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He nodded and as if by reflex, placed a hand on hers.

“You have my confidence, Lady Ruth, always.”

She glanced down at his hand and he pulled it away quickly. Outside, the sounds of thunder continued to boom, shaking the stained-glass windows. The rain, he was pleased to see, was slowing but the lightning still illuminated the dark sky.

“Thank you,” she said. “I am glad that our acquaintance has become so much more amenable, compared to how it all started.”

“I did not make a very good impression upon our first meeting,” he admitted.

“I cannot deny that I was wounded by your reaction. I assumed you knew of my scar, but now that I know you were unaware, I can understand. I know my appearance can be surprising if not downright shocking. People tend to be horrified when they first meet me.”

Kenneth felt a wave of shame crashing down over him, even though her words were meant to elicit the opposite effect.

“My ignorance does not excuse my behavior. Even though I was unprepared, it was cruel and ungentlemanly.”

She shook her head empathically. “It was not cruel. You were surprised. Believe me when I tell you, I have met cruelty much too often in my life. Your reaction, and that of many others I’ve encountered since I arrived here, was disappointing but not unusual. I will say, the only truly horrific reaction thus far has been that of Lord Cragshade. I have never encountered anyone quite as…oddly fascinated with my appearance.”

“My cousin is an unusual person. I am sorry you had the encounter with him yesterday.”

“And this morning.”

He raised his eyebrow in alarm. “This morning?”

“He ventured from his sick room and joined us in the breakfast room. He continues to be very captivated by this.” She pointed at her scar.

“Well, I hope he made an appearance after you enjoyed your pancakes.”

She smiled at him but shook her head. “I am afraid not. I was rather put off my food.”

He found himself genuinely disappointed to hear this.

“I shall have the cook prepare it once more in the morning for you.”

She shook her head. “You are kind. My sister was rather impressed with your selection of dishes at dinner last night.”

He found himself laughing out loud at this. “I am afraid my mother is giving me credit where none is due. I selected nothing at all. In fact, I am no good at creating menus. When it comes to menus, the only thing I am skilled to do is eating.” He rubbed his stomach as she giggled.

“Well, I am sure your cook is pleased.” The two looked at one another in silence, smiling as outside, the storm moved past, and the rain almost stopped.

“In any case, my sister was very impressed.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

Indeed, he was. He was well aware he’d been very poor company to both of the young ladies, having been caught up in his thoughts and worries these past few days. He’d made a genuine attempt at being cordial at the dinner the previous night. Alas, he could not deny, it had been a chore. He found he had very little in common with Lady Sophia. He did not care for her most favored interests: the arts, boating, and embroidery.

Art was of little interest, he grew sea-sick whenever he was on the water, and embroidery – well. He knew nothing about it other than the fact that every noblewoman in the Realm appeared skilled at it.

Conversation flowed only when his mother involved herself and then it seemed the two women did most of the talking while he sat and nodded politely.

“Your sister must be easily impressed,” he said, aware how self-deprecating he sounded.

“That she is,” Ruth replied to his surprise.

“Oh, I am wounded, Lady Ruth.”

She grinned at him and he found himself surprised at the ease with which their conversation flowed.

Why is it that the woman I am meant to court is so arduous to converse with, while her sister who is to be nothing but a companion to my future wife inspires me to talk with abandon?