“Not to worry,” Bennett assured her with a smile. “You have come to the right teachers.”
Edwina reached for an arrow and set it in her bowstring. She pulled back the string with practiced ease and released the arrow towards the target, hitting just next to Lord Hilgrove’s successful shot.
Lord Hilgrove raised an impressed brow at her. “It seems like you don’t need our help after all,” he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.
Edwina couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride swell within her at those words. “No, I suppose I don’t,” she admitted.
Bennett held his hand out for the bow, breaking the moment between her and Lord Hilgrove. “It would appear thatIam the one in need of practice,” he said.
She grinned at her cousin’s playful tone as she relinquished the bow to him. “I didn’t want to be the one to say it,” she teased.
Lord Hilgrove’s deep chuckle rang out and her heart took flight at the sound. Uncertain of why his laugh had elicited such a reaction, Edwina quickly directed her attention back towards the targets, determined not to let Lord Hilgrove’s presence distract her.
The faint sound of the dinner bell could be heard as Miles slipped into his tailored jacket and straightened his cuffs. Bailey stood dutifully by his side, ready to assist with any request.
“That will be all,” Miles said, dismissing the valet with a wave of his hand.
Bailey bowed and began tidying up the bedchamber.
Miles walked over to the door, his hand resting on the handle. “How is your sister?” he inquired.
“Which one, my lord?” Bailey asked with a smile.
“The one who eloped,” Miles clarified.
Bailey’s expression grew somber. “It has been some time since then, but she seems to be doing well,” he said. “I receive an occasional letter from her.”
Miles bobbed his head. “That is good.”
“Dare I ask when the last time was that you wrote your sister?” Bailey inquired with a lifted brow.
Letting out a sigh, Miles turned to face his valet. “I must admit that it has been quite some time.”
Bailey grinned. “I am well aware since you have me post the letters.”
“Then why bother asking?” Miles grumbled.
Reaching down, the valet picked up Miles’ riding boots. “Because I wanted you to realize how long it has been,” he said with an amused glint in his eyes.
Miles frowned. “Why does it matter?” he asked. “She is married with little ones running around. She doesn’t need me.”
“But you are her brother, and she writes to you. Typically, people who write letters enjoy receiving a response.”
“Yes, but she is happy.”
Bailey gave him a knowing look. “And there lies the cruxof the matter,” he responded slowly. “I believe that you are envious of her happiness.”
Miles huffed, feeling a touch of indignation at the accusation. “I should reprimand you for your impertinence?—”
“But you won’t because I am right, and you know it,” Bailey interjected confidently. He paused. “Just think on it for a while.”
Reaching for the handle, Miles pushed open the door and stepped out into the corridor. He wanted to be angry at Bailey but the only person he could truly be angry at was himself. He could pretend all he wanted that he wasn’t jealous of his sister, but he was. She had married for love and now they were blissfully happy at their country estate.
He didn’t want to tell his sister how he was truly doing or else she might pity him. And he didn’t need anyone’s pity. Not now.
As he headed down the corridor, he saw Edwina slip out of her bedchamber, dressed in a dark blue gown.
Her eyes grew wide at the sight of him and she quickly dropped into a slight curtsy. “My lord,” she greeted him.
