Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

“ I am rather surprised at you, brother-mine.” Luke said to Rodger as he checked their equipment for the hunt.

“Surprised? Why?” Rodger frowned.

“You and Miss Pembleton have been spending rather a lot of time together, and yet not once have you attempted to convince me of her merits.” Luke gave his brother a sidelong look, an eyebrow half raised in question as he checked the tack on his horse again.

It had been a few days since he and Miss Pembleton had played chess together. In that time, they seemed to have come to some kind of unspoken agreement, and she and Rodger had spent a little more time with one another.

Rodger coloured slightly. “We have not spent an improper amount of time together, especially not if we are to be wed.”

Luke noticed a tightness in Rodger’s voice and frowned. “I was not implying anything untoward had happened, brother. Merely remarking how little you have harangued me about the woman’s better qualities.”

“Are you saying you see her merits?” Rodger smiled, his eyes widening in surprise.

“No.” Luke shook his head and glanced towards the rest of the men, who were gathered a little way from them.

“Really? You two seem to be on better terms than when we first arrived.” Rodger also glanced at the group of hunters, but did not make any moves towards them.

“That is true, though hardly a high bar.” Luke shrugged, but made no efforts to move towards the hunters – he knew Rodger hated groups and was content to wait until the horn was sounded to join the others. “I will admit there is more to her than meets the eye.”

“High praise indeed brother.” Rodger laughed softly as he mounted his horse.

Luke narrowed his eyes and followed suit. “It is simply a statement of fact. Miss Pembleton has a sharper wit and more strategic mind than first impressions would indicate.”

“Has she won you over to her cause then?” Rodger asked.

“It is not my heart she needs to win, but yours. And though my impression of her has improved, I am still not convinced she would make a particularly suitable wife for you.” Luke stroked his face thoughtfully. “While her character is not entirely condemnable, her lack of propriety does concern me greatly. So does her temperament. ”

“I see.” Rodger nodded and looked away.

There was a moment of silence as they looked across the horizon, a fine mist was settling. Dangerous riding conditions, but not impossible for a skilled hunter.

Eventually, Luke asked, “Are you going to explain why you have not been championing the match yourself? Have you decided against it?”

Rodger adjusted his hat absently. “No, I have not made up my mind either way. I am still very much open to the idea of a marriage between us but…”

“But what?” Luke probed.

Rodger sighed. “I wish she read more philosophy books. Or novels. Then perhaps… Well perhaps we might have more to talk about.”

Luke gestured to the landscape around them. “Have you tried talking about gardening? She is rather interested in that. Or perhaps playing a game of some kind—chess, maybe?”

“Brother, you know that I have no head for either of those things. And in fairness I have tried, but… Well, there is only so much one can say about trees and plants.” Rodger gave his brother a look; he had never been much of an outdoorsman.

To Luke’s surprise he found himself saying, “Well, there is still time for you to get to know one another better. Perhaps you could read something together.”

Why am I encouraging this? He tried to hide his own confusion as he puzzled at the answer. It made no sense, yet somehow the thought of leaving because the match was a failure made his chest tighten. It is probably because it would look rude if we have already stayed for so long and not kept an open mind for the rest of the trip.

“Perhaps. I do not know, maybe I am expecting too much. As you say, we have only known each other a few days. It is normal I expect for there to be a level of silence between people in such a situation.” Rodger chewed on his bottom lip.

Luke thought on his own exchanges with Miss Pembleton. Though they had not been what he would consider pleasant, they had rarely struggled to find anything to say to each other.

If anything it is quite the opposite. He murmured. “I find it hard to imagine Miss Pembleton silent. The woman seems far too curious for such a thing.”

“Speak of the devil.” Rodger indicated something over Luke’s shoulder.

“What?” Luke whipped around.

He saw instantly what his brother was pointing at. A woman, dressed in a stunning riding habit of deep and rich red, riding towards them. In the light mist, she cut a stunning figure. Her black hair seemed ethereal, her amber eyes alight with determination.

Luke shook his head as he realised that her choice of a red riding habit was entirely intentional. She cannot be serious. “You must be joking.”

“Good morning, Lord Baine. Duke Warren. A pleasure to see you both.” Miss Pembleton exclaimed as her horse drew level with their own.

“Good morning to you, Miss Pembleton. Do you mean to ride out with us for the start of the hunt?” Rodger asked.

Luke narrowed his eyes at the woman, the slight flush of her cheeks confirming his suspicions. “I suspect, brother, that Miss Pembleton intends to ride along with the hunt. Which is quite out of the question.”

“But-” Miss Pembleton began but Luke cut her off.

“-Aside from being entirely improper, it is dangerous! This is not like shooting, Miss Pembleton. A hunt requires hard and difficult riding.” Luke thought of the men and horses he had known, the many injuries he had seen. It would be far too easy for her to fall. “I would not see any harm come to you.”

Miss Pembleton’s eyes widened, the anger that had flared a moment before softening into something else as she said, “While your concern for my safety is rather sweet, I assure you good sir, I am quite the accomplished rider.”

