“And yet, you persist in prying,” Miles remarked. He wasn’t upset with Bennett; he knew his friend meant well. Nevertheless, he believed he could handle things on his own. It was a lie he told himself and, deep down, he wasn’t sure if he believed it.
“Well, I hope you are ready to be thoroughly entertained during your visit,” Bennett said. “I have our days planned with pall-mall, angling and shooting.”
“Marvelous,” Miles muttered, lifting the glass to his lips. He recognized his friend’s attempt to divert him from his grief. But it had proven ineffective in the past, so why would this occasion be any different?
He had just taken a sip of his drink when an attractive young woman entered the room, clad in a black gown. She had a slender frame, and her dark hair was fashioned into a loose chignon at the nape of her neck. Her green eyes, set deep and framed by high cheekbones, held a familiarity that he couldn’t explain.
A small squeak escaped her as she noticed them, quickly lowering her gaze. “My apologies,” the young woman said. “I hadn’t realized your guest had arrived yet. I will go.”
Swirling gracefully on her heel, the young woman moved to leave but Bennett’s voice stopped her retreat. “Wait, Edwina,” he called out.
She reluctantly turned back around, casting an expectant gaze upon him.
Bennett placed his hand out towards the young woman. “Allow me the privilege of introducing you to my cousin, Lady Edwina Lockwood.”
Miles executed a bow. “My lady,” he greeted.
Edwina responded with a deep curtsy, her gaze seemingly fixed on the open door, as if contemplating her imminent escape.
Bennett lowered his hand, proceeding with the introductions. “Lord Hilgrove is a good friend of mine and we housed together during our time at Cambridge.”
“My lord,” Edwina murmured, looking entirely unimpressed with what her cousin had just revealed. He was accustomed to women reacting with admiration upon learning of his title, but her lack of such a response intrigued him. It was a reaction he found rather refreshing.
Edwina held his gaze for the briefest of moments before it turned downcast. “If that will be all…” Her voice trailed off, as if looking for permission to leave.
“You had a purpose for visiting the study, did you not?” Bennett asked.
With a quick glance at the bookshelves, Edwina remarked, “I was going to collect a book, but I can return at another time.”
“You mustn’t change your plans on our account,” Bennett insisted. “Do not let us deter you from your original purpose.”
Edwina nodded, turning towards the nearest bookshelf. Her fingers traced along the spines until she found one to her liking, which she promptly retrieved and tucked under her arm. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Bennett lifted his brow. “Are you interested in estate management, Cousin?”
Her brow puckered. “No, why do you ask?”
“The book you chose is on farmland equipment and techniques,” Bennett replied. “I doubt you would find it very engaging.”
“Oh,” Edwina said. “Perhaps I shall select something else.”
Bennett gave her an encouraging look, appearing as if he had expected her response. “Take your time. You are not inconveniencing us.”
Edwina proceeded to return the book to its rightful place, her eyes wandering over the array of titles.
Facing Miles, Bennett inquired, “How is your sister?”
“She is well,” Miles replied. “I hardly see her now that she is married and has two little ones to keep her busy.”
“That is not a day that I long for,” Bennett admitted.
Miles tightened the hold on his glass. His wife had been increasing when she had grown ill. It was a devastating blow to not only lose her but the child as well. “It is not for everyone,” he muttered.
Edwina turned around from the bookshelves with a book in hand. “I found one,” she said, her voice not much more than a whisper.
“Which book caught your fancy?” Bennett asked.
“Robinson Crusoe,” Edwina replied, tucking the book under her arm.
