Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,58

the days’ festivities?”

“I haven’t cared for the company. Luckily, it is quickly improving,” he replied with a smile. “But what has your heart so troubled?”

“Do you ever feel as though your family’s expectations are a physical weight pressing down until you are liable to be crushed beneath them?” she asked with a humorless huff. “I adore them, but at times, it feels as though I do not have a will of my own.”

Steering her away from the others, Oliver led them on a winding course around the clearing. “Families can be a blessing and a curse at times. Though hopefully, more of the former and less of the latter. What are they pestering you about?”

Miss Caswell shook her head and gave a smile, though her tight hold on his arm did not lessen. “I do not wish to speak of sad things at present, Mr. Kingsley. Perhaps we might discuss the lack of education for the poor.”

Despite everything else that had happened today, Oliver let out a barking laugh. “And that is your idea of a happier subject?”

“At present? Yes. For at least I have some hope of it improving.” Her tone was dry, and her smile wry, but a spark of mirth brought a hint of life back to her gaze.

Pulling her to a stop, Oliver turned to face Miss Caswell. “If I might risk a touch of sincerity, I would like to say that should you need a listening ear, I have two that are quite capable and at your service.”

Miss Caswell took in a deep breath and let it out, the vestiges of the tension in her shoulders easing with it. Her smile broadened as she met his gaze. “I know, Mr. Kingsley, and I count your friendship among the most important in my life.”

Though the young lady before him had a way with words, Oliver knew she did not use them without care, and hearing her earnest declaration warmed his heart. Whatever else may be the case, he did not doubt her sincerity.

“And I feel the same, Miss Caswell,” said Oliver, threading her arm through his and continuing their stroll. She leaned heavily on him, but the strain was gone as they regaled each other with the antics they’d witnessed among the party, and Oliver felt as though this moment was a fresh start. A new beginning. Walking arm-in-arm with his bride to be.

This was his future.

Chapter 22

“Won’t you display your prowess with the bow, Mr. Kingsley?” With her quiver slung over her shoulder, Miss Essie Dosett had her bow propped up on the ground, her fingers holding it by the string as she slowly swung it this way and that. Cocking her head to the side, she looked at Oliver from under her lashes with a coy smile lighting her pretty face.

And it was entirely wasted on Oliver Kingsley.

Perhaps if she was in earnest, he might’ve been concerned over her attentions. Unfortunately for her, Oliver found it more humorous than amorous, and he fought to keep his smile polite. When he’d been her age, such flirtations had been welcome, but his heart was far too entangled to find any pleasure in it now.

“Alas, I am no archer,” replied Oliver. “I have no talent or interest in the sport, so you had best seek another.”

“Then perhaps a round of lawn bowls?” Miss Dosett fluttered her eyes in what was likely meant to be an alluring manner. He’d seen such practiced movements fell many young men, but Oliver had never understood the attraction of such artifice. The young lady stepped forward, resting her hand on his arm. “I would love to test my skill against yours.”

Oliver stepped free of her touch. “I do apologize, Miss Dosett, but I fear you’d be better served finding a more engaging partner, and I do not wish to participate in the lawn games this afternoon.”

With that, he strode from the young girl, moving with just enough haste to leave her in no doubt that her efforts were wasted but not enough to bruise her pride. After nearly a fortnight of rejecting her overt flirtations, Oliver had hoped Miss Dosett would grasp his meaning, but he suspected she cared as much about his opinion on the matter as she cared for snaring Mr. Oliver Kingsley. He was no more than a man, and she could not resist the temptation to ensnare him. Or attempt to, at any rate.

At least Miss Miriam did not follow her friend’s lead, for it would be terribly