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“Why do you have to make so much damned sense?” Benedict removed his spectacles in order to rub his eyes. When he replaced them, he sighed. “You summed everything up perfectly.”
“Of course I did.” Augustus grinned. “I’ve known you for a long time. Someone needs to give you an encouraging push through life.” He clasped a hand on Benedict’s shoulder. “You deserve good things, my friend. It’s time to stop hiding. I want to see you enjoy yourself and laugh again. I want to know when I drop by your townhouse in London, that you’ll meet me with excitement and happiness… and hope.”
“That does sound nice.” He met his friend’s gaze.
“Indeed. There is more to life than analyzing risks and managing them.”
Benedict nodded. “So I’m beginning to see.”
“Good, and you can start immediately.” He gestured with his chin.
When Benedict turned about, it was to find Anne was strolling over the lawn toward their location. His chest tightened, for she was a vision in the jonquil gown he’d seen on her twice before. Her blonde hair gleamed in the sunshine; the small, plain bonnet didn’t distract from her stunning looks. “Dear God.” He put a hand over his heart where that organ thumped wildly.
Augustus snorted. “You’re a fortunate man indeed.”
Then she joined them and gave them each a glass of lemonade. “Benedict, your mother would like to go down to the fair. I told her I’d accompany her, but I’d like for you to come with us.” She slid her blue gaze to Augustus. “You as well, Lord Randolph. There will be plenty of time for us to return for dinner and dancing before I need to prepare for the balloon flight at sunset.”
He nodded like the bacon-brained idiot he was. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do more in this moment.” Would it eventually damage their relationship if he continuously followed her every command? Did it make him weak?
Augustus, of course, was much more charming. “A wonderful way to pass the time, Lady Anne, and I’ll agree to the outing only if you promise me a dance this evening, for you are easily the most beautiful lady here today.”
A blush stained her cheeks. “Of course I will.” She leaned entirely too close to his friend. “Then you can tell me all sorts of embarrassing stories about Benedict. You must have some since yours is a long-standing friendship.”
“You have no idea.” He waggled his eyebrows and she giggled.
Benedict scowled. “Yes, well, we should set off then.” When he brought the glass of lemonade to his lips in agitation, some of the liquid splashed onto the lenses of his spectacles.
Both Anne and Augustus laughed then she linked her arms through one of theirs and drew them away from the tree.
“The weather is lovely for the last day of the fair, don’t you think?” Anne asked them both, while Benedict died a thousand deaths when Augustus put his lips to her ear and whispered something to her, which caused her to laugh. “The only thing that would mar such a wonderful day is seeing the detestable Mr. Davies. I understand he’s come to Cranleigh for the specific purpose of seeing me fail.”
“You won’t fail.” Of that Benedict was certain. “After this flight, England will be on notice that you’re brave enough to challenge tradition. We’ll all be better for it.” Perhaps she’d only be his for a very short amount of time, dropped into his existence to shove him out of his shell; perhaps she might find it in her heart to stick by him for a lifetime. He didn’t know the future, but he’d remain proud of her, nonetheless.
“I adore your devotion and support.” She squeezed her fingers upon his arm. “But I don’t want to think about that now. This time is for enjoying ourselves and perhaps convincing Lord Randolph to have his fortune read. He’s a man sorely in need of romance.”
As am I. But he would wait, for as long as it took for Anne to come around and realize he was the best choice for her.
