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“Hi, Dad. You look great too.”
They embrace, and he glances at me.
“How on Earth did you end up riding with Luc?”
“Blair, darling!”
Tilda sweeps into the entry. Her heels click on the marble as she walks towards us with her arms open.
Eager to escape scrutiny, Blair skips past Rod and greets her mother. I watch them but sense Rod’s eyes on me.
“Hello, Luc. It’s lovely to see you. The chef prepared your favorite dishes in honor of the unexpected occasion. Jasper and Jillian are in the breakfast room already,” Tilda says as she leads us from the entry foyer.
I follow, and Rod steps beside me. He doesn’t ask again. But I can tell the question lays on his mind. After greeting Jasper and Jillian, we move to the table. I pull the chair out for Blair and sit in the one next to her. I don’t miss Rod’s raised eyebrow but choose to ignore it.
During the meal, we catch up on our lives and plans for a weekend at their Cotswold estate and a visit to Château de Blois. Blair interacts with ease as she laughs with her siblings and shares her latest designs. I fight the urge to place a hand on her thigh or to press a kiss to her temple. Instead, I renew my focus on Rod until Tilda suggests we take coffee in the solarium.
Once again, I assist Blair with her chair. She smiles briefly, then loops arms with Jillian as they walk towards the door. I move to follow, but Rod speaks.
“Luc, a word in my study.”
Blair’s step falters. She turns with concern in her eyes as she looks at me.
“Sweetheart, go along. We’ll join you shortly. Luc,” Roderick says before I can say anything. Then he pivots and strides towards the opposite door.
I nod at Blair, and she nibbles her lower lip. Tilda glances between us while Jillian tugs at her sister’s arm. Jasper holds the door for them and follows the trio from the dining room. Once they’re gone, I head to Rod’s study.
He stands with his hands clasped behind his back as he stares out the window. As I enter, he tells me to shut the door. I do so, and he faces me.
“We’ve been best friends for decades. Spent countless hours in each other’s company. I know you as well as I know myself and consider you a brother. Someone I trust. When were you going to tell me of your interest in my daughter? My daughter who’s seventeen years your junior. Young enough to be your daughter. The baby you held in your arms. The toddler who’s hand you held as she took her first steps.”
I extend my arms palms up and cock my head.
“I mean no disrespect to you or to our friendship, Roderick. My interest in Blair is honorable. Despite our age difference and our initial association, I view her as a woman with whom I want a lasting relationship. We came to tell you and hope you understand.”
He stares at me in silence. I meet his gaze without wavering.
“Tell me what your reaction would be if our roles were reversed.”
“I would question your intentions and consider your worthiness of my daughter. In your case as you should in mine, I can trust your intentions and worthiness are unquestionable.”
He studies me further. I remain resolute.
“I cannot say I am ecstatic about this situation, Luc. How long has it been going on?”
“A few months. We wanted to be certain it was more than a moment of infatuation before we shared the news with you and your family—”
“So, you’re saying you would have relations with my daughter and if it didn’t work out, I would be none the wiser? You would carry on as though nothing happened between you? And you speak of trust? Luc, you disappoint me gravely.”
Merde.
I try another tactic.
“Rod, you say you know me,” I start and wait for him to nod before I continue with more questions and pausing for his responses. “Have I ever mistreated a woman? Been anything but respectful and kind? Gave you reason to think less of me? Made you reconsider our friendship?”
At each no answer, I sense a shift in his demeanor. The scowl disappears along with the tension in his shoulders and clenched fists. The appraisal in his eyes remains, but without the sting of distrust. He runs a hand through his hair and nods.
“I’ve heard your viewpoint. Now, I will speak with my daughter.”
