“Was that why she ran from me? Because of my family?” He shook his head, appalled by that suggestion.
“Perhaps in part, but I suspect she really refused because she’s infatuated with someone else.”
Anthony Linden. He shook his head. “Still? I thought she would have seen through Mr. Linden’s overblown accomplishments by now.”
Sir Peter appeared surprised. “You knew about that and still asked her to marry you?”
Valentine shrugged, unconcerned with the idea of Julia and Anthony Linden. “I’ve never believed Linden was at all serious about Julia. Melanie mentioned it ages ago. A terrible match, she termed it.”
“Perhaps. She’s very interested in Linden’s life and his plans. He’s undertaking an expedition to conquer Scafell Pike in the summer. Julia wanted to go so very much but Linden mentioned only fellows, you included.”
He nodded slowly. She would undoubtedly relish the challenge of a dangerous climb as another means of testing her strength and endurance. “Julia is always drawn to the unusual.”
“However would you satisfy her adventurous spirit?”
That was a question he hadn’t considered. Julia was not like other women. He couldn’t see her being satisfied with the life his sister had been groomed for. His interests in his budding career would keep him in Brighton indefinitely. “I don’t know.”
“Good answer.” Peter slapped his hand down on the table. “It’s best to decide these things together anyway. I’ve learned never to think too far ahead if I want peace at home.”
“Interesting. Married a few months and already a master of the subject.”
“A student of Imogen,” Peter corrected. “And a happy man. I highly recommend you take up a similar study of your own quarry.”
“Obviously.” Which meant, if he was serious about making Julia his wife, he had to court her properly. Next time Valentine spoke to Julia, he would make sure she understood he admired her tenacity, and long before he attempted another kiss. His backside still hurt and he shifted again. He would find out what she wanted most or die trying. Hopefully his pursuit would not come to such a final end. She hadn’t exactly refused him so he would ask again just to be certain.
“So, are you coming?”
Valentine blinked. “Where?”
“The lady under discussion is visiting my wife at this very moment.”
Well, that solved the immediate problem of seeing her without appearing overly eager. “If nothing else, I can apologize for last night.”
Peter paused at the door and raised one finger. “If I might offer some advice; never apologize for wanting to kiss a woman. She would see it as an insult. Women like to feel irresistible as much as we men do.”
Valentine nodded and followed Sir Peter. “So wise, my lord.”
His friend snorted. “Don’t call me that.”
Sir Peter hadn’t quite come to grips with his elevation to baronet, and Valentine did enjoy tweaking his nose about it by using his title as often as possible in private.
Teresa met them in the hall, carrying her sewing. “Are you going out again?”
He nodded. “To Sir Peter’s home.”
Teresa sighed heavily, as she did so often now. It was as if she feared outside that door was another scandal just waiting for him to step into.
For a moment he feared Sir Peter would invite her, but when his friend remained silent, he breathed a sigh of relief. He did not want to begin a courtship with his cousin laughing at him from across the room. “I will try not to be too late,” he told her before stepping out and following Sir Peter to his door a few houses down.
Animated laughter filled the Watsons’ house, and he smiled as Julia chortled. She did like to laugh a great deal. She was perched beside Imogen, her hands above her head as if she were about to toss a ball. “Charades?”
Her hands dropped as their gazes met. “No.”
Imogen nodded to him. “Julia is something of a hero today. She singlehandedly prevented a robbery by the judicious use of two oranges.”
“A robbery? Where?”
“On the foreshore. And she wasn’t the only hero. I did my part and chased the villain away,” Sir Peter complained.