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like the rest of the human race.  Judith had never seen two people who were more obviously born for each other.
    There was something shockingly intrusive about witnessing their silent interchange, and she turned her head away.  As she did, her gaze fell on Adam.
    The vivid, inarticulate pain on his face cleared her mind.  Judith had guessed from the first that Adam Yorke was in love with Antonia. Now he faced the devastating knowledge that bringing his friend and his cousin together was disastrous for his hopes.
    Judith ached for him.  “Would you care for some tea. Lord Launceston?” she asked, her pragmatic question shattering the spell that lay over the room.
    Flushing, he released Antonia’s hand.  “That would be very welcome.”
    The four people sat down and exchanged commonplaces as if that lightning-struck moment had not occurred. Lord Launceston commented on the geological history of the Peak District, Antonia mentioned how old the manor house of Thornleigh was, Judith asked about his lordship’s studies.
    Adam Yorke said nothing at all, merely drank his tea with that strange, blinded expression on his face. Judith was acutely aware of the crosscurrents, of the way Antonia and Lord Launceston were making love to each other with every word and gesture.
    Abruptly she could bear no more. She needed to escape before she succumbed to wicked envy of her best friend. Even more important, Adam must be taken away. Rising, Judith said, “I think I’ll take a turn in the garden. Adam, will you join me for some fresh air?”
    “Of course,” he responded with numb politeness.
    She took his arm rather forcefully, guiding him through the French doors into the slanting late-afternoon sun. Antonia and Lord Launceston scarcely noticed when their companions left.
    Judith drew the refreshing air into her lungs, grateful for its head-clearing qualities after so much pulsating emotion. Adam had no preference about the direction, so she steered them through the parterre and into the informal walk, trying to get as far away as possible.
    When the house was no longer visible among the trees, she said quietly, “I’m sorry.”
    Adam’s muscular arm tensed under her clasp, but he made no attempt to pretend that he didn’t understand. “I should have realized this might happen, but I’ve known Simon long enough that I forgot what an impact the first sight of him makes.”
    “Being a male doesn’t help,” Judith pointed out. “You don’t see him the same way a female does.”
    “True.” He managed a smile. “I remember thinking when I met him that it must be a nuisance to be so strikingly good-looking that people ignore more important qualities, like character and intelligence, which he has in abundance.”
    “True, but it’s hard to be indifferent to such beauty,” she agreed. “It’s the same with Antonia. Admiring her is like enjoying a perfect rose, but she is so much more than her appearance, dazzling though that is.”
    After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “You’ve always loved her?”
    “Always.”
    They reached the stream that ran the length of the dale.  By mutual consent they sat on a bench overlooking the clear, chuckling water. Adam leaned forward, head bent, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands loosely clasped.
    Judith studied his large, powerful hands, thinking it remarkable that they had the delicacy to carve the lovely wood sculptures he had made for Antonia when they were young. Though he had the strength of an athlete or a peasant, he must also have the soul of an artist.
    Staring unseeing at his interlaced fingers, Adam said, “There are many kinds of love. My feelings for Tony are a mixture of friendship and gratitude and admiration. I don’t suppose that’s the same as romantic love.  Perhaps I am merely in the habit of fancying myself in love with her.  If she and Simon ran off to Gretna Green tomorrow, Tony and I would still love each other in the ways that matter most.