"Not that I can think of."
"Then I won't take up any more of your time."
Alicia took that as her cue to go, hopping to her feet and turning to the door. "Thank you, my lord," she breathed, "I appreciate you taking so much concern in my wellbeing." Then she vanished into the hall, the door slipping closed after her.
James tried not to think too deeply about why he suddenly felt so lonely or why he missed the sound of her bright, gentle voice even though she had only just left.
That was the moment that James knew he was in trouble.
Chapter Fourteen
James hovered awkwardly as he waited for Agatha to arrive. She was due any minute, but she couldn't keep time if her life depended on it, and so really, she could be half an hour or more yet. As someone who prided himself on timekeeping, James sometimes had to wonder how they had managed to stay friends for all these years.
"You should take a seat, my lord," Archie said softly, "and I'll inform you when Lady Agatha arrives."
Yet he scrunched his features, letting out a sigh. "I'll wait here, thank you, Archie."
Why was he so nervous, anyway? They used to play in this foyer as children, under strict supervision, of course. They used to laugh and chat like it was nothing, simply enjoying one another's company. When had things changed to this tense, awkward excuse for friendship that they knew now?
It all happened when father died,James reminded himself.Agatha is the only one who believes it wasn't you, but even she isn't immune to the suspicion and lies.
A deep, resounding knock jolted James from his thoughts, and his gaze snapped to the door with a frown. "That will be them," he announced to nobody in particular, "please, send them in. I'll wait in the drawing room." Without waiting on Archie to reply, James turned and strode into the drawing-room.
It was colder today, and so the windows were closed. A fire blazed in the fireplace, sending bright, warm light dancing across the intricately patterned wallpaper. When James sat at the table, the flame's shadows continued to curl across his skin.
"James, how lovely to see you!" A shrill voice exclaimed from the doorway. Of course, they needed a chaperone; and who other than Agatha's mother as always?
James turned, forcing a smile, and gestured for them both to sit. "It's always a pleasure, Rose. How are you, Agatha?"
She smiled, her dainty lips parting to reveal perfect teeth. "Much better now that I'm here," she answered sweetly, "You know I always feel better when we're together." She squeezed his shoulder as she passed, then perched delicately on the chair directly across from him.
Ah, so it was going to be one ofthosedays. The days where Agatha took it upon herself to flirt, and James studiously ignored her the entire time. She never did learn, and while it had been something sweet at first, now it was simply something he put up with. It seemed to be some kind of game for Agatha, though.
"I was thinking last night," she continued, "that we should go out sometime. Remember when we used to frequent that sweet cafe in town. Oh, what was it called...?"
"Lou's?" Rose offered, "You two used to love their coffee and cream cakes. Even the cooks here can't compare."
Agatha's eyes lit up. "Exactly, that's the place. Oh, I miss their pastries and scones. Please, let's go together sometime."
James didn't know how to tell her that he didn't want to. Not without making it sound as if it was because of Agatha - when in reality, he simply didn't take any joy in outings anymore. Although he had never beensocial,to begin with, he had at least been able to enjoy taking trips into town or attending balls. Now, he despised the thought.
Agatha's features crinkled, and she let out a sigh. "No, how silly; I can't expect that of you." Her expression turned sympathetic, eyes somber. "How about a walk in the gardens, then? We could go right now." She didn't wait for an answer – otherwise, she might have noticed how James frowned. She was on her feet in a moment- linking her arm through his - almost dragging him towards the door.
Archie was there, the doors dutifully open as if he expected this to happen. He smiled as the two spilled out onto the front steps. "Enjoy your walk, Lady Agatha. Lord Arvill."
Rose towed along behind them, chippering on about one thing or the other. How well the flowers were doing and how pristine the path was.
James was no longer listening though because by then he had already spotted Alicia sitting by the far wall, her nose in a book. Dark hair spilled over her shoulder, having come loose from its bun, and she tucked a strand absently behind her ear.
"Don't you just love how beautiful this place is in summer?" Agatha asked, "Remember when we used to play here as children? And oh, the rose gardens are just the same! Although I see you've added more benches than I remember."
"Yes..." James replied although half of the conversation had completely missed his brain. "Could you excuse me for a moment, please? I just want to make sure that Miss Sempill is all right."
"Miss Sempill?"
James flushed, embarrassment sweeping over him. Of course, they didn't even know who she was! "My new governess, for Samuel and Jenny," he explained with a smile, "She's excellent with the children, and they both love her."
Agatha hummed. "You should introduce us."
