Page 9 of Marquess of Stone

“I am fine, sister,” Marian replied hastily although the words seemed empty.

Lydia examined her for a moment, her brows furrowing. “Did the Marquess do something? I know he can be rather… intense at times.”

Marian forced a slight smile. “It is nothing, truly. I merely need a moment to gather myself.”

“If you are sure.” Lydia said, though her tone carried an undercurrent of skepticism.

“I am,” Marian reassured her, but the strain in her voice was unmistakable.

Lydia paused but ultimately acquiesced, her gaze resting on Marian for a brief moment longer before she shifted back toward the assembly. As soon as Lydia was out of sight, Marian slipped out of the ballroom, her steps quick and purposeful. The air in the corridor was cooler, quieter, and she drew in a deep breath, willing herself to calm down. She couldn’t let Lord Stone see how much he had unsettled her. If she did, he would surely just use it against her, turning her embarrassment into his amusement. Marian didn’t have to look hard to find him. He was standing near the grand staircase, speaking casually with Elias. The two men laughed at something — an easy, unguarded sound that sent a ripple of irritation though Marian. How could he be so calm when her most private thoughts were in his possession?

She inhaled once more to stabilize herself and then moved forward with deliberate composure. “Lord Stone,” she interjected, her tone stern yet polite.

Turning at the sound of her voice, his dark blue eyes sparked with amusement and curiosity. “Lady Marian,” he said smoothly, inclining his head.

Elias glanced between them, his brow lifting slightly. “I shall leave you to it,” he offered with a knowing smile aimed at his friend before taking his leave.

Marian waited until Elias was out of earshot before speaking again. “May I have a word… in private,” she stated, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Lord Stone raised an eyebrow, his lips forming that same grin that annoyed her so. “What is it, My Lady?”

“You know very well, what,” she responded sharply, her poise on the verge of breaking and falling apart.

He chuckled softly, the sound low and maddeningly warm. “Ah, you must be referring to your list.”

Marian’s cheeks burned, but she refused to look away. “Yes. My list. It is mine, and I would like to have it back. Now.”

His eyes locked onto hers, his demeanor indecipherable. “What’s with the rush?” he inquired, his voice nearly languid. “It’s merely a list after all.”

Her jaw clenched. “It’s personal.”

“Is it?” he pondered, his tone infused with curiosity.

Marian’s heart raced wildly within her chest, her mind a chaotic blend of shame and rage. “You had no right to read it,” she stated, her voice quavering despite her attempts to remain composed.

Lord Stone’s smirk softened into something nearly genuine. “Maybe not,” he conceded, “but I must admit, I found it quite… illuminating.”

Her heartbeat roared in her ears as he moved a step nearer. Her eyes flared. “I am not particularly interested in your opinions regarding this, My Lord. Now, return it.”

He regarded her for a moment, his gaze unwavering and firm. Then, to her astonishment, he pulled the parchment from his pocket and extended it towards her.

Marian reached for it quickly, but he pulled it back at the last second, a spark of mischief returning to his eyes.

“I do have one condition,” he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur, just loud enough for only her to hear.

Her hand stopped in mid-reach, her eyebrows furrowing together. “What condition?”

“That you respond to one question,” he replied, his voice misleadingly cheerful.

Marian paused, her instincts shouting that this could lead to no good. “Inquire away, My Lord.”

His eyes remained on the list for a moment before coming back to Marian, his voice becoming significantly gentler. “Why have you only crossed one off?”

“I do not see how that is any of your concern,” she said tightly, reaching for the list again.

Lord Stone stepped back, his expression softening. “Such a shame,” he considered quietly. “A list like this deserves to be lived.”

“You speak as though you understand it.”

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