wasn’t sure how to put it into words.
Katrina tilted her head and studied his uncomfortable expression. ‘Is there something you want to ask me?’
‘I understand he is a widower. I was wondering... That is to say...’
‘Do you wish to know about my mother?’
He nodded. ‘Forgive me, I am certain it is a subject you do not wish to discuss.’
‘There is no need to apologise for your interest. My mother died long ago.’
An unsettled expression crossed his face as he turned away. ‘You have my condolences.’
‘Thank you.’
She had never known her mother. From what she could tell from her father, her parents had loved each other deeply. That was what she wanted in a marriage.
She studied Julian’s chiselled profile. He was an honourable man. He was easy to speak with and he made her laugh. Would she find a man like him when she returned to America? Her heart grew heavy, and she reached for more wine.
‘You mentioned you have known Lord Hartwick since you were children. I cannot imagine you so young. What were you like?’
He appeared to consider her question thoroughly. Then his lips curved and his eyes sparkled. ‘I wanted to be a pirate.’
That was an unexpected revelation. ‘If I promise to keep your secret, will you tell me if you were successful?’
He smiled. ‘I did have a swordfight in a boat. Do you suppose that counts?’
‘I suppose. Did it have a crew?’
‘I presided over a crew of one. My first mate attempted a mutiny, hence the swordfight. Apparently he was tired of rowing.’
‘Your first mate didn’t happen to be Lord Hartwick?’
Julian laughed and shook his head. ‘Actually, it was my brother, Edward.’
That was a new revelation. Why had she never seen his brother at any of the social engagements she had attended?
‘I was unaware you had a brother.’
‘I did. He was killed in a riding accident nine years ago—a month before my father died.’ Pain and loss were reflected in his eyes.
She held out her hand to offer some comfort. He threaded his fingers through hers and then stared at their intertwined hands as if he had never seen his hand placed with another.
‘Were you very close?’
A sad smile crossed his lips. ‘We were born only ten months apart and were inseparable.’
‘You are very fortunate to have had him in your life, even for a short while. I always wanted a brother or a sister to share in my amusements. And I have a sneaking suspicion the two of you might have enjoyed a bit of mischief together.’
His eyes crinkled at the corners as a full smile brightened his previously melancholy demeanour and he let go of her hand. ‘We might have found ourselves in trouble a time or two. I recall one autumn we decided to hide in piles of leaves and startle the gardeners as they worked on tidying up the gardens around our estate. I don’t believe they found it as amusing as we did.’
‘Did you receive a scolding or did news of your antics never reach your parents?’
‘My parents were unaware. However, my grandmother informed us that if the gardeners refused to clean up the leaves Edward and I would be forced to do it ourselves.’ He rubbed his hands on his thighs, as if he was eager to recount another amusing tale. ‘There was also one summer when a vast number of frogs were mysteriously finding their way into my mother’s bedchamber.’ He let out an uncharacteristically loud bark of laughter. ‘To this day I can still recall the sound of her screeches each time she discovered one.’
How was it possible that this reputable duke was more mischievous as a child than she had ever been? The very thought of his very dour mother jumping around her bedchamber made Katrina laugh.
* * *
It surprised Julian that there wasn’t any hollowness in his chest as he discussed Edward. In fact, in an odd way, he felt closer to his brother now than he had in a long time.
A dragonfly landed on his sleeve and fluttered its wings for a few moments before it flew away.
His brow furrowed. ‘Are you eager to head back to America?’
‘It’s not easy to be away so long from what is comfortable and familiar.’
‘I suppose it isn’t,’ he agreed, out of politeness. All his life everything around Julian had been familiar—everything except the way he felt being with this woman. Being around Katrina made him feel somehow different, somehow more alive.
‘I say, Miss Forrester, may I open that bottle of wine for you?’ Hart asked as he and Miss Forrester joined them on the blanket.
Julian dragged his gaze away from Katrina. ‘Did you enjoy the scenery?’
‘Miss Forrester and I took note of every building we were able to see from here—twice.’ Hart poured some wine and handed the glass to Katrina’s friend. ‘I say, Miss Vandenberg, is that pigeon pie?’
‘It is, my lord. Would you care for some?’
‘Yes, please,’ Hart said, sending her one of his charming smiles. ‘And you do not have to “my lord” me, Miss Vandenberg. Hartwick will suffice.’
Julian was uncertain if he liked them being on familiar terms. But it was not as if he thought Hart would seduce her. He knew his friend would never betray him. And it most certainly was not that he thought Katrina might prefer gregarious Hart to him.
After the four of them had finished eating most of the delicious food that had been packed into the basket, Hart took off his coat and reclined on the blanket, placing his hands behind his head. ‘That was the finest picnic fare I have ever eaten.’
Had his friend forgotten entirely how to act around proper unmarried women?
‘Hart, ladies are present. Put your coat back on,’ chided Julian.
Hart tilted his head back. ‘I am comfortable this way. We are on a picnic, far from prying eyes. Ladies, are you offended by my shirtsleeves? Honestly, it isn’t as if I were attempting a seduction.’
In exasperation, Julian threw a strawberry at Hart’s head.
‘Hey, what was...? Oh, I love strawberries.’ He bit into it.
‘You will apologise for that last remark.’
‘About strawberries? But I really do like them.’
‘Not that comment, dolt!’
Miss Forrester snorted.
Hart jerked his head around. ‘Did that sound
