Page 13 of Charming Sir Charles
Stone nodded. “Even horse-mad sisters. Hel’s always been avid for the nags. It was something she and West had in common when they were young. I’m devilish glad they found their way back to each other.”
Charles eyed Stone in the flat gray light. “By God, you’re a romantic.”
Stone gave another shrug. “Life’s made me one.”
“You’re lucky.”
“I am indeed.” Stone’s smile expressed what he didn’t say. But Charles had witnessed the soul-deep happiness in his family and didn’t need any explanation.
Stone surveyed Charles from under his brows, as if unsure whether he should continue. “You know, you could be lucky, too.”
Charles frowned, although he wasn’t surprised Stone had noticed his interest in Sally. The Nashes were a notoriously clever family, and not just with horses and horticulture. “You’ve guessed that I’m contemplating matrimony?”
“It’s reasonably obvious, at least to a fellow who’s languished in just your situation.”
“I’m not sure the lady returns my interest.”
“Poor devil, I remember that feeling. It was damned wretched.” Stone sent him a straight look. “Of course, there’s only one way to find out whether you’re wasting your time. You need to declare yourself. Unless you mean to yearn after her until you’re both old and gray.”
Charles gave a twisted smile. “I never knew the meaning of terror until I set out to win a bride.”
Stone clapped him on the back. “Worse than facing a loaded pistol at twenty paces. But worth it in the long run.”
“Only if she says yes.”
“You’re a persuasive fellow. You’ll get your way in the end – and my advice is make your move while you’re down here. Fewer distractions.”
Charles had to laugh. “Are you saying my proposal isn’t interesting enough to capture the lady’s attention?”
“Heaven forbid, old chum. No, I’m saying that Shelton Abbey is full of isolated corners inside and out that a man can use to…make his point with a lady he fancies. And if you haven’t worked that out already, I’m a Dutchman.”
Charles had worked it out. Yesterday alone in the rose garden with Sally – and again in the deserted long gallery – she’d only just escaped a thorough kissing. But that damned air of fragility had stopped him.
“You know,” he said slowly, “I’m going about this all wrong. The subtle approach isn’t getting me anywhere. A siege might be called for, after all.”
Stone’s smile reeked delight. “That’s the spirit. I tried something similar to your slow burn pursuit with Caro, and nearly lost her to bloody West as a result. I remember how putting myself on the line scared me silly – but it won me my bride, so it was worth every collywobble.”
Charles frowned thoughtfully out into the rain. Was Stone right? Excitement bubbled in his veins as he imagined finally having Sally in his arms.
Perhaps it was time to shock her into seeing him as a husband.
He turned back to Stone who watched him with an unwavering gaze. “So Caro said yes when you declared yourself, and you lived happily ever after?”
Stone snorted with derision. “Not a bit of it, old man. She sent me away with a flea in my ear and told me she never wanted to see me again. I was convinced all was lost.”
“Hell’s bells,” Charles muttered.
“Worst day of my life. But I persevered, and eventually she relented. Even then, it took months to persuade her to marry me. With a widow, there’s sometimes the problem of once bitten, twice shy.”
Charles had long ago guessed that Sally’s silence about her marriage hinted at unhealed wounds. But Norwood had died four years ago. It was time for her to find new happiness.
With a surge of determination, he straightened and met Stone’s bright hazel eyes. “I’m going to propose to the girl and shame the devil. Then let the dice fall where they may.”
“Good show.” Stone’s smile radiated approval. “And I wish you the devil’s own luck, my friend.”
Chapter Five
Sally reeled back from the library door, open a crack so she’d clearly heard the conversation inside. Her heart was racing, and a jagged boulder blocked her throat. Hot tears stung her eyes, so she saw the elegant corridor with its graceful side tables and Chinese pottery through a misty haze.
