Page 63 of The Secret Sister

He spotted his brother making his way towards him.

‘How was Miss Eliza?’ he said, coming to stand beside him.

‘Very well. Seems she had a come out after all.’

He nodded. ‘Do you like her?’

Robert frowned. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘Do you like her? Are you…’ He gestured vaguely. ‘Interested in her.’

Robert shook his head. ‘I told you. I’m not looking for a bride, if that’s what you mean. Anyway, how are things going for you? Are you interested in her sister?’

Ed grunted.

‘Well?’

‘I am, but I fear she is still in love with her first husband.’

Robert looked at his brother more carefully and saw threads of tension beside his eyes.

‘You really do like her?’

Ed nodded. ‘She’s lovely, Rob. Kind, witty… gorgeous.’

Robert looked out over the room and saw Lady Hannah in conversation with a small group of ladies. She was laughing at something someone had said.

‘Perhaps you need to be patient,’ he offered. ‘Not that I am any great expert on women, but her losses have been significant.’

Ed snorted.

‘You haven’t known her long. Perhaps pay court to her over the season and see if she warms to you.’

‘I’m not sure how to compete with a ghost.’

‘I don’t think you can compete. She will either fall in love with you or she won’t. Even if she does fall in love with you, she will probably always love her husband in some way or other.’

‘Is that meant to be comforting?’

Robert looked at his brother and noted the glare directed at him. ‘No, just practical.’

Ed rolled his eyes. ‘I am beginning to see why you are still single.’

Robert glared back. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Ever heard of tact?’

Robert opened his mouth and shut it again. ‘Sorry.’

‘I hoped that, if you were interested in the sister, you could find out how she feels about me.’

‘Good God, Ed. I’m not that sorry. I couldn’t possibly ask that of her.’

‘Not directly, more…’ he waved a hand again, ‘subtle.’

‘As we have already established, subtlety is not my strong suit.’

Ed rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and sighed. ‘Why don’t we go over and talk to them?’