“For Christ’s sake, Alex, duty doesn’t mean you need to be wound tighter than a clock.” Sebastian scrubbed a hand through his hair. “There’s no law against you having a good bit of fun. Why don’t you come with me to the Eagle Tavern later tonight?”
Alexander hesitated, temptation warring with the ever-present fear of what people would say. He shook his head. Sebastian’s disappointment visibly deepened.
“All right, then,” he said. “Do whatever makes you happy. Oh, no, you’ll never do that, will you? You’ll always do what you have to do instead.”
Alexander watched his brother walk toward a card table. For all his efforts and work in recent years, Alexander wasn’t even certain what he truly wanted to do.
He did, however, know what he did not want to do. He did not want to marry a woman like Miss Cooper whose life revolved around the latest fashions and social functions. He did not want to enter into a union reminiscent of his parents’ marriage, one of brittle formality and coldness. He did not want to be bored.
Well. Perhaps he did know what he wanted to do, after all. He wanted to marry a woman who was interesting and clever. Who made his blood run quick and hot. Who challenged him and forced him to look beyond the boundaries of his own life. A woman whose beauty was only enhanced by the keen intelligence in her eyes.
A woman who hadn’t been far from his thoughts since the day she walked into his life.
A woman like Lydia Kellaway.
Alexander watched Sebastian as his brother sat at a card table, laughing at something one of the other men said. Perhaps he ought to take his brother’s advice, see what happened.
Alexander didn’t know what would come of pursuing Lydia Kellaway. He didn’t know if she would reject him. He didn’t know what his father would say. But he did know he would enjoy the pursuit immensely. And he dared to believe it might even make him happy.
Chapter Six
The sun burned low and bright in the sky, casting pale light onto the bare trees just beginning to bud with leaves. Street vendors selling flowers, oranges, penny pies, tarts, and hot green peas shouted out the quality and price of their wares. The calls of a fruit seller drew Lydia to a cart to purchase two apples.
“We’ll also have an iced lemonade at the gardens,” she promised Jane as they continued down New Road for their Tuesday afternoon outing.
“D’you think the hippopotamus will be out?” Jane asked. “And the orangutans?”
“We’ll have to see. I hear they also have a new animal from Africa, though I can’t recall what it is.”
She placed her hand on Jane’s shoulder to steer the girl away from a sleek black carriage that came to a halt near them. An old fear curled through her, and she quickened her pace without looking back.
“Miss Kellaway.” The deep voice stopped Lydia in her tracks. She turned to look at the man who descended from the carriage.
Lydia’s hand tightened on Jane’s shoulder. “Lord Northwood.”
He approached, the sun shining on his dark hair like a halo, his black coat stretching across his broad shoulders and chest. Lydia almost felt the awe radiating from her sister as the viscount neared.
“Good morning to you both.” He smiled at Jane. “You must be Miss Jane.”
“Yes, sir.”
“This is Lord Northwood,” Lydia told her sister, though she knew she couldn’t even begin to explain how she’d made his acquaintance. She glanced at him.
He was looking at her. With purpose. Her heart thumped.
What do you see when you look at me, Lord Northwood?
“What brings you here, my lord?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.
“I thought I might convince you to accept transport to whatever destination you intend.” He tilted his head toward his carriage.
“Actually, we’re rather enjoying the walk, and—” Lydia paused when Jane tugged on her hand.
She glanced at the girl, resignation sweeping through her when she saw the pleading look in Jane’s light green eyes. Neither of them had ever had the opportunity to ride in such a luxurious carriage.
“We’re going to the zoological gardens,” Lydia said.
“Excellent. If you don’t mind my companionship, I’d be delighted to accompany you. Can’t remember the last time I visited the zoological gardens. I suppose Drury Lane doesn’t qualify.”
Jane giggled. “Can we, Lyddie? Please?”
“Only if his lordship doesn’t consider it an inconvenience.”
“I wouldn’t have offered if it was.” Lord Northwood opened the door