Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

C hristopher made his way through the crowded parlor with succinct purpose. He’d asked Amber to meet him, so he knew he needed to move fast, but he couldn’t afford to alert anyone who might notice that he was up to something. Still, he needed to ensure he got there before her. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he had stood her up, not when he needed to talk to her sooner rather than later.

He needed to be quick.

But as he made his way through the room, he bumped into Felicity. Well, that wasn’t quite right.

Saying he bumped into her implied it was an accident or coincidental, but that wasn’t entirely true. When she saw how determinedly he was walking, she couldn’t resist. A grin appeared on her face as she made her way over to him. She knew he was up to something, and she was like a bloodhound when it came to gossip.

“I thought you were going on a walk,” he said, trying to move past her.

She stopped him, moving to block his way. “We were, and we will be in a moment, but she forgot her parasol, so I’m waiting for her to get it.”

“Of course, I hope you enjoy yourself.”

“Wait!” she called, stopping him before he could try for another escape. “Where are you off to?”

“Nowhere,” he said.

But he said it too quickly, and he knew she was on the hunt.

She tilted her head to the side and asked, “Are you going to see Amber again?”

He sighed, crossing his arms. It was too late to escape. He could only hope her game wouldn’t take too long. “And why would I do that?”

“I don’t know, but I would love it if you told me.”

He rolled his eyes. “This isn’t about her. There is just someone I need to talk to.”

“Who is it?”

“No one you need to worry about.”

She pouted. “You’re no fun.”

“But I am about to be late, so if you would excuse me.”

He moved to go past him, but Felicity stopped him again. “Why don’t I walk you there? Where are you meeting this mystery person?”

“There’s no need. I can get there on my own, and you are due to go on a walk any second now.”

“She won’t mind waiting. Just lead the way.”

“Felicity.”

“Come on,” she groaned. “I don't understand why you won’t just tell me. That isn’t like you, Chris.”

“You don’t need to know what A—” he cut himself off, but it was too late.

She lit up like a cat about to catch a mouse. “So that is who you need to talk with! Are you courting her?”

“Felicity,” he said, voice stern, “don’t ask questions you already know the answer to.”

She pouted. “We haven’t spoken of the subject in a while. You could have changed your mind.”

He shook. “You don’t understand. This is one thing I could never change my mind about.”

“You say that now…” she trailed off.

“I’ve said that for the better part of a decade.”

“And for the better part of a decade, I said I was going to run off and become the queen’s gardener. We can change our minds as time goes on. It isn’t a crime.”

“Yes, but that was something you started saying when you were four and stopped saying when you were about thirteen.”

She crossed her arms. “It has nothing to do with age.”

“It has a little to do with age. You weren’t old enough to know what you wanted. I am.”

Her frown deepened. “Christopher, if I thought you wanted this because you were genuinely happier on your own, you know I would respect your wishes.”

“I am happier on my own.”

“We both know that isn’t what this is about.”

“Then what is it about?”

“You’re worried the person you fall in love with could turn out like the woman who lives in the country.”

Christopher groaned, dragging a hand along his face. “Felicity, must we have this conversation?”

“Of course. This is your life we’re talking about! Even if you’ve never told me why, I’m smart enough to connect the dots. You can’t make a life changing decision because of her bad choices.”

“I understand your concern, but this doesn’t concern you. We don’t need to have this conversation. End of story.”

“Yes, we do! I’m your sister, and I want you to be happy. We need to talk about this.”

“Even if I agreed to have this conversation with you, which I haven’t, must it be here? Must it be now? This hardly feels appropriate!”

“If not here, if not now, then it will never happen!”

“I hardly see how that follows, and even if it did, then I don’t think that would be the worst thing in the world. In fact, it sounds more like a blessing.”

She pouted. “I know you don’t mean that. We both know my guidance would be invaluable.”

He snorted.

“And it follows because I have tried to broach the subject more times than I can count, but every time I try, you find a way to change the subject or slip away.”

“Then perhaps you should take the hint and let the matter rest. I am perfectly happy with things as they are.” He stepped past her. “Now, if you excuse me, I need a moment alone.”

“I thought you were going to meet with Am?—”

“Regardless of who I am meeting with, I need a minute after this ambush before I can handle it.”

“Ambush? I would hardly call this an ambush.”

“Perhaps because you were not on the receiving end.”

Christopher didn’t wait for her reaction, turning to go.

He couldn’t help but be relieved that she didn’t call after him as he pushed down the hall in search of Amber.