“His health shouldn’t concern you.”
Oddly enough, that was what Tristan had said.
“Can’t I be worried about someone feeling sick?” she asked.
“Yes, but…why him?”
“Because I can make my own decisions, as you’ve always encouraged me to do.”
Finally, silence filled the room.
She scowled when he opened his mouth, likely for another round of questions, but the butler coming in saved her from an argument.
“My lady, this is for you.”
“Thank you, Doyle.” She opened the small envelope, and a little flutter started in her chest when she saw the emboldened golden M at the top of the paper.
Dear Lady Effie,
I hope you will see me today to go to the stables with me.
I’m eager to become a veterinarian like you.
Lord Rowan.
She smiled at the simple request. Rowan’s enthusiasm and curiosity were touching, and she would encourage him gladly.
“What is it?” Papa used his interrogation tone again.
She rose to go to the small table to pick up a pen. “I’m going out today.”
“For what reason?”
She wrote her reply on the back of the letter. “Doyle, would you please make sure this is delivered soon?”
He bowed his head and left.
“What is it?” Papa closed a fist around his knife. “Is ithim?”
Rebellious traits had never been in her character. Her eldest sister was the rebel of the family after she’d secretly studied nursing science and paved the way for her younger sisters to do what they wanted. Yet Papa’s tone and commanding attitude—a novelty—urged her to get closer to Tristan, instead of obeying him.
“Papa, please. No, it’s not a message from Lord Montcrest, but from his brother, Lord Rowan.”
“I hope you aren’t seeing him?”
The more he ordered her to keep her distance from Tristan, the more she wanted to see him.
She stood. “Lord Rowan is a thirteen-year-old boy, Papa. He is very sweet and well mannered. I certainly want to see him.”
“Effie, don’t challenge me on this.”
“I’ll follow your warning and not get involved in your business, but I want to see the boy. I won’t be rude to him only because you have a quarrel with his brother.”
He dropped the napkin on the table. “I don’t understand your attitude. You’ve always been so reasonable.”
“Funny, but I was about to say the same thing.” She left the dining room before he could order her to stay.
