Quite likely, it was both.
“I’ll go and speak to him,” she told Mary. “Where is he?”
“In his study,” Mary replied innocently, having no idea of the giddy apprehension that those three words stirred within Cecily. “With Patrick.”
Well, at least Nathaniel is not in there alone.
Cecily walked briskly to the study with the letter in her hand and paused outside, calming the tremors in her hand and the butterflies in her stomach before she knocked and turned the handle.
“Cecily,” Nathaniel greeted her, both men getting to their feet as she entered.
Instinctively, Cecily returned Nathaniel’s warm smile, perhaps for a moment too long, before remembering that Patrick was also in the room.
“I’m sorry to disturb you both. I only wanted to speak to you about this letter before dinner, Nathaniel.”
“Don’t worry,” Patrick replied with good humor. “We’re done, I think.”
The brothers grinned at one another as though they had a secret they longed to share. Cecily couldn’t help smiling with them.
“What is it?” she asked. “You look as though you have received some good news.”
“Not quite yet, but soon, I hope.” Nathaniel laughed. “If all goes well, my brother will soon be a member of one of His Majesty’s finest cavalry regiments.”
“You’re joining the army?” Cecily said incredulously, turning to Patrick. “Why, that’s wonderful, Patrick. It is a fine career.”
“I’m to meet a senior officer in London next week, and if they approve my commission, I’ll be off to order my uniform,” Patrick explained happily. “Shall I leave the two of you alone?”
Cecily’s heart beat frantically at that, and her eyes sought Nathaniel’s and saw the twinkle in them.
“Do stay. You might be needed, actually,” Nathaniel answered, to her disappointment and relief.
She unfolded the letter and glanced briefly again at her grandmother’s hand. “It seems that we both agree that it wouldn’t be wise for Mary to visit my grandmother at Holt House.”
“Absolutely not!” Patrick interjected before Nathaniel could even open his mouth. “Your uncle is a dangerous man.”
“We are all thinking the same thing,” Nathaniel said with some amusement. “What do you propose, Cecily?”
“Do you think it might be safer if Mary and I met Grandmother somewhere else in London? There is no love lost between us, but I do not wish to cut her off entirely.”
Nathaniel leaned back against the mantelpiece.
“Perhaps,” he said laconically, his brow creasing in thought.
“You cannot be serious!” Patrick protested hotly. “Two young ladies alone in London and that brute Holt skulking about with his ghastly ancient bridegroom, waiting for the chance to whisk Mary away.”
“They wouldn’t be alone,” Nathaniel assured him. “If they go on Tuesday, you can go with them since you are going to the Admiralty anyway. Hobson will drive you, and he’s the local boxing champion around here. I shall also visit my club that day and will be on hand. If Holt makes trouble, he’ll be sorry for it.”
Patrick’s expression shifted quickly from surprised to delighted, then to doubtful, and finally to determined, almost making Cecily laugh at how fast it changed. He was much easier to read than his older brother.
He offered a small bow to Cecily. “Well, of course. I would be honored to escort you and your sister to London, Cecily. No harm will come to Mary while I am there. But Nathaniel, what takes you to your club? You never go there unless there’s some special occasion or other reason.”
“Unless there is,” Nathaniel said evasively with a wave of his hand, yet again shrouding his motivations in smoke and mirrors.
Was he going to London to offer his protection to Cecily and Mary alongside his brother, or just for a good dinner and an evening of gaming? Nothing would make him admit it, but it was more than obvious.
“Thank you, Patrick,” Cecily said. “I do very much appreciate having a brother to call upon in such matters.”
A brother and a sharp-minded, quick-thinking husband who had her best interests at heart, even if he could not admit it.
