At the tone, the Earl's head tilted. "If you're worried about what I said before, don't be. If Darlington's daughter is the woman you want, I'll make no objection. You know what they say about those who are happily married."
"That they can't resist meddling in thighs that are none of their concern?"
Ian had never intended for anyone to know how he felt about Annie, but of all people he would wish to keep this particular secret from, his brother was first on the list. Dare would see through any excuse he might make, and unlike Elizabeth he was well aware Ian had not previously lost his heart to any woman.
"I think I may claim to have a legitimate concern for your happiness," Dare said, his voice no longer mocking.
"Then I pray you will not bring this subject up again."
"There's no bar to your courtship of Annie Darlington. The fact that she is your ward may cause talk, but I can give you my personal assurance that no matter the gossip you must endure, the rewards of having the woman you love are well worth the cost."
"You are mistaken in what you think I feel, Val. You can be mistaken, you know."
"Mistaken in thinking you are enamoured to the chit? Or in saying there is no bar to your pursuing that attraction?"
"Annie is my ward. That's all she is. And that is all she will ever be," Ian said, each word distinct.
His brother said nothing for a long moment, his eyes resting on his face. Ian was determined that his features would not reveal anything except the surety with which he had made that statement.
"Would you like to tell me why?" Dare asked finally.
"Not particularly," Ian said.
"I see."
"Leave it, Val," Ian said again, his voice very soft.
"There is nothing to be gained by pursuing this topic."
"Six months ago I might have believed this refusal to admit what was in that girl's eyes when she looks at you and what occurred when you saw that look had something to do with the extent of your injuries."
"Now, however, you know it does not," Ian said, his voice as controlled as his features.
"There are perhaps some lingering effects to your health, but nothing, surely, that should be any hindrance..."
"The hindrance is in my will," Ian said. "That is all you need to know."
And when he spoke again, all mockery had been wiped out from Dare's voice. "Forgive me," he said. "You are right. What you choose to do in this matter really is none of my concern."
*~*~*~*
"I must apologise for my husband," Elizabeth said as they climbed the stairs together. "He is overprotective when it comes to his brothers. Especially Ian, who has been through so much."
"Why do I have the feeling you are trying to tell me something?" Annie asked, smiling at her friend.
"I am, I suppose. Something I know Ian himself will never tell you. And yet something I believe you need to know."
"About Ian's injuries?"
"About their effects, perhaps."
"I don't understand."
"I thought I should warn you."
"Elizabeth..."
"Let me finish, please. I need to say this before I leave. The last lesson I must teach you, if you will. And perhaps the most important one."
They had reached the first landing. Elizabeth turned and held out her hands. Unquestioningly, Annie placed hers within them. "You're frightening me," she said truthfully.
"I don't mean to. And I don't know how deeply your emotions are involved, of course. I do know, because I am not a fool, that your feelings for my brother-in-law are not simply those a young girl might quite rightfully feel for her guardian. Not just gratitude and respect. Our am I wrong?"
Annie wondered what Elizabeth would do if she denied what she felt. If she did, however, she might never find out what Ian's sister-in-law thought she ought to be told.
"I should very much like to know what I have done to give myself away," she said.
Elizabeth smiled at her. And then she freed her right hand and touched Annie's cheek. 'Offering comfort?'
"Nothing so much. I saw the way you looked at him this afternoon. I have seen that same look in your eyes a dozen times in the last weeks. Having recently been in love with a man I was sure I could have, perhaps I am more sensitive to those feelings than someone else might be."
"I'm not..." Annie began, but in the face of the kind understanding in the Countess's blue eyes didn't continue.