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The two women murmured their thanks as Eleanor brushed past on her way back into the house.

Derek nodded to the women. “If you need anything else moved, please call for me.” He gave a passing glance to Simon, who was so entranced by his book, he didn’t even realize Eleanor had left his side.

Derek turned and walked back inside. He found Eleanor in the hallway on her way back to Simon and the mothers.

“Lovely day out, isn’t it?” Derek’s voice was low and smooth. He couldn’t help it. He had a naturally low voice, but when he was around Eleanor, words came out with more context than intended.

Eleanor stopped and looked up, her face flushed and her eyes wide.

“It is.” She shifted on her feet, trying to look around him.

What was it about knowing he made her nervous that enthralled him so?

“Wedding plans getting along well?” Derek leaned up against the wall. She could easily walk past him, and he found it interesting she stayed put.

She shook her head. He noticed that her shoulders dropped a bit. “They are. It’s just…”

“Just…?” He probed her to continue.

Eleanor looked to the doorway and sighed heavily. She surprised him by pulling him by his arm into the parlor, closing the door behind them.

“His mother is driving me insane. I thought my own mother would be a nightmare to deal with, but the Dowager Viscountess is giving my mother a run for her money.”

Derek couldn’t help but laugh. William wasn’t wrong that Derek’s relationship with Eleanor was somewhat familiar, but ever since he gave his blessing on Eleanor’s marriage, she tried her best not to engage with him. It was comforting to see her instigate a conversation.

“Someone more antagonizing than Charlotte?” Derek raised an eyebrow. “I don’t believe it.”

She smiled. “Well, believe it because she exists, and she’s out there.” Eleanor pointed to the outer wall.

“What does Simon say about all of this?” Derek hated the name on his tongue.

Eleanor lifted a slender shoulder. “Not much. He says it’s not the man’s job to worry about trivial things such as where we’ll feast or who will be in attendance. He says his job is show up.”

“How progressive of him,” Derek deadpanned.

Eleanor clucked her tongue. “Don’t start.”

Derek lifted his hands in innocence. “Don’t start what?”

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that you’re back to your old tricks.”

Derek acted offended. “First off, I am offended you think I have tricks and second that they are old.”

Eleanor shook her head, trying not to laugh which was a shame. Her laugh was beautiful.

“In all seriousness, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Derek adjusted his cravat.

Eleanor’s eyes followed his movements and stood staring as his hands worked, all the while biting her bottom lip. Derek’s fingers itched to leave the cravat alone and trace that succulent lip.

Derek reprimanded himself. He had to be careful, or he would prove William right, and he could not let that happen. This was just a bit of fun. Nothing more.

Eleanor dropped her eyes and gave her head a little shake. “I feel it, too,” she said quietly.

All humor and mirth drained from his body. “What do you feel?”

She didn’t respond.

Derek took a step closer to Eleanor. Standing directly in front of her, he took his finger and lifted her chin. “What do you feel, Eleanor?”