As the game had carried on, he noticed how Kent Fitzgerald seemed to sit a little closer to Emmeline on the couch as they took tea. Furthermore, they seemed to be in a quiet conversation, both of them looking intent as if the talk was of great importance.
Hunter had tried to tell himself that the conversation very likely concerned the family’s period of grace at Tarlton Manor or other such similar matters of business; business which must, by necessity, be spoken of in low, confidential tones. But still, he could not concentrate on the game at hand, his mind racing as he wondered if there was something between the two people sitting in quiet conference on the couch. Something more than the simple familiarity of distant cousins.
“Did you not think the two of them sat a little close? I know that they are cousins, but they were not acquainted much before Miss Fitzgerald’s father had passed away, were they?”
“No, Algernon, they were not.” Hunter shrugged in what he hoped was a matter-of-fact fashion.
“Has she spoken of him at all?” Algernon persisted.
“Not a good deal, except to say that she is cordial without much liking the man. Emmeline naturally resents him for the manner of his inheritance, even though she does own that it is not the man’s fault at all.” Hunter spoke the truth, although not all of it.
What he wanted to hide most from his cousin was how the whole thing had affected him; how it had made him feel. Hunter had suffered the smallest jolt of jealousy that evening, a little reminder of how it had felt to be betrayed. And yet, how could she betray him? After all, their relationship and forthcoming marriage were to be based on convenience and nothing more. It was what they had both agreed. It was what Hunter had sought in the first place.
“I see,” Algernon said, rising to his feet to serve Hunter with the beef and buttered vegetables he himself was enjoying.
“What do you mean? Have you some other observation you wish to make about Miss Fitzgerald?” Hunter knew he spoke with agitation, an agitation that would have been easily perceived by his cousin.
“I have no observation, in particular, to make about Miss Fitzgerald if I am honest. She is a very nice young lady, and I have always thought so. I suppose I wonder a little at this cousin of hers, this Kent Fitzgerald. He seems to be inserting himself into society at every opportunity, and I must admit myself most surprised to have seen him at Croston Hall that afternoon.”
“I suppose he is new here, much as Giles Calloway is. Perhaps the two have a little more in common than we might imagine, I do not know.”
“Yes, it could be that.” Algernon shrugged and smiled as if he had decided to say no more upon the subject.
“There is more you wish to say, Algernon, I can see it on your face.” Hunter began to tuck into his meal.
“Well, perhaps, but I can see that you are not too keen upon the conversation.”
“Forgive me, my dear fellow. I daresay I have been a little out of sorts this evening, but I would not wish you to tailor your conversation to suit my mood. Please do say whatever it is you wish to say, and say it without fear of admonishment.”
“Firstly, I must note that you have been a little out of sorts for longer than just this evening,” Algernon began. “In fact, I would say that you have been a little out of sorts since the afternoon of bridge at Croston Hall. I cannot help wondering if it has a little something to do with your perception of closeness between Miss Fitzgerald and her cousin.”
“Well, I daresay I have my concerns,” Hunter said, feeling himself already beginning to search for evasive answers; meaningless sentences with which to fend off his cousin. But he knew that Algernon deserved better and, if there was ever a person in the world to whom he could speak freely, his cousin was that man. “And I must admit to a feeling or two that I was not particularly expecting.” Hunter began to open up just a little.
“And those were?”
“I suppose I had it in my head that it would be a very simple thing for Emmeline Fitzgerald to marry her cousin. It would certainly solve her problems in a very much more neat and tidy way than the little solution that I have provided her with.”
“In that she would get to remain at Tarlton Manor, her family home, with her mother and sister no doubt in residence also?”
“Yes, I suppose that is exactly what I mean. If the young lady is content to marry where she does not love, then surely it does not matter who she marries as long as her family is safe.”
“And you think the matter is as simple as that for Miss Fitzgerald?”
“I suppose I do not know her well enough to say conclusively, but when one approaches the thing logically, it would certainly seem to be the case.”
“But you have said yourself that she told you she resented the man.”
“She resents him for his inheritance, but if she were to marry him, surely that would no longer stand. Miss Fitzgerald would be living in the same circumstances, albeit married.”
“I cannot say why, exactly, but I cannot think it as simple as all that. I understand why you might think such a thing, but perhaps it would be better to approach the lady herself on the subject? Could you not simply ask her? After all, your conversations to date have been most forthright, have they not?”
“Yes, very forthright. And it is true that Emmeline has been most forthright herself in all her responses.”
Hunter thought for a moment, wondering if there was more between them than the simple truth and forthrightness of manner. He knew, of course, that there had been. He had helped her, stood at her side in the most difficult of situations. And Emmeline, for her part, had returned the favour with interest. She had not only kept him as diverted as she possibly could at the ball at Croston Hall, but she had done it with care, knowing that his feelings for Felicity were undoubtedly complicated. No, there was more between them than honest simplicity.
“Well, it is settled then; you must ask her.”
“I should not wish to say something which would force her towards Kent Fitzgerald. Perhaps, in truth, it would be better to wait and see what happens.”
“But what have you vested in it all? What is it to you if she does decide to marry her cousin? After all, you do not love her, and you have no romantic inclinations towards the young lady. If she chooses to head down another path, could you not simply apply your new technique for contented matrimony to another young woman? For I am sure there are many in such circumstances that would be gladly rescued by an Earl, whether he be loving or no,” Algernon said in a practical manner as he reached out for a slice of the immense game pie that he had uncovered next to the meat and vegetables.
“Yes, I suppose that is also true,” Hunter said and smiled unconvincingly. “I say, the game pie smells awfully good.” He reached out to help himself to a slice, intent on finding a way to change the subject.
Chapter 14