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Mrs. Mackenzie shook her head slightly but didn’t argue further. Though William believed he heard her mutter, “It’s your cold dinner, then.”
Father must have been too long on his feet, for his expression grew tight. “Send word when you have an answer,” he said to Mr. Burke, before begging his excuses and turning toward where they’d left their horses. William helped Father onto his horse before mounting his own and pulling it in line behind Roger. They waved to the few people they’d met, and William bit back his regret at not being more forward. Father had asked him to spread his charm, and he’d done very little of that.
Pippa had distracted him. They pulled onto the road that led toward home and off to the side of the lane as they passed Pippa walking with Lily.
Once they were out of earshot, Father pulled his horse beside William’s. Pain was written into the contortion of his expression and the lines on his face, but he was a stubborn man, and he would ride until he could no longer get into the saddle on his own. “I want you to try harder next time.”
William nodded, his jaw set. He’d known his own failings, knew how he’d been a disappointment. “I will.”
“Maybe that Sheffield girl would be a good target.”
Target. The word soured his stomach. He clenched his teeth and did not bother to hide his distaste. “I will target no one in that way. I never have, and I do not intend to begin now.”
“But if you only—”
“I am willing to befriend the entire town, Father, but I will not lead a woman to believe that I harbor feelings where none reside.”
“Flirting has never been about feelings,” Roger said, laughing to himself.
Which was where he and William differed. There was a stark difference between playful banter and choosing a woman to direct his affections to.
He looked over his shoulder and caught sight of Pippa in the distance, walking beside her friend. She looked innocent and happy, and William wondered what it was about this woman that had captured his attention.
And what, exactly, had captured his father’s notice, too?
