Page 86 of To Have & To Hold

“Let us imagine, for a moment, that a man breaks into your home and threatens you.” Nathaniel placed his palms on thetable, leaning his weight against them, his gaze pressing into Alexander’s.

“The next morning you come downstairs to find him having breakfast and conversing with your youngest sister. How would you respond, Lieutenant?”

Alexander huffed, the hint of a sneer curling at the corner of his lips. “I think we both know the answer to that question, Your Grace.”

“Then you should consider yourself lucky that I possess considerably more restraint.”

“Nathaniel…” The sound of Emilia’s voice made Nathaniel straighten. He could hardly remember a time where he had lost control of his temper, but something about this man was bringing him dangerously close to the edge.

Nathaniel placed a hand on Emilia’s shoulder as he stepped towards the overflowing buffet. “Would you like me to fix your plate, my love?”

Nathaniel could see Alexander’s jaw tick out of the corner of his eye. He was watching Emilia closely, as though trying to identify any signs of distress—if only he would realize that the only thing distressing her at the moment was his presence.

“No,” Emilia shook her head. “I would only like some tea.”

Nathaniel nodded in understanding. He was unsure if he would be able to stomach any breakfast himself.

He set to work, preparing two cups of tea. He removed the leaves from Emilia’s cup when the water turned golden,allowing his to steep a few minutes longer. He added a small amount of sugar and generous helping of cream to her cup before placing it on the table in front of her.

Alexander scoffed. “You know how she takes her tea,” he spat. “Quite the accomplishment.”

Nathaniel stayed silent. If Alexander was successful in getting a rise out of him—if he let his temper flare—it would only prove to him that his sister was not safe under his care. No matter what the lieutenant threw at him, Nathaniel would not allow himself to be caught unawares. Emilia was his to protect, and he would not fail her.

“Do you know anything else about her?” Alexander challenged.

“Xander…” Emilia scolded, but her brother continued on.

“Did you know she plays the piano forte?” Alexander took a sip of his own tea, calmly waiting for the storm he was unleashing to start raging. “She also has the most beautiful voice. Has she ever sang for you?”

Nathaniel shook his head silently, a knot of guilt tightening in the pit of his stomach. In the short amount of time he and Emilia had spent together, he felt as though they had begun to truly know each other and see the depths of each other’s hearts, but there were still so many things he still did not know—and things he had not even thought to ask.

“Did you know she is afraid of the dark?” Alexander’s voice was taunting now. “And that she can not sleep when there is thunder?”

Emilia’s fingers clenched around her teacup until her knuckles were white. Nathaniel placed his hand atop her knee in an effort to soothe her. He moved his thumb in slow, deliberate circles, giving her something to focus on as she slowed her breathing. He may not know everything about his wife, but he knew how to calm her racing heart.

“Did you know that her favorite book is…”

“The Mysteries of Udolpho,” Nathaniel interrupted, unable to keep the smug satisfaction from his voice. “She would read it next to the fire every night.”

The sound of slow, taunting applause echoed through the morning room. “Well done, Your Grace.” Alexander’s tone dripped in ire. “It is reassuring to know you have progressed at least as far as polite dinner conversation.”

“Enough!” Emilia erupted, her fits pounding on the table. Both men looked towards her in shock, though Nathaniel could not help also feeling an inkling of pride.

“I am merely ensuring that your husband knows you,” Alexander said, innocently.

“You are attempting to make him feel inadequate.” Emilia stood from her seat. Her chin was held high, and though her eyes blazed with anger, her tone remained controlled and held an unmistakable edge of authority. “If you believed that Iwould sit here silently and allow you to taunt the man that I love, you were sorely mistaken.”

“I did not mean…” Alexander stammered, but his voice faltered under his sister’s stare.

“It has been out of the goodness and graciousness of his heart that he has not thrown you out on the streets after the disturbance you have caused. But I assure you, I have no such reservations.”

Alexander stared at his sister dumbfounded, and Nathaniel found himself fighting a smile. Twice now, this darling woman had come to his defense, only this time he had the honor of witnessing it. He had not already professed his undying love to her, this display alone would have brought him to his knees in declaration.

“He is not entirely wrong.” Nathaniel shocked the room with his words. He offered Emilia an appreciative smile, before turning to address her brother.

“I did not know that Emilia plays the piano forte, nor that she is a gifted singer.” He reached for hand, squeezing it tightly and looking up at her with a smile. “Though I would very much like it if you would play for me.”

Emilia blushed, lowering herself back into her seat.