I tried to imagine Abramson spying on me on my property, waiting to make his move. The picture in my mind was all wrong. Abramson could bluff in cards for strangers, but he could never fool me. Unfortunately, it did not mean that he was not indirectly involved. He had been as loyal to Barry over the years as he had been to me. And he had always been easily swayed.
“I thought after last night that you were ready to start over,” Abramson said.
Was I? I wanted to try letting someone into my heart again, but was I ready to welcome Society into my home? My old friends?
“My aunt is responsible for your invitations last night. I had no idea you were coming.”
“I see.” Abramson scuffed the toe of his boot against the gravel. “Does this mean you will prohibit me from calling on your sister?”
Every part of me balked at the thought of Abramson with my sister. It had been hard enough seeing them converse last night. I knew his mistakes nearly as well as I knew my own.
Abramson sighed. “Your sister has your same spirit—or at least the spirit you had before your accident. If I am right, she will resent you if you make this choice for her.”
I stared at him, my hands involuntarily fisting at my side. It was difficult enough deciding my own love life, but my sister’s too? As a brother I had a duty to protect her.
“Walk with me,” Abramson said. “For old times’ sake. Perhaps I can convince you to let me inside.”
My feet begrudgingly stepped into pace with Abramson. Whatever he had to say, I doubted it would convince me.
Estelle
Augusta was not the only one struggling to pay attention to lessons this morning. I could barely keep my thoughts on her primer. Guilt plagued me for not telling Nora about Mr. Goodwin last night or that morning. I justified that she would not remember him being our guest at Norwood Hall, but she had a better memory than most.
I also worried Lady Camden would burst in to the library at any moment to lecture me on speaking too intimately with her son—and in public no less. But worst of all was the way my thoughts leaped to the subject of Lord Camden.
As if they wanted to stay there forever.
“Isn’t Fredrick Abramson a classic name?” Augusta asked. “It’s strong and masculine.”
“It’s a fine name. Keep reading here.” I pointed to a place on the text and hoped it was the correct spot.
She read another sentence and stopped. “But I could not fully enjoy Mr. Abramson’s company because I was worried about what my brother thinks of him. Or was it because I did not fully enjoy Mr. Abramson himself? I blame Atlas for my confusion. He was so off-putting to his friends. I do wonder why.”
I wondered the same. “I am certain he had his reasons. Read this line, if you please.”
Another sentence and Augusta picked the conversation up again, this time with a knowing smile. “My brother paid marked attention to you at the dinner party. Surely you have something to say about that.”
Drat my smile. I could not keep it hidden. “See if you can finish another page, and we will take a short reprieve.”
Augusta sighed and droned out the words. It was then I realized she was showing signs of improvement. She had memorized a few more words and did not stumble quite as frequently. When she finished, I praised her. “You are doing so well.”
“Do not humor me. I am still in the same primer as babies learning to read.”
“Your consistency has made a difference. Think what another few months will do.”
Augusta pushed the primer aside. “I would rather think about last night. Tell me this. Did you reflect even once on your stranger?”
That was not the question I had expected. “No. I did not think of my stranger.”
Augusta grinned. “Because my brother consumed your thoughts?”
I glanced from one knowing eye to the other and relented with an honest answer. “Not all of them, but I must admit he stole the majority.”
Her grin stretched ever higher on her cheeks. “Ah, so Atlas was a romantic thief who stole your thoughts. I have never been prouder of him.”
I withheld the laugh on the tip of my tongue. I did not want to encourage her and set false hopes. “It would be difficult not to like your brother, but I am a mere companion. Besides, it’s not right for me to have two different men in my heart. Clearly, I am not mature enough to be in any relationship. It’s far better if I stick to my original plan.”
“And what is that?”
