Separate Weddings, Separate Lives novel Chapter 62

"Do you feel bad for him?"

Louisa shouldn't have expected to hear anything remotely pleasant coming from Elijah. She answered honestly, "You crossed a line."

Elijah shot back, "Have you always been kind to Danica, then?"

Her relationship with Danica had always been evident to everyone. It was clear what Elijah was getting at. Louisa felt her comeback get stuck in her throat.

Elijah and Zachary were brothers, yet they liked the same woman.

When she recalled how Elijah had enquired about his "sister-in-law" upon seeing Zachary, Louisa's eyes darkened.

But something was off. Wasn't he into Letitia? Why were they talking about Zachary's wife? Or did Zachary harbor feelings for Letitia as well?

Louisa was confused by their messy relations. She wanted to get to the bottom of things, but as the saying went, curiosity killed the cat. This was, after all, a private affair between the pair of brothers. It wasn't for her to stick her nose into, so Louisa stopped asking.

It was as though Elijah's goal in life was to stun everyone with his scandalous words. Seemingly out of nowhere, he asked, "Is my brother your type?"

Louisa had no idea how he'd come to that conclusion. She'd said no more than three sentences to Zachary that night.

"I wouldn't go that far, but he's definitely more pleasant to be around than you," replied Louisa. At least Zachary spoke in a more civilized manner.

"That's still a crush."

Elijah's ability to twist words was truly unparalleled. Louisa couldn't be bothered to fight him on it. After all, whoever she liked was none of his business.

Louisa didn't respond. She didn't like speaking to him, and saying anything else was a waste of her breath.

"How is he pleasant? Tell me. I'd like to take some lessons." It was a rare sight where Elijah was "humble".

Louisa didn't want to continue the conversation. She averted her gaze and stared outside. Coincidentally, she caught sight of the old man who'd performed in the morning. He was still dancing, but more people were watching, and he seemed to be dancing harder, too.

He had danced from morning to night. Louisa was in awe of his passion.

Just as she was spacing out while staring, she felt warmth around her neck. Instinctively, she flinched away. Elijah had crowded over to look out of the window as well.

"What a strong old man."

Louisa did not reply. To escape his proximity, she leaned away, holding herself up against the chair. It was an uncomfortable position to be in.

"He's better than me. Isn't that right, Mrs. Holten?" As he spoke, Elijah got closer to Louisa, his breath fanning over her neck. She flushed and looked away.

He gripped her chin and pushed her head back so they were nose-to-nose. "Would you like to test out my stamina tonight?"