Lord Ashby found her in the library the next day, but this time, he wasn't alone. A young man stood beside him. He was tall, brown-haired, with the same sharp eyes as his uncle.
"Alina," Lord Ashby said. "I want you to meet my nephew, Lord Emeric Ashby. He is visiting for the season."
Emeric bowed.
"My uncle tells me you're the most interesting person in this castle," he said. "Given that my uncle's standards are very high… I'm intimidated."
She laughed.
"Your uncle is kind and possibly losing his mind."
"He is neither," Emeric replied with a smile. "He is the sharpest man I know and that makes his opinion of you rather alarming."
"Interesting is not a compliment. It's what he might call a woman who might set something on fire."
Lord Ashby laughed in approval.
"I'm leaving you two alone before I become the subject of your conversation," He patted his nephew's arm, already turning away. "Emeric, try not to overwhelm her with your questions."
