eye, not wishing to reveal her hope that his question held some significance. “I am certain I could tolerate it if I must,” she teased, attempting to sound normal and unaffected. “Did you have fun here as a boy?”
An easy smile spread across his lips. “I did. It’s the perfect place for children. Richard, Drew, and I would head outside as soon as the sun rose. There were many things to keep us occupied: fishing, swimming, sword fighting with large sticks.” He pointed to a crescent scar at his temple. “Richard once split my head with a well-aimed blow. Father took him to task for it, but it could have as easily been the other way around.”
She turned toward him fully, reminded of Mrs. Ogden’s statement about Lord Richard. “Why has your brother been the one responding to the steward’s requests? Yesterday Mrs. Ogden said Lord Richard has been good about responding to most of their needs.”
An almost unnoticeable tic of his eyebrow alerted her that she might have tread where she was not welcome. “He acted as our father’s representative when he was alive, so naturally Richard assumed the role upon his death.”
Vivi studied Luke’s face for clues as to how he viewed his brother claiming what should have fallen to him. As always, he hid his feelings well behind a mask of contentment.
“At dinner last night, you spoke enthusiastically about your conversation with Mr. Ogden,” she said, “and the prospect of making improvements to the village aside from the new well.”
Luke’s eagerness had surprised her. The projects he had mentioned paled in comparison to discovering a new continent, but he had seemed equally as excited by doing something that would improve his tenants’ lives. She had fallen for him a little more in that moment.
“The well was something they needed months ago, but Richard denied the request,” he said. “I intend to speak with him when we reach the castle. I have come to accept it may be time to relieve him of some responsibilities, but I’m uncertain how he will take the news.”
Vivi tried to hold back a smile. He was talking about a future in England. She didn’t know yet if she would be part of it, but it felt like a small victory all the same.
“I’m sure your brother will understand.” It was an absurd reply. She knew nothing about Lord Richard, but if he was anything like Luke or Lord Andrew, he couldn’t be a bad man.
Luke nodded thoughtfully. “I will still require his assistance in some matters. Now, shall we discuss something more pleasant on our last evening at Twinspur Cottage?”
“Agreed.” From anyone else, it would have sounded liked a reprimand for prying, but Luke’s tone was conversational.
“In light of your suggestion that I attempt to make new memories, I have requested Mrs. Dillingham pack a supper for us.”
“Just you and me?”
“Aha!” He hopped up and jerked on the fishing pole. When he lifted the line from the water, there was a fish on the other end, thrashing its tail. He tossed a playful look over his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Vivian. I was talking to this fellow, but would you like to join us?”
Her cheeks heated even though she knew he was teasing her. She didn’t wish to assign more meaning to his invitation than he had intended. “Not if that poor fellow is to be our dinner. He’s tiny. Couldn’t you do any better, Your Grace?”
“At least I caught a fish, and I have shown you there are indeed fish in the lake.”
She shrugged one shoulder. “I suppose I must grant you that much.”
He waved her over then reached for the line to bring the fish closer. “Since you’re unimpressed with my catch, let’s release him. I’ll show you how to remove the hook.”
She moved to his side to watch. “May I touch him before you set him free?”
“If you wish.” He gripped the fish so his hand held down the top fin and wiggled the hook from the fish’s lip. Once the creature was freed, he held it out to her.
She ran her finger over its slick, iridescent scales. “He is pretty up close, isn’t he?”
“I believe you are the only lady in England capable of finding beauty in such an unlikely place.” Luke’s grin widened as he returned the fish to the water’s edge and let him go. “I like that quality.”
She had that expanding sensation in her chest again, like her heart had swollen ten times its normal size.