle and found himself saying, “You do not feel like continuing? I thought you said there was no such thing as bad weather.”
Emily laughed, but he noticed a tightness to her expression. “I said there was no such thing as bad weather if one is prepared enough, and I am not prepared for rain.”
“I suppose not.” Luke agreed.
“Lucy will be furious with me if I get this dress wet. It will take an age to dry again and it is one of my newer ones. Besides, withthis much fabric, getting caught in a downpour would be most uncomfortable.” Emily shuddered.
