With his hand poised on the door latch, Bronwyn’s gleeful laughter filtered through the wood door. He swung the drawing room door open, only to find his sister-in-law tangled up in his brother’s arms yet again. Even after six weeks of marital bliss, the couple was still intolerable.
Clearing his throat, Christopher said, “Pray tell me the name of the young lady that nearly barreled me over in her haste to leave your residence?”
Bronwyn said, “Oh, that would have been Emma. Did you introduce yourself?”
“Hardly. She ran right past me as if the devil was on her heels and launched herself into a hack that was out front….” Christopher frowned. “A hack, not your coach.”
Landon chuckled. “Emma refuses to the use of our coach, so I purchased a vehicle that resembled a hack. Not to worry, she will be safely delivered home.”
There was a lot of information to be gleaned from his brother's reply. However, it didn’t explain the extraordinary burst of energy he experienced as the woman passed him. Christopher wasn’t versed in the paranormal, but having a friend who could see and speak to the dead broadened one's mind. Perhaps he was overthinking the woman’s effect upon him. No, the sparks of interest the mystery woman evoked within him were the first feelings he’d experienced other than ennui since Lady Arabelle’s rejection over six months ago.
Lady Arabelle—the lady he had hoped would be the solution to his marriage dilemma. She was musically inclined and they shared many of the same interests. For a short period, he’d managed to convince himself he was in love with the woman. Even persuaded himself to offer for her hand, only to find out she had given her heart to another.
Bronwyn’s smile faltered as her gaze settled upon him. “Why have you come to visit?” His sister-in-law’s voice was filled with worry.
“Mama sent me over to find out why the two of you missed church this morn.” He refrained from admitting he’d stopped by the offices along the way, intending to see to a few minor matters, only to have stayed for most of the day. He really did need to hire a new legal secretary.
“Bronwyn wasn’t feeling well.” Landon smiled, revealing the irritating dimple that meant his wife was hale, and there was naught to worry about.
“More likely the two of you simply didn’t care to leave your bed. You’ll have to plead your own forgiveness from Mama then.” Unable to banish his curiosity, Christopher asked, “Why was your friend leaving in such haste?”
Bronwyn’s eyes lit up, love for her friend clear as day. “Landon has ordered her to attend dance lessons. She’s agreed to attend my very first ball.”
Landon’s hand fell upon Christopher’s shoulder. “Emma requires an instructor who I can trust to be discreet.”
“You can’t be serious. I’ve got a full case workload, and without the assistance of a full-time assistant, I’m buried in research.”
“Emma will be a quick learner. An hour or two twice a week should suffice. She is expecting you to arrive after her shop closes tomorrow eve.”
His brother was fully aware he’d not deny any request. “Why are you asking this of me?”
Landon ticked the reasons off on three fingers:. “Because you are an adept dancer. You need the exercise. And I know of no one else whose charm can set Emma at ease. We are asking her to be subjected to a night with the piranhas, and I want the woman to be prepared.”
All reasonable and valid arguments but superfluous. His sister-in-law’s pleading eyes were asking, not demanding. From the day Bronwyn entered Neale & Sons and insisted on the opportunity to apply for the position of legal secretary, Christopher knew she’d become family one day. Except it took his damn brother eight years to come to his senses and offer for her. It was a prime example of how their lives worked. Matters simply fell into place for Landon, while Christopher’s existence was a game of chess, requiring him to continually readjust his strategy to achieve his goal: a life beyond the shadows of his big brother and the traditions of the Neale family.
Christopher narrowed his gaze upon his sister-in-law, who had uncharacteristically remained quiet. “Please tell me this is not a matchmaking scheme.”
Squaring her shoulders, Bronwyn donned a look of seriousness, but the sparkle in her eyes was pure mischief. “Emma is extremely wary of outsiders. She trusts no one but those who have been fully investigated by the Network. We need your help.”
Landon grinned again, revealing his darn dimple. “Love, a wonderful retort.” He asked Christopher, “Will you be joining us for supper?”
Ignoring his brother, Christopher rephrased his concern. “Dear sister, do you deny this is an attempt to see me happily wed?”
“Not everything is about you, dear brother. This is about Emma and my wish for her.”
Bronwyn had obviously been honing her skill at the art of word manipulation, having married Landon. Christopher couldn’t deny that Landon and Bronwyn standing together were a formidable force. The intimate looks and subtle nonverbal cues between the couple were a reminder of the type of relationship Christopher should be seeking. He had been a fool to think a union with Lady Arabelle would have sufficed. A wavy, pinkish blur appeared around the pair as if they were radiating some type of shield. Emma’s cloaked form came to mind. He’d not experienced a jolt of energy from another as acute as when Emma had passed him
