CHAPTER 6
Miles was silent on the way home from Lady Gen’s. Hazel had seen her brother in many moods, but this current one seemed different from the others. He wasn’t angry, nor was he happy. If she didn’t know him better, she would think that he had been dazzled.
But surely that couldn’t be it. Miles was if anything, above such human feelings—wasn’t he?
“It was lovely to see Lady Gen,” Hazel commented.
“Yes,” Miles replied absently.
“She seemed in good health,” Hazel ventured.
“Of course,” Miles muttered.
“And quite happy to see us,” Hazel narrowed her eyes.
“Certainly,” Miles answered.
Hazel had the distinct impression that Miles was ignoring her.
“It’s a pity that she caught the plague,” Hazel looked at him.
“A pity,” Miles confirmed.
“And her drinking habit must be curbed before something dire happens.”
“Sounds about right,” Miles responded.
Hazel rolled her eyes, “I could see that Lady Henrietta quite caught your eye. She certainly has turned into a lovely young woman.”
“Bloody gorgeous,” Miles muttered.
“So, that is why you are acting so strangely, because you are attracted to her?”
“What was that?” Miles looked at his sister as if just realizing that she was there. “What did you say?”
Hazel grinned at her brother, “It’s uncanny how the moment I bring up Hetty’s name you suddenly start attending.”
Miles was flustered, “That is nonsense, I have been listening quite intently.”
Hazel raised a brow, “Indeed? When I mentioned Lady Gen getting the plague you agreed heartily.”
“I must have misheard you,” Miles protested.
“How about when I mentioned her drunken state?” Hazel couldn’t contain her wide smile.
Miles flushed, “Lady Gen never imbibes and you know it.”
Hazel’s laughter rang out, “That is why it was so funny when you agreed that we needed to curb her drinking problem. You, dear Miles, are quite bowled over by a certain young miss.”
“That is preposterous! I have no interest in Henrietta Moberly!”
“I see,” Hazel teased. “Standing there with your chin on your chest was merely a coincidence?”
“I did no such thing!”
Hazel looked at him sagely, “It’s not like you to be dishonest.”
“I have never lied to you!” Miles protested.
“It’s not me, I was concerned with.” Hazel smiled knowingly, “It’s not like you to lie to yourself. And, Miles, it was clear as day that you were attracted to the girl.”
Miles swore beneath his breath. “She surprised me, that is all. I didn’t expect Henrietta to be there, nor did I expect such a dramatic change in her appearance. I am certain the next time I see her, all will be as it should be.”
Hazel nodded, “Of course, I am certain it will be exactly as you say. It does make one wonder, though.”
Miles looked at his sister askance, “It makes one wonder what? You cannot mean to leave off the ending of your statement.”
Hazel shook her head, “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just was wondering if you had such a strong reaction. And you do not care for her at all?”
Miles felt his throat tighten, “Not even a little bit.”
Hazel nodded again, “Yes, well if you were dazzled and you have no feelings for the girl whatsoever. It begs to differ what one of her former suitors will think when they see her again. I know that several bachelors were disappointed when she left suddenly last season. I would imagine that she will be the toast of the ton.”
Miles gritted his teeth, “I really wouldn’t know.”
“Of course, not dearest, I shouldn’t trouble you with my musings anyway. I know that you have far more important things to worry about.”
Miles agreed, “That is for certain.”
“It’s not like you are in the running for her hand anyway.”
Miles bristled, “Never.”
“My goodness, you would be much too old for Hetty. She needs someone young, or at the very least, young at heart to compliment her youthful exuberance.”
Miles turned to his sister, “Have you just insulted me?”
Hazel knew when to retreat. But she couldn’t help one final stinger, “Nonsense, Miles. You are perfection itself. Any woman would be happy to have such a staid and proper companion.”
Miles growled at his sister, “You make me sound ancient. I am not ready for my dotage quite yet.”
Hazel just smiled, “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
They arrived at the Shore residence and Miles declined his sister’s invitation to lunch. They parted with well wishes and Miles continued his way on foot.
He wasn’t halfway home before he bellowed, “I am not old or staid!”
It was too bad that his sister wasn’t there to hear it.