“It is of little consequence now, especially since not much has changed.”
“Why do you say that?”
Henrietta let out a puff of air. “My parents would rather marry me off to my cousin than deal with me,” she said.
“Have you spoken to them about this?”
“No,” she replied. “Unfortunately, we have spoken very little since Mr. Drew has arrived.”
“That is most unfortunate. I have learned that it is best to speak one’s mind rather than allow it to stew inside of you.”
“You are in a position to do so,” she contended. “If my parents took issue with me, they could cut me off, and I would be forced to seek out employment.”
“Do you believe they would be so cold and unfeeling as that?”
“Frankly, I am not entirely sure.”
Charles adjusted the reins in his hand, then said, “I think it might be best if you had a frank conversation with your parents and explain how you are feeling.”
“That would be a waste of time. My family does not talk about their feelings.”
“You could always change that.”
Henrietta eyed him curiously. “I’m afraid you wouldn’t understand. It sounds as if you have a close-knit family.”
“I do, but that wasn’t always the case,” he replied. “Roswell grew despondent for a few years following my father’s death.”
“What changed?”
“Ellie.”
“Was it love at first sight?”
Charles chuckled. “Heavens, no,” he replied. “Roswell couldn’t abide Ellie when he first met her, but he came to his senses rather quickly. Now it is almost nauseating to be witness to how much they love one another.”
“I can’t imagine that to be true.”
“You are right, of course,” he said. “I am truly happy for them.”
“It is rare to find a love match amongst our circles.”
“But not impossible.”
Henrietta met his eyes, and something flickered in them. It was that something that caused him to hope that she returned his affection.
He paused, reflecting on the previous thought. When had he developed affection for Henrietta?
Mr. Drew’s voice came from behind them. “Should we let our horses stretch their legs?”
Henrietta hastily looked away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “I think that is a fine idea.”
Charles had been enjoying his conversation with Henrietta and wasn’t quite ready for it to end. But he couldn’t very well admit that, at least not with Mr. Drew around. Botheration. He was not one to dislike someone, but he was growing rather irritated by Mr. Drew and his meddling ways.
Henrietta’s voice broke through his musings. “Are you up for a race, my lord?”
He brought a smile to his lips. “I am.”
Henrietta sat at the dining table as she quietly ate her dessert. Her sister was jabbering on about the color of ribbon she intended to wear tomorrow when Lord Featherstone came to call. Frankly, she was barely acknowledging her sister because she had too much on her mind.
