THE DUCHESS OF STERLING, Eloisa—née Larkin—swept into her sitting room, radiant as a blossom. Joshua had expected no less from a woman who could keep Adam’s attention. According to his mother, Eloisa had been Adam’s mistress for four years before he’d married her, just a few months ago.
How had Joshua not known? Of course, Adam had always been closer to Roman, the second son and third heir to Sterling, after Adam’s sons, so it was possible Adam had confided in someone, just not Joshua. Still, Mother knew, and that might have been the most insulting of all. However, his mother was nothing if not astute.
Eloisa held out both hands. He gripped them and kissed her cheek.
“We didn’t know you were coming to Long Leaf. I would have prepared.”
“Please do not fuss on my account. I am only here for a few days.”
“Adam is out riding with George and Samuel. He will be so happy you are home.” Would he recognize his nephews? When he last left, the boys were just the age to begin sprouting.
“I had business with Squire Taylor but plan to return to London.”
There was a small quirk of her brows, but she did not pry into his business. Or the Taylors’. “Well, you must have tea with me, otherwise I won’t get a moment of your time.”
She yanked at the velvet pull rope. He doubted they’d have to wait more than a moment before the servants arrived, knowing that a son of Sterling had returned. He waved his hand, waiting for her to take a seat. He took the chair opposite.
“How is Lady Carvelle?” he asked.
“She misses me, but not so much she would wish I wasn’t married. She’ll be visiting next week.”
“Missing part of the Season? I am shocked.”
“These days my aunt would rather sit with her friends, gossip, take tea and discuss roses. Long Leaf is the perfect place for that. Your mother is coming along with her.”
“Then I shall endeavor to hurry back to London and miss them. I’m not much for roses.” He would want to read. They would want to talk.
Eloisa laughed. “Ah! And here’s the tea.”
Joshua had met Eloisa before, but it had been many months—it might have been as long ago as her come out. Even then they had talked very little. One thing struck him: Adam was a lucky man. And, well, he was happy for his brother.
Joshua wanted that kind of happiness for himself. And selfishly, he wanted to share that happiness with Char Dunlevee.
After tea, Eloisa sent him off to his room to rest. Instead he headed to the family library, but it did not hold his interest as it should have. He brushed a finger along the book spines, stopping now and then to tilt out an intriguing title or to examine certain fine leather bindings. The smell reminded him of his father. This room wasn’t quite Adam’s yet; his father lingered in the polished wood, in the hint of smoke, in the ash of the fire place. The library had been built over time, each generation adding its distinctive character and interests.
Riding with Adam would have been an adventure, to travel the old paths and see the places of their boyhood. They must do it before he left. Before he left for Greenland or points unknown.
If he left.
The pull of home seemed like a weight on his heart and soul.
For a boy, there was no better place to grow up. Long Leaf had many lakes, rivers and rock cliffs. And there were plenty of outbuildings too, which became ships, castles and prisons.
Yearning overwhelmed him—for his past and his future. For something he should have but could not obtain on his own.
He walked to the double doors and pushed outward, opening onto a wide veranda. In the distance, he could see the chimney smoke from the Taylors’ Georgian manor. There, walking in the green hayfield, was Char Dunlevee—it could only be her. Her sisters were likely confined to their rooms for the rest of their lives. Less than a mile separated the two homes, and nearly at the middle point was one of the Forresters’ large barns.
It had started a petty feud when the barn had been built, until Joshua’s grandfather had offered stud rights to one of the Forrester stallions. To this day the Taylors had excellent horse stock.
Char appeared tiny against the horizon. She seemed to be walking toward the outbuilding, dragging a shawl or light scarf behind her. The sunlight made her glow and the field shimmered with green and silver as the wind blew over the grass. He could almost feel the blades brushing against his legs and see the bugs hopping from stem to petal to leaf.
Drawn toward her, he stepped off the veranda and hurried along the path. With each step, lightness lifted his heart. It had only been a few hours ago since he’d left her in the sitting room.
She’d worn an enigmatic smile, as if they shared the most important secret. And they did to a certain extent. After their kisses, she’d shared her heartache about Arthur and the burden she’d carried. Joshua said nothing, only let her talk. Any woman who would raise her husband’s bastards had something special in her heart. Maybe a place for Joshua too.