Rodger gestured around them. “I should hate for Miss Pembleton to miss out on all the fun.”

“She will miss out on nothing by joining the women who will watch from the road, or ride along at a more sedate pace.” Luke pointed out.

After all, there was a picnic planned for them, and nothing dangerous was likely to happen at a picnic.

“I have joined my father on hunts before, I am well aware of the dangers.” Miss Pembleton insisted.

Luke only just managed to keep from gaping at her in disbelief, and forced himself to say as coolly as he could manage, “What a man permits on his own land is his business.” What kind of man would allow his daughter to put herself in harm's way like that?

“Well, it is a good thing we are not on your land, is it not, Duke Warren?” Miss Pembleton said, her tone light but with the characteristic edge of anger Luke had grown used to.

“We are not, but nor are we on your father’s estate, Miss Pembleton.” Luke pointed out, breathing deeply to soothe his racing heart.

“I have spent rather a lot of time here, and know the route well. After all, my sister is Duchess Emberly.” Miss Pembleton gestured around them as though emphasising her point. “I would wager I know it better than either of you.”

“That is besides the point.” Luke made a dismissive gesture. “Your riding equipment is simply not suited for this kind of thing.”

“Well, I did not want to completely scandalise you by riding astride. I know how much you care for propriety.” Miss Pembleton retorted, and Luke could not tell if she was serious or joking.

It would not surprise me if she had devised some way to do so . Luke shook his head, deciding against opening that particular can of warms. “Scandal or no, this is entirely too dangerous for you to consider.”

“In your opinion.” Miss Pembleton insisted. “I am quite sure my sister Rose has joined Duke Emberly on occasion.”

Luke gestured to the small gathering of women who were talking amongst themselves. “Yes, she, like the rest of the women, is not joining the men on this hunt. And I daresay her familiarity with the estate is greater than your own.”

“Perhaps she simply does not feel like joining today.” Miss Pembleton’s cheeks flushed.

“Or she knows it is foolish and dangerous, and wishes to stay where she will be safe. Look at the weather for goodness’ sake. It is dangerous enough without adding you into the mix.” Luke forced his voice to remain calm and civil, gritting his teeth wit the effort.

“I will be perfectly safe on the hunt.” Miss Pembleton glanced around them. “Besides, the weather is clearing up.”

Luke snorted. “You have no way of knowing that, and none of us will have the time to look after you.”

“I do not need looking after. I am not some hapless child.” Miss Pembleton shot him a glare.

“Indeed not. You are a woman.” Luke retorted, his irritation getting the better of him. How can she be this stubborn? Surely, she can see that it would be best for her to remain behind?

“I am perfectly aware of that fact, thank you very much, Your Grace. I do not need reminding of it.” Miss Pembleton’s tone was icy.

“Clearly you do or we would not be having this conversation.” Luke growled.

“Is that what you call this?” Miss Pembleton raised an eyebrow at him.

“Perhaps we should ask Duke Emberly what he thinks, after all, I cannot imagine he would wish to put his sister-in-law in danger.” Luke gestured to the Duke who was with the rest of the hunters, instructing the various grooms and inspecting the dogs. Perhaps he will be able to talk some sense into her.

Miss Pembleton’s response dashed any hopes he had had.

“I am sure he will agree to my accompanying the hunt.” Miss Pembleton’s eyes blazed with fire that said she would brook no argument to the contrary. “After all, he has done so before.”

“Brother, what about this? I shall accompany Miss Pembleton on the trail. I shall keep pace with her, and ensure no harm befalls her.” Rodger offered and gave Miss Pembleton a shy smile. “It will give us a chance to spend some more time together.”

Miss Pembleton beamed at him. Luke wrestled the flash of frustration and irritation that swelled within his chest. He looked at his brother and then again at Miss Pembleton.

“You will need to keep up with us, it would not be appropriate for you two to be alone and unchaperoned.” Luke pointed out.

“But we would not need to be in the thick of things.” Rodger shrugged. “It seems like a sensible compromise. Miss Pembleton will not be in any great danger, but will get to experience a little bit more of the hunt than if she remained with the rest of the women.”

“Exactly, thank you Lord Baine!” Miss Pembleton’s enthusiasm was palpable.

“On your own head be it.” Feeling like he was making a terrible mistake, Luke nodded to his brother. “Fine. I think this is highly irresponsible and dangerous. But you are a gentleman Rodger and I trust that you will uphold your word. Miss Pembleton and her safety are your responsibility.”

Before Luke could say anything else, the horn sounded signalling the start of the hunt. Dogs barked and everyone launched into action. He flashed his brother a last, meaningful look, and joined the rest of the hunt.

Miss Pembleton was not his responsibility. If she wanted to risk life and limb on some foolish notion, then why should he stop her? Besides, he knew Rodger. He would keep her away from danger. Of course he would.

Besides, they might not even find any game. Never in his life had he hoped more for an unsuccessful and uneventful hunt.