Of course, but, “It seems like an odd hobby for a duke.”
“On the contrary, it’s rather stimulating.”
“And dangerous,” she appraised him from head to foot. “But I suspect you enjoy the thrill of the chase.”
“The thrill of the catch,” he corrected. “The stimulation of the chase.”
How supremely male. “I shall take your word for it. It all sounds rather tiring to me.”
He mirrored her personal assessment, dragging his gaze from her head to her heel and back up again. “Then what would you consider a hobby? Reading in trees?”
“Just so.” She scrunched her brows. “Also, gossiping with servants, looking after Leo, and trying my hand in the kitchen.” Plus, keeping Leo away from the direct influence of Camilla... but she couldn’t tell the dukethat.
“Interesting that your brother is your hobby,” he answered, then gave a slow nod. “But strangely, it aligns with my perception of you.”
“Yes, well,” her cheeks heated a bit, “why should he not be?”
“No reason at all. But what happens when he grows up?”
“Not all hobbies last forever.” She hadn’t thought that far. Didn’t want to think that far ahead.
The corner of his lips lifted at this. “You are remarkably insightful. And it seems you have a great affection for your brother.”
“Isthatstrange as well? He is my brother, after all.”
“It’s not strange to care, no. I am quite envious, in fact.”
She started. He was? Why did that make her heart feel all warm? “Well, if there is anything that rivals your passion for solving cases with Bow Street, it is my devotion to ensuring my brother receives the upbringing and guidance he merits.”
A line formed between his brows. “It sounds as if you are worried about that.”
Louisa’s senses went on alert. If he’d managed to guess that from her tone, then she had already revealed too much about her family situation to a family enemy. The man was too perceptive for his own good. He would most likely weigh each and every word spoken and draw conclusions from them.
Accurate conclusions, no doubt.
“Worry is only natural,” Louisa said. “He is a boy who still requires love and guidance.”
“What about your father? School? You can’t be with him all the time.”
“I am aware I cannot be with him at all times, and I’m not worried about my father or school. In any event, once he is all grown up, I shall be at peace.” She paused.
Fabulous, Louisa.What happened to being careful with your words?
His arms folded across his chest as he studied her. “You have no intention to marry then? Or will you simply steal him from your father if you do?”
Louisa almost choked. Marry? The question stung on numerous scores. Perhaps she had wanted to marry when she was a little girl. Mayhap she had harbored childlike hope for a grand love that transcended time. But that dream had slowly been buried after her kidnapping, and furthermore, once her father married Camilla, she had begun to view a different side to love. A darker side.
Not the love for a person.
But the love of whatever could be gained, a greedy version of love.
However, steal Leo from her father? A grin spread at the thought. What a marvelous idea! “If I do marry, I might just do that, yes. Thank you for the advice.”
He stiffened. “It wasn’t advice.”
“Are you sure?” Louisa teased the duke. “It sounded like advice to me.”
“You spoil him.”
