Page 57 of The Baron Takes a Wife

“How would you know that?” David asked.

“She’s one of those white knight types. Michael is too, well, Michael for her taste. Think about it.”

Elena did have to admit that Annie had an inclination toward big, idealistic notions. Lord Michael was perhaps too stuck in the particulars for her.

David made a face at his friend. “You know, you’re more observant than people give you credit for, Lennix.”

“I’m the oracle no one listens to. What was that, Delphi? No, wait, I think people listened to Delphi.”

Elena regarded the scene on the other side of the room as she tried to remember the correct oracle. “He just needs to show her his heroic side,” she said as she studied Lord Michael. “You know, in my village, we have a story of a Mihai Bravu.”

“Bless you.”

Elena gave Henry a look, and he grinned devilishly back. He did seem to be quite good at that. She ignored him and went on, “It means Michael the Brave. He was a hero for independence, a great unifier.”

“Elena believes names are destiny,” David explained, the corner of his lips creeping upward.

“Well, I have many a different Henry to model myself after, and yet I choose to waste my life in excess. Eight English kings, multiple saints, you name it. I happen to do an excellent St. Crispin’s speech.” As David rolled his eyes, Henry looked over at Michael sympathetically and sighed. “Honestly, I am not sure he has a heroic side, my lady. Mind you, he’s one of my oldest friends, but if you want someone heroic, look no further than your own husband.”

David shook his head as if to brush away the praise. “I have trouble thinking of him as a romantic hero, but I think he can be brave. He has that potential.”

Lennix lifted an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “I’ll believe it when I see it. He’s not a wastrel like me, but I can’t see him charging off to the Crimea like you.”

“That doesn’t make me a hero.”

“I didn’t say it did. It was hero-ic. An annoying quality you have in spades.”

Elena could tell her husband was growing uncomfortable with the praise, however reluctantly given, and sought to change the subject for him.

“We’ll have to see how it all plays out. Why don’t you check on Lord Michael, Husband? I want to hear more stories of your youth from Mr. Lennix.”

****

Having been ordered over to the corner by his wife, David marveled that she had only met Michael on a few occasions yet seemed to know more of what was in his heart than David ever had. He felt that shame rise in him again. Shame that he had not paid enough attention, not listened enough to those around him. He doubled down on his resolution to do better and approached the two men as Lord Gaius rose.

“Excuse me, my lords, I want to speak with your aunt, Grayston, about a few matters before the evening ends.” Lord Gaius walked toward the piano, leaving just him and Michael in an awkward silence.

“I shouldn’t have spoken of the Russian army at dinner,” Michael said quietly after a few minutes.

“No.” David sighed. Michael meant well, so David went on. “The Russian army invaded Elena’s village when they occupied Dobruja. Near the Danubian—”

“I know where Dobruja is. And they almost cost you your legs. My apologies, not appropriate dinner conversation.”

“Michael, you’re amongst friends. You ought to be able to speak freely, but there are some sensitive subjects.”

“I know. Amongst the ton, I’m usually able to hold my tongue, but here, sometimes I forget myself.” He glanced over at the piano again. David realized they had not been together since that ball, even though he had asked him to call. There were lines of worry and stress around Michael’s eyes that had not been there before.

Before he could inquire after him, Michael began, “I meant to tell you, I was just discussing with Lord Gaius, there is talk that Lyons will be named the ambassador to the United States. He has asked me if I would like to join him if he is.”

“You would go to Washington?” David asked slowly.

“It is a possibility, yes.”

“Is there any particular reason you are suddenly thinking about taking up this post?”

“Restlessness,” Michael answered, almost defiantly.

That was likely all David was going to get in response. He supposed he should try to dissuade him. From across the room, David caught Elena’s eye. Try harder, he almost heard her think. He knew he ought to, but reasoning with Michael was like trying to talk to a brick wall.