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“I am to give you this.” Charlotte handed her a folded-up letter. Ruth glanced at the words before her, a warmth spreading through her entire body.

Lady Ruth,

I can only apologize for I have not made good on my promise of breakfast due to circumstances beyond my control. I vow that we will have our breakfast very soon. However, I could not deprive you of the delicious pancakes for a day longer. I hope that you can enjoy your meal in peace and quiet and I look forward to a full report on your thoughts forthwith.

Additionally, I hope your hand has recovered well. I apologize for not being able to join you at dinner yesterday as I spent the evening at Caster Hall. I have engaged with Lord Bronwyn again this morning but am in good hopes to return to Goldclaw Manor this afternoon.

I shall anxiously anticipate your opinion of my favored dessert.

Kenneth

She folded the note and placed it beside her plate. Her hand shook as she did so and she at once placed it on her lap so Charlotte would not see.

“I thank you, Charlotte.”

The young maid’s eyes sparkled with delight and she curtsied before departing, leaving Ruth alone on the balcony.

She was about to pick up her fork to at last try this meal when the sound of horses drifted up from below. She rose.

Lord Bronwyn rode down the path leading to the lake, with Kenneth close behind. She sat once he’d ridden out of view and looked at the plate before her.

Can it really be true? Does he see me like a lady worthy of his affections? More so than my beautiful sister? How can it be? What does he see in me? And does it matter at all? He will never be allowed to pick me over Sophia. And I could not allow it, anyhow. It would crush her. What am I to do? What in the world am I to do?

She sat back, her face toward the warm sun, and could not help but wonder – had love found her at last? And if so, could it turn from mutual admiration to reality?

* * *

“I hope your hand is recovering well, Lady Ruth,” the Duke of Goldclaw said that evening when the party was assembled at dinner.

Ruth looked up. The Duke sat with a pleasant smile on his face, his eyes on her as he waited for her reply.

“It is much improved, yes. The physician was thorough.”

“Jolly good. I’d feared you might not be able to delight us with your music anymore.”

Ruth nodded. “I will gladly play for you tonight. Although I must ask that you forgive me if I do not play quite as well as last time.”

She paused, frowning at her suggestion. She’d been so reluctant to play on the previous occasion but somehow, she found herself much more open to the idea now. She looked forward to it.

“If you feel well enough, then I should love it and so would the rest of the party, I am sure.”

“I know I would delight in hearing you play, Lady Ruth,” Lord Cragshade said. “I’ve not had the pleasure thus far.” He was seated across from Ruth, with Sophia and Kenneth on either side of him.

He winked at her, an innocent enough gesture but Ruth’s stomach turned, and she was forced to keep in the groan that so desperately wanted to escape her.

“I rather hoped Lady Sophia might read to us tonight, as she has such a lovely, soothing voice, I think it would make a nice change from music,” the Duchess said. She held her spoon delicately between her thumb and index finger, her pinky extended in the air in a dainty fashion.

Ruth balled her hands into fists at the slight but kept her face from displaying her annoyance.

“Why not both?” Kenneth suggested. “Lady Sophia can read to us and then we will end the evening with music? I say the more entertainment the better if the young ladies do not mind.”

The Duke nodded in agreement and smiled at Ruth’s father. “You have two very talented daughters.”

“I certainly do, they are my pride and joy.” Her father’s eyes twinkled, and an easy smile played around his lips. The strain from her accident the previous day had evaporated from his face entirely, as he gently patted her hand.

I was right not to tell him my suspicion regarding the patch box. It would wound him if I accused Sophia, especially if I am wrong. There is no use in causing strain to the family any more than has already happened. If only I could be sure of Sophia’s intentions and thoughts.

“You have reason to be proud, Your Grace,” Kenneth said.