Return to Sir Edward's room

By the time you returned to the guest wing, Kingsmere Hall had settled into the hurried calm that so often preceded a formal dinner.

You quickened your pace.

Outside Sir Edward's chamber, you paused only long enough to straighten your jacket before knocking.

"Come in."

Sir Edward stood before the looking glass, fastening the cuffs of his evening shirt. His travelling case lay open upon the bed, several neatly folded garments resting beside it.

"There you are," he said, glancing towards you.

"I was beginning to wonder where my valet had disappeared to."

"My apologies, sir."

"I trust you had your reasons."

His tone was measured rather than angry, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

"I did, sir."

Sir Edward regarded you for a moment before gesturing towards the wardrobe.

"My evening coat."

You immediately retrieved it and held it open for him.

Neither of you spoke as he slipped his arms into the sleeves.

The silence felt rather different from the comfortable quiet you had grown accustomed to over the past three years.

As you adjusted the collar and brushed an invisible speck of dust from one shoulder, Sir Edward finally broke it.

"These gatherings have a habit of creating disorder where none ought to exist."

"They do seem rather busy."

"They are."

He allowed himself a quiet sigh.

"Lord Ashcombe is an excellent host, but hunting parties are never quite as relaxing as people pretend."

You finished fastening the final button.

"There."

Sir Edward glanced at his reflection.

"As always, impeccable."

For the first time since you'd entered the room, the tension in his expression eased.

"I was perhaps... a little sharper than necessary."

The admission was almost casual, as though he were simply commenting on the weather.

"The journey has been longer than I anticipated."

"I understand, sir."

"I know you do."

He reached for his gloves before giving you a brief nod.

"Come. We shouldn't keep our host waiting."

As you followed him from the room, you couldn't help but reflect that even the most composed gentlemen carried burdens invisible to those around them.