“Did you see me waltz with Captain Rycroft?” Amelia’s face beamed in the soft lantern light. “I think he was quite taken with me. What do you think about him, Thomas?”
All occupants of the carriage, except his sleeping mother, turned to him expectantly.
“Captain Rycroft,” he said, coughing into his hand. “He has a stellar reputation as far as I know and is a decorated war hero. Retired now, I believe, due to an injury. His family is well known and respected. As the younger son of a viscount he comes without title or lands, though.”
“But,” Amelia sighed and leaned her head against the red velvet tufted seat and smiled dreamily. “Yes, I know, but he is so handsome, and he told me he fought with Wellington. He’s a hero. And I hardly noticed his injury to his leg.”
Well, Thomas surmised, they could expect a call from Captain Rycroft tomorrow. “Tell me, Isabella, sister dear, did any young gentlemen attract your fancy?”
Was it a play of lantern light, or did his sister blush?
Bella sucked in her lips nervously. So she did not want him to know who had caught her eye. That made him even more curious, so he pursued it further. “When we are inundated with gentlemen callers tomorrow, it would be extremely helpful if I knew which one of them had your interest.”
“Why?” she asked curtly.
“So I could discourage the callers neither of you three ladies are considering as suitors. Is that too much to ask?”
“No, I’m sorry; forgive me.”
“I can clearly see there is someone, but I can be patient. Just remember I am looking out for your best interests as I am responsible for you. I only want what is best for each of you.”
Thomas, sitting opposite the young ladies, leaned forward and patted Bella’s hand. For a moment he thought his sister would cry. “When you are ready to share, I hope you will come to me.”
Thomas’s eyes moved to Emma. He could hardly ignore her. He wished he could. Would his inordinate interest in his ward go away eventually? Thomas hoped so, and the sooner the better.
“Was there any special gentleman who interested you, Emma? You appeared to have attracted the notice of quite a few eligible gentlemen this evening.”
“I . . . that is to say…” Her eyes fluttered from his face to Sebastian’s. Then those inquisitive eyes settled on him—and damn if his pulse didn’t speed up.
And why, pray tell, would she look at him inquisitively anyway? He’d asked her a question, not the other way around. “So is there anyone in particular?” On some level, deep down Thomas hoped her answer was ‘no.’
“It is late, brother,” Sebastian interjected. “Certainly you are considerate enough to wait until tomorrow to drill Emma about any potential suitors? This evening, with her being introduced into London Society for the first time and foreign to our ways, must have been trying enough not to have you badgering her about suitors.”
“Badgering her?” Thomas sat up straight and glared at his younger brother over their mother’s sleeping head. And silently let Sebastian know he did not appreciate his interfering. Thomas’s stomach revolted at the thought of he and his brother coming to blows over Emma. Or worse…Sebastian married to Emma. It was not that Thomas wanted her for himself… Well, that wasn’t really true. He did want her, but in his bed—and the thought shamed him.
Thomas prided himself in his ability to control his baser needs. Approaching her with his physical desire to possess her body…that would never happen. Honor, respect and responsibility meant everything to him. If one did not have those, what worthy qualities could one have?
“Miss Hamilton…” He bowed his head and forced his voice to sound contrite. “I am deeply sorry if I embarrassed you with my line of questioning. But as you are aware, I am your protector, chosen by your father. And as your protector, it is my duty to find a suitable husband for you. I promise you I will not make that decision lightly as I realize my decision will affect you until your dying days. And at such time I find someone I deem worthy of your hand, I will expect your honest opinion on the gentleman in question.” He raised his brows. “Do I make myself clear enough for you?”
***
“Yes, Your Grace.” Emma’s voice was low and toneless. How dare he treat her as though she were a simple-minded child? Concentrating on breathing calmly, she closed her eyes and didn’t open them until they reached Wentworth House. As she exited the carriage, she ignored the hand offered by the duke and once inside voiced her goodnights, withdrew to her room, and relaxed for the first time since the awkward ride home.