CHAPTER 3

Susan couldn't have been more pleased about Vicky's perfect timing. She was not looking forward to the awkward situation William was about to put them in. "That's great. I am quite famished." She declared with a strained smile, trying to avoid eye contact. "Is my father back, Vicky?"

"Yes. They arrived a few minutes ago." Susan nodded while taking note of the word 'they,' He is probably staying for dinner. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of having to spend some time with him—not personally—but it still counted for her.

Once inside the dining room, they all settled down in their respective seats, with Susan sitting directly across Edward, who focused all his attention on his food like they were the most interesting thing in the room.

"So, how did it go?" Susan began a conversation, "Was the trip worth it?

Lord Spencer wiped the corners of his mouth before a broad smile made its way to his face, "Oh, princess, it's worth everything." The old man chimed, "I was able to get good breeds with the help of Duke Edmund. You were right about him. He has good eyes, indeed."

Susan could only smile at her father as she tried her best to stop the colours from rising to her cheeks while trying her best to avoid the eyes of the man across, "I told you about it many months ago."

Mrs Spencer, who had been munching on her meal. quietly added, "Your father has a very good memory." She smiled fondly at her husband, who beamed proudly.

"Of course, he does. My dad always talked about his friend's good memory." William joined in the conversation.

"Of course, I was well known for my good memory. Back then, women always-"

"Alright, that's enough, old man." Mrs Susan interjected, eliciting a couple of chuckles.

"Did you get some racing horses?"

"Yes, we did. But Duke Edmund says they will become the best with good training. I am glad I took him along with me."

William almost scoffed, not liking the fact that the old man wouldn't stop talking about Duke Edmund. "They are just animals. Nothing special."

The smile on Lord Spencer's dulled, "Those animals are important to me. They make me happy and give me money."

William smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes, "Of course. What was I thinking? They are very important! I mean, how else are we supposed to move about without them?"

"I have no idea." Lord Spencer smiled again as he continued eating.

"How's the competition arrangement going so far?"

"It's going great! We have lots of participants." Lord Spencer chimed.

"I feel like it is going to be fun. I can't wait."

Lord Spencer turned to Edward, who was still busy devouring his meal, "Duke Edmund,"

"Yes?" Edmund looked up with a bored look,

"I want to invite you to the event this weekend especially."

Edmund ran his tongue across his teeth, "Are you inviting me as a watcher or racer?"

Lord Spencer's lips curled, "I also heard you are a born racer,"

Edmund's eyes flitted to the Vixen, who smiled at him as something flashed in her eyes before she focused them on her food, "Is my guess about your informant, right?"

"It depends. Will you honour my invitation?"

"It has been a while since I raced, though. I am not sure I still have it in me."

"I am sure you do,"

One of Edmund's brows raised, "What if I break my neck tomorrow and die."

"Try not to die," It wasn't Lord Spencer who replied but a frowning Susan, who didn't find the joke funny.

"What if I do? You can never tell. People die all the time. Tomorrow might be my turn."

Susan felt something clench in her chest. She did not understand why he was joking about something like that. Edmund was known for his recklessness. It was clear he had already made peace with death for talking so casually about it without a care in the world about who gets hurt. Doesn't he have loved ones he wants to live for? Doesn't he care about those his death will affect? What would a fool like her, who had given her heart to him on a platter of gold do?

She wanted him to live so she would be able to woe him the way she wanted and live with him till they grew old and wrinkly. She still wanted to have a lot of kids with him and raise them in a blissful home—but the man didn't want any of those.

"I think I am full. I would love to retire to my room now." She stood from her chair, looking all gloomy. She turned towards William and tried to smile, "Lord William, it was nice having you around today. I hope to see you some other time."

"Sure, Lady Susan." William smiled as he stood to kiss her hand before she left the room, not before offering a curt nod to Edmund, whose eyes narrowed infinitesimally at the gesture. What did he do again? He couldn't tell.

As she left the room, the three of them continued their meal. "Will you come?" Lord Spencer asked with his eyes fixed on Edmund.

Edmund wiped the corners of his mouth with his thumbs, earning a look of disapproval from Mrs Spencer and William, but he couldn't care less, "If you treasure my appearance so much, then why not? I will come."

William cleared his throat, "I also want to take part in the competition."

Lord Spencer's brows lifted, "But you are not a race person, according to your father. I don't remember him mentioning it to me."

William laughed, "Let's just say it is one of my hidden talents that you would be privileged to see tomorrow. I am sure I will win the race."

Lord Spencer's lips pulled up again, "I can't wait to see this hidden talent of yours!" He chimed. "I can't wait for tomorrow! I have a feeling it is going to be exciting."

"Sure, it will." Came Edmund's bored voice before he pushed his plate away and stood. "Thanks for the lovely dinner, Mrs Spencer."

"It's my pleasure, Duke Edmund. And I should be the one thanking you for escorting and helping my husband today. It was so kind of you, I must say."

"Well, the old man didn't give me a choice, did he?"

"Hey! Did I not warn you about calling me OLD? What do you think these muscles are for?"

Edmund shrugged, "I don't know, for fancy?"

The couple laughed, "That was a nice joke." Chimed Lady Spencer. "Come on, he is not that old. He just looks a few years older than he should."

"Hey!" Lord Spencer glared at his wife, earning a chuckle from Edmund, who shook his head at them before walking out.

It was obvious the couple were fond of each other and adored each other. He couldn't help but wonder if they ever got tired of each other.

They wake up every morning to the same face over and over again for years. Of course, they do get tired of each other. But they pretended to be happy and in love.

His parents were good examples of that. They couldn't stand each other anymore. They were no longer satisfied with their so-called love that only faded in a matter of years. The love wasn't strong enough to hold them together. It died out.

He could still remember those shouts and cries and hurtful words they threw at each other without a care in the world. All marriages were like that. He was certain the Spencers would end up like that too. All he had to do was wait and see for himself as usual.