Aurelia did not move for some moments. She remained in her chair, processing this bit of information. She was not immediately filled with elation and could not fathom her reaction. Of course, she knew her brother would likely have children. She wanted that for him and Violet. She enjoyed children. She wanted to be an aunt. And yet she had thought this would be later down the road. When she was not living with her brother and his wife and a burden to them both. When the Merlton finances were more in order.
The enormity of the situation dawned on her then.
Dear heavens. She and Mama would be living with her brother and his wife as they raised their children. She winced, imagining Mama behaving as a second mother to Will’s children. Well-meaning as she was, Mama would not be able to stop herself from interfering. It was embedded in her blood. She had been the matriarch of their family far too long. Aurelia could envision it. Violet growing resentful, and as a result, Will too. They would look at Mama—and her—as an old family painting no one wanted around any longer but couldn’t do away with because of obligation.
Aurelia felt dazed as she uttered the proper congratulations and well-wishes. Even as she followed everyone into the drawing room for a celebratory toast. Amid all the chatter, amid Henrietta playing at the pianoforte, she felt as though her world had dramatically shifted.
“You do not look pleased,” a deep voice said near her ear.
She blinked at Max standing so very close.
“Whatever do you mean?” Heat rushed over her face at his nearness. “Of course I am thrilled.”
“Mmm,” he murmured, looking unconvinced.
She fidgeted under this blue-eyed scrutiny. “You think you can read me so well?”
He stared at her for a long moment before announcing quietly, “You perceive me an idiot, do you?” He chuckled lightly but the sound held no mirth. Indeed, it made her shift uneasily on her feet. “Well, I know you,” he quickly added. “Spoiled, selfish . . .”
She bristled, hating that his words stung. He did not have the power to hurt her. Not anymore.
“Perhaps,” he continued, his voice silky now, “you are jealous.”
“Jealous?” Her hand fluttered to her throat. “Of my brother and Violet having a baby?”
He nodded. “It happens among females. Your brother finding happiness, moving on, starting a family. Leaving you behind.”
She sucked in a breath at the cruel jab of his words and blinked fiercely. He was wrong. She did not resent her brother’s happiness. Even if she did wish for a slice of similar happiness for herself, she did not begrudge him his own.
“And what of you?” she demanded, leaning closer and pasting a smile on her face lest anyone glance their way and see her scowling. “The lone wolf standing? Are you not jealous? Do you not miss your companions? Who do you carouse with these days?”
He smiled that insufferable grin again. “I’m never alone for long. I’ve no difficulty finding companions.”
She rolled her eyes and looked away, still fuming over his accusation.
Kendrick, the butler, entered the room then. He glanced around, appearing quite harried, his commonly splotchy expression even more flushed than usual. Spotting Max, he quickly made his way across the floor to where they stood together.
With a polite nod at Aurelia, he cleared his throat before leaning in to whisper for Max’s ears alone. She edged closer, trying to decipher whatever he was imparting.
A frown marred Max’s features for a heartbeat—then he was smiling again as though nothing was untoward. Rising, he murmured to Aurelia, “If you’ll excuse me. I need a bit of fresh air.”