Ralph bowed as he made to take his leave, but Priscilla gave Wyatt’s brother a small smile.“You’re not coming, Mr.Fitzroy?”
Ralph paused, looking at Wyatt who shook his head, just as confused as Ralph.He looked down at Priscilla.“Your mother can chaperone.Surely we don’t need?—”
“Your brother to accompany us?”
He pulled his chin back, surprise rocking through him.“How did you…”
“You look alike.I’m surprised I didn’t realize yesterday.”She shook her head.“But it answers a great many questions and, truth be told, with those out of the way, I’m even more eager for our outing today.”
Eager?
Every muscle tightened.
Should he confess he felt that same eagerness?He shouldn’t.Not even a little.
CHAPTERSIX
Priscilla glancedup at Lord Ware between her lashes as they made their way into the shop.Ralph had been a major question, and with an answer, she felt herself relax into their outing.
Of course he hadn’t touted that he had a bastard brother.That’s surely what Ralph was.
Lord Ware reached for a periwinkle ribbon, allowing the silk to run through his hand.“This would be an excellent color for you, I think.”
“I agree,” her mother replied, before she drifted off to the other side of the shop.
Priscilla inspected the spool, pretending to consider whether or not she’d take his advice.“What color dress should I wear it with?”
“Surely we could find you a matching gown.”
Her brow lifted.“A gentleman does not?—”
“But a husband does.If you’d accept my proposal, I could help you with all sorts of facets of life.”
That was a fair point.And one he’d already articulated.And considering this morning’s events with Eugene, she was inclined to agree.But was this her desire to be rescued speaking or her rational mind that wished to make valid decisions?“Tell me more about yourself.What do you do for fun?”
His mouth twisted.“The title and lands take up a great deal of my time, but when I’m not doing that, I box.”
“Box?”she asked, her brows lifting.“Even with your injuries?”
“Injuries?”
Priscilla started, didn’t he have an injured leg in addition to the scar he bore on his face?“Forgive me.I saw you limping the other day.”
Understanding dawned.“The limp was a…boxing injury, temporary, nothing serious.”
She nodded, her mouth quirking down.Somehow each new discovery about him only seemed to create more questions.Perhaps it was the way he’d paused or the fact that he hadn’t met her eye when he said he’d been hurt in the ring.“Do you box at a club?”
“Not really.Ralph trains me, though.He used to be a professional.”
Had Ralph caused the limp?Did she ask?She struggled to find an acceptable question that would also provide her with some answers.For every mystery she solved with this man, another came to light… “Does boxing usually cause leg injuries?”
“It depends on how you go about it, I suppose.Many men consider kicking fair sport.”He steered her toward another display.“And what about you?What do you do for fun?”
She shook her head.“These days, not much.I used to spend quite a bit of time with my friends.But between Eugene and the fact that three of the ladies have recently wed…”
He nodded.“Is Clara soon to be married?”
Priscilla shook her head.“No.She’s had scores of suitors, though.How could she not, she’s so lovely inside and out.She doesn’t speak about it much but I think her heart still belongs to a man from her past.”
