Page 57 of Miss Devon’s Choice

“I will soon join the ranks of the politicians, I’m afraid.” Christian’s brow lowered as he spoke, his mouth pulling downward.

At last she responded, stepping forward nimbly. “Lucas must think you are capable if he continues to invite you to join them.” Rebecca moved to stand next to him, nudging his shoulder with hers. “What would you rather be doing, if not discussing politics?” The ghost of her formerly bright smile appeared.

His thoughts immediately went to their shared kiss. They hadn’t spoken of it. Hadn’t even come close to repeating it. Did she think of that moment as often as he did? “Something with you, I think,” he answered aloud.

Rebecca’s cheeks flushed a lovely pink. Hastily, she spoke to her brother. “We haven’t been doing anything amusing, have we, Harry?”

Harry chuckled. “Not at all. But I think it must be time for me to return home. Father insists on an early dinner when we’re in the country.”

“Oh.” Rebecca’s shoulders tensed and she bit her lip, looking down.

Christian studied the pensive look on her face, the way a crease appeared between her brow. She had told him she missed her home, hadn’t she? Perhaps there was a way to assist her with that.

“I have been thinking of paying a visit to your father, at his house. It doesn’t seem like very good form to be in such close proximity to my future father-in-law and not visit.”

Rebecca’s color fled and she turned away abruptly, folding her arms across her chest. Harry frowned, watching his sister’s reaction as well.

He spoke slowly, facing Rebecca though his words were meant for Christian. “You are right, of course. I will speak to my father. If he knows you desire a meeting, he will extend an invitation.”

“Excellent.”

Rebecca interjected quickly. “For tea, Harry. See if you can invite us for tea.”

Her betrothed gave her an odd look. “I gather you do not wish the visit to be long, tesoro mio.”

That was a new endearment. She glanced to Harry. “What does that one mean?”

The tips of the boy’s ears turned red. “My treasure. I think.”

Christian chuckled. He’d taken to using different phrases and words in conversation to test the boy’s understanding of the language. He hadn’t flummoxed Harry yet, but if he kept using phrases like that Rebecca’s brother might eventually refuse to translate for her.

“That’s quite enough of that,” Rebecca said with a huff. “But yes, Christian, I would rather not spend an excessive amount of time with my father. My aunt is highly critical of me, but our father is more so. It is most uncomfortable at times and I would not wish you to be a witness to it.”

The way she spoke each word, tightly, almost through gritted teeth, made him question whether it was wise for them both to go. But he knew how to handle difficult people. After all, Christian had told her of his grandfather’s less than compassionate behavior.

Her manner changed greatly after speaking to her father. Perhaps if I see the two of them together I might learn what happened, why she’s suddenly so reserved.

“I will send you word, if Father is agreeable.” Harry bowed. “And now, I take my leave of you. Good afternoon, Rebecca. Lord Easton.”

Christian nodded and they watched the boy saunter down the hallway, obviously not in too much of a hurry to be away.

“Your brother,” Christian said, watching Harry disappear around the corner of the staircase. “He is a cheerful young man. I hope he can continue on in that way.”

Rebecca sighed and started toward the hall. When she spoke again, it was to change the subject entirely.

“Would you come listen to me practice?” she asked. “The concert is tomorrow evening and half the county has been invited. I think every member of the local nobility and gentry will be present.”

Christian fell into step beside her, clasping his hands behind him as he walked. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure at this moment, carina. I do hope you’ve improved since the last time I heard you on the pianoforte.” He put on an overly severe frown, but instead of laughing, Rebecca crossed her arms before her again, her step quickening.

“The last time you heard me, I was emotionally compromised. Today will be much better.” As if to prove her point, she put on an artificial smile.

What happened to the cheerful Rebecca I’ve been coming to know?

Christian moved swiftly, overtaking her and raising a hand to stop her. When she froze, looking up at him with wide eyes, he offered her his hand. “Rebecca,” he said, rolling the R of her name, savoring the sound of it. “I look forward to it. Truly.”

After glancing from his expression to his hand, she finally slipped her palm into his. They entered the music room together and he left the door open, to at least keep up the appearance of respectability.

It took Rebecca but a moment to find her music on the shelves nearest the pianoforte. She spread the sheets out on the music stand before taking her seat at the instrument. Christian picked up a chair and moved it beside the bench. In her current state, he doubted she would welcome him on the bench next to her.