Alex sat across the table listening to the idle conversation of her parents and Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley. She glanced at Edward, who seemed extremely intent on staring at his peas. The evening continued in an awkward silence, even after dinner when the party had retired into the drawing room.
"I am thankful that the weather seems to be fine for your party Miss Alex." Charlotte began.
"Indeed it seems the rain will hold off for a day or two longer." Alex smiled but glanced again at Edward, who did not look up at her at any point in the evening.
"Is there some gentleman of whom you wish would be in attendance?" Charlotte spoke an octave too loud.
Edward did not look up but was now listening intently.
"Actually, Miss Charlotte, I was quite hoping the rain would cancel the whole endeavor. I do not very much like being the center of my fellows idle gossip."
"You do not like the attention Miss Alex?"
"In fact, I quite dread it. I feel a good book and one or two of the finest company is enough to entertain. If you'll excuse me, I am going to the garden to get some air." Alex left briskly.
"My dear brother, what do you think you're doing?" Charlotte sat down next to Edward.
"What are you speaking of now Charlie?" Edward seemed engrossed in his book.
"Don't tell me you haven't seen how you effect the young Miss Alex. She seems quite fond of you."
"Does she? I haven't noticed."
"Don't be stupid. You are quite fond of her. It was written all over your face. Until father had a talk with you. What did he say?"
"Can you not go away? It's none of your business." Edward grumbled.
"Business? Is father on your back again about finding your own path? What has that got to do with Alex?"
"Charlotte! Stop it right now. It's men's business." Edward stood and left abruptly.
"Men's business. Ha!" Charlotte picked up the book her brother threw down.
Edward marched outside only to find Alex sitting on the stone steps leading out into the yard.
"Oh, forgive Miss Alex, I didn't realize you were out here." Edward turned to go but Alex called after him.
"Mr. Kinsley! There is no need for you to go, there is plenty of fresh air here for the both of us." Edward sighed and paused. It took him a moment to decide if he was going to stay or leave. And then he sat down next to Alex.
"Have I angered you?" Alex asked, looking out onto the reflection of the moon on the pond.
"You have not."
"Something weighs on your mind. I do not expect you to share it with me, I know we have not known each other long, but I consider you a friend. As such, I offer my help, if there is help to give. Even if it is only to listen." Alex never faced him and he never faced her. They sat apart and both faced forward.
"Miss Alex, I am not in the habit of conversing easily with those of whom I have known, even my whole life. I wish to tell you that my father is pressuring me into becoming a tradesman like he is, even though he knows it is my dream to be in law. I wish to tell you that he offers no connections to recommend me to the field of law and has repeatedly told me that if I wish to become a lawyer than I must make the connections on my own. I must begin my training by the end of the summer or I will become a tradesman like my father. I must become a lawyer before I can marry, because I must be able to provide my future wife with a steady life. I wish to tell you that I've barely made any connections with prospective employers and I haven't much time or opportunity in the remaining months here Derbyshire."
"You're leaving then?" Alex turned to look at him, "When?"
"I haven't made my mind up. I could go into London, try and make a name for myself there, and circulate my credentials. Or I could stay here, and try to charm some our parents friends, make connections here." Edward looked at Alex.
"You must go. Chances are better for you to become a lawyer in London. I can write to you, tell you when some of my father's friends come to town. Maybe you can come back?"
"Maybe."
"And what of Lady Guinevere? Are you postponing your pursuits?"
"I have not thought of her, I have not for many weeks now. I will be leaving soon, within the next day or two. I will be gone for the rest of the summer. I may not see my friend again. For that I am sorry." Edward picked up her hand.
"It has certainly been a pleasure."
"The pleasure was all mine, I assure you." He kissed her hand, and slightly caressed it with his thumb.