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He laughed. He took a bite of chicken, but he didn’t seem to have much of an appetite. “When I was a lad, I would imagine packing my paints and my easel and traveling the world, painting what I saw. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of casually mentioning that dream to my father.”
“What did he say?”
“He struck me across the mouth and said to never say such a ridiculous thing again in his presence.”
Amelia gasped.
But Joshua shrugged. “My father was not the sort of man to engender warmth. He had a certain idea of how young men ought to behave and demanded it of us.”
“He and my mother would have gotten on well, then. My father, however, was very kind. And understanding. He used to tell my mother that I was an Original, and to leave me be.”
“King Maksim sounds like he was a wise man.”
Warmth filled her. “He was. He was a benevolent king. Some thought him weak, and more than one attempt was made to overthrow him. But he cared about the people he governed and especially about me and Justine. He taught Justine all that she knows about being a sovereign, and she has proven herself to be an excellent queen. Oh, but I miss them both so.” The tears that filled her eyes startled her. She quickly picked up her napkin and dabbed at her eyes, appalled that she would lose control so easily and for so little. “Goodness. I’m not generally so sentimental.” She put down her napkin. “Forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive. You sound a bit homesick?”
“I am, a bit.” She loved her freedom here...but she missed her family and her dogs.
She settled back in her chair and looked at her unlikely host. “I hope you won’t mind me saying so, but I find you fascinating, Joshua. You’re not who I thought you were.”
“I should hope not—you thought I was the Grim Reaper.”
She rolled her eyes. “I should never have said such a thing. In my defense, you seemed rather cold and unfriendly and foreboding.”
“I can be those things.”
“It wasn’t fair of me. I mistook your quiet for something else. My sincere apologies for having judged you unkindly.”
His smile was indulgent and warm, and she could feel it swaddle her. “It was fair. I didn’t strive to be neighborly. And I judged you, too.”
“Yes, well...people often don’t care for me, so I’m not surprised.”
“I didn’t say that I didn’t care for you, Amelia. But my initial impressions were incorrect. I thought you were spoiled and entitled.”
She laughed with delight. “Iam!”
“You’re not. You’re true to yourself and from what little I know, you seem rather clear-eyed.”
The warmth settled and held her closer. “You’re being kind.”
“I’m being honest.”
They ate in silence for a few moments, but she didn’t have much appetite. The warmth she’d felt was beginning to flutter in her belly. “When are you leaving Hollyfield?”
“I haven’t decided. By the end of summer, I should think. If I can put my affairs in order.”
“Who will look after Hollyfield while you’re away? Lord Clarendon?”
He chuckled. “He’d like that, I’ve no doubt.”
“I admire that you mean to take a chance in this life and go on an adventure. It sounds thrilling.”
He laughed and reached for the wine. “Clarendon thinks I am mad to consider it.”
“Really? But you’re so lucky to have the freedom and the means to do as you please. You can experience this world in ways most of us can’t.”
“Us? Surely you don’t include yourself in that number. I would think you’ve experienced quite a lot.”
