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Rosabel nearly rolled her eyes at the rather daft question. “I wouldn’t really know, to be honest, as I’ve never been out to sea, but if I think about it, it does sound terrifying.”
The handsome gentleman frowned. “You have never been to sea? We shall have to change that, shan’t we?”
Bel smiled politely without giving a specific reply. Perhaps an enterprising gentleman wasn’t the answer she had been looking for. She was starting to despair of her inconsistent impulses. Why couldn’t she feel for him as she was beginning to grasp how she felt for Wexford?
As though her thoughts had conjured him, the duke appeared in the distance. It was the afternoon of the balloon ascension. Wexford had arranged things with Lady Sherton so as to allow them all to attend, but Rosabel had expected him to cry off since Lady Katherine was so obviously well cared for on this adventure. But there he was striding toward his sister.
“It’s rather unfortunate that you don’t seem to have an inclination to follow me with your eyes quite like that.”
Rosabel felt uncharacteristic heat flood her face.
“I beg your pardon?”
“You hide it extremely well, but it can be seen if one is looking for it.”
“What can?” Rosabel refused to acknowledge whatever Mr. Northcott was trying to imply. She also wouldn’t allow her gaze to stray back toward Wexford, the subject of their discussion.
Northcott offered her his charming smile, the one that should send her heart into at least a little faster rhythm but merely caused her to smile back.
“Sometimes our hearts don’t listen to our heads, no matter how sternly we admonish them,” he said kindly. “So, I’m not in the least offended. I do hope we shall remain friends, as I’ve become quite fond of you and your sisters.”
Rosabel wanted to bluster her way out of the situation but realized there was nothing for it. Her smile widened as she countered with a question, “Even Hilaria?”
“Perhaps Hilaria most of all. Well, perhaps not. She seems to be a trifle more complicated than I’m equipped to deal with. Your youngest sister intrigues me, to be perfectly honest. Her giving nature seems to be one that would need to be protected and cultivated.”
Rosabel stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. “I can’t say that I’ve ever had a gentleman consider one of my sisters while in my presence.”
Northcott shrugged. “It would seem we’re in the same boat, in that case,” he returned with a good-natured grin even as he nodded toward the duke, who was watching them with an expressionless stare.
Rosabel sighed, causing Mr. Northcott to chuckle again as he patted her hand in a bracing manner.
“It probably wouldn’t be nearly as bad as you might think.” Bel didn’t bother pretending not to know what he was talking about since they had previously discussed her intention to live a private life that wouldn’t be possible if she were to marry a nobleman with a prominent title. “I can tell you that my sister-in-law has managed far better than any in the family could have expected.” He paused for a moment before adding, “You are far more of a traditionalist than you think. A titled gentleman might fit your needs better than an adventurer like me.”
Rosabel sighed again as she met his gaze. “I wish you were wrong, but I appreciate your offer of friendship. Perhaps the role of maiden aunt will truly be best for me.”
“I strongly doubt it,” he replied, his tone dry, as he escorted her back to where their party was waiting for the balloon to finally rise.
∞∞∞
The first week of Katherine’s stay passed in a blur.
Between the shopping excursions, the theatre, the balloon ascension, and walks in the park, James was constantly escorting his sister to some new place, if not to the Shertons’ townhouse. He couldn’t decide if he preferred accompanying them or leaving her with them, as he was growing close to having his fill of running into Mr. Northcott whenever he encountered the Shertons. Not that there was anything amiss with the gentleman. In fact, if not for the fact that he was obviously courting Rosabel, James rather thought he would like the fellow. He seemed intelligent, successful, and easy going. He was probably perfect for her. But that didn’t mean James had to like it.
Finally, on a day that he had accompanied his sister and her friends for a stroll in Hyde Park, James found himself walking with Rosabel, and they had a moment to talk for the first time since their eventful drive to Brixton.
“No Northcott today?” he asked, instantly regretting the words.
Her slight, brief smile was tight as she glanced at him from beneath her lashes.
“Why do you ask?”
“It seems he has been involved in nearly all my sister’s visits with you ladies.”
“Do you object to him in some way?”
James glanced down into her upturned face. He wanted to just dismiss the question, but what he thought he saw in her gaze gave him pause. She was watching him closely, waiting for his response. James wasn’t certain if she was looking for reassurance or approval, or if she was hoping he would object. He looked away, as he couldn’t think as clearly as he ought to when he was looking Rosabel full in the face.
“I don’t know him well, but he seems to be a fine fellow. Everleighs are a solid family. Their father was a crony of my father’s. The current earl is a good man. Does his duty in the House. And I know he speaks highly of his younger brother, defending his dealings in the Americas, despite their rebellion.”
