Page 17 of Stealing a Scoundrel's Heart
It had been clear from the onset that the four of them were close, but after spending day after day with them, Marjorie found that they were so in tune with each other’s strengths and weaknesses that they acted to bolster one another without thought. They anticipated each other’s words and actions, and it was highly entertaining to be in their company.
“Your Grace, Foxton, Hurlington—you are all up early,” Marjorie greeted as the trio descended upon them. “Dartman and I were just discussing the plans for the day.”
Alister arched a brow in her direction. Heat washed over her and settled upon the tops her cheeks. The blasted man made her flush so frequently that the others would have to be blind not to notice, but they kindly made no mention of her red cheeks whenever Alister was present.
Foxton glanced down at her shoes and stockings still lying haphazardly next to her. He promptly sank down and began to strip off his boots and his socks. To her astonishment, Hurlington and even the Duke of Whistlestop followed suit.
Whistlestop stood and addressed Alister. “What’s the matter, Dartman? Not in the mood to join in the fun?”
“There is still much to do at the cottage.” Alister turned to face Foxton. “Make sure she doesn’t drown.” Hands fisted at his side, Alister strode back toward the cottage.
Perplexed by Alister’s sudden departure she blurted, “What did I do to anger him this time?”
“You’vedone nothing. He’s merely fighting his feelings for you, which makes him…” It was Hurlington who answered.
She glanced around at Foxton, Whistlestop, and then Hurlington. “Feelings? For me?”
Hurlington stepped forward. “Come, let’s take a walk.”
Skirts hiked no higher than her ankles, Marjorie fell into step next to Hurlington, who was the most intuitive of the lot, and asked, “Do you really think Dartman holds a tendre for me?” Glancing over her shoulder, she noted that both Foxton and Whistlestop had fallen behind, presumably to give her some privacy.
“Yes, I do.” Hurlington frowned and continued on to add, “For the first time since I’ve known Dartman, which I might note is a very long time, he’s acting with uncertainty. It’s as if you’ve managed somehow to breach his impenetrable defenses. Revealing glimmers of man that even I’ve never seen before but have suspected existed all along.”
Not having known Alister for long and desperately hoping his feelings for her mirrored her own growing feeling for him, Marjorie’s thoughts had been a knotted mess. She peeked over at Hurlington, who continued to walk in deep contemplation. Without Elise or Dorinda to confer with, should she seek advice from one of Alister’s closest friends? With nothing but her pride to lose, Marjorie exhaled and asked, “Hurlington, what should I do?”
“Take action. Goad, charm, whatever it takes to get the man to confess his feelings.” Hurlington steered them closer to the water, allowing the waves to crash over his feet.
Take action,he says… Heavens above, did he not know who he was talking to. Marjorie hiked her skirts higher. “Um… What would it take for a woman to elicit such a confession from you?”
Hurlington grinned and replied, “Since I’ve never had anything to confess, I can’t say for certain.”
“You’ve never been in love?”
He shook his head. “I’ve not met a woman that drives me to act like Dartman acts around you, that’s for certain.”
Ha! If the man had never been in love before, she’d be a fool to heed his advice. Oh, how she wished Elise or Dorinda were here. They would know for certain what to do.
Marjorie shortened her stride, and Hurlington easily adjusted his to match. It wasn’t long before Foxton and Whistlestop caught up to them.
Whistlestop slung an arm over each of his two mates’ shoulders. “We should escort Marrie back before Dartman returns to make sure we haven’t failed and allowed her to drown.”
“You are probably right.” Foxton chuckled. “I’m surprised he hasn’t already come and drowned us himself.”
The trio burst into laughter as they turned about only to find Alister marching across the beach with a scowl.
“Charge!” Whistlestop yelled, and the trio ran toward Alister.
Instead of retreating, Alister bolted forward and to Marjorie’s amusement it was Foxton, Hurlington, and Whistlestop who whirled around to run away. Men!
Yesterday had been one of those filled with memories that a man would take to his grave. Mucking about with his mates and seeing the woman he enjoyed spending time with most laugh and smile was contrary to the current mood in Marjorie’s drawing room. Teacup in hand, Alister took in a deep breath and inhaled the scent of peppermint. Patience and a level head were what was required to deal with his friend.
“Why must you stay? The Season has begun and we are needed in the House.” Lord Hurlington loomed over Alister with his arms crossed over his chest.
Alister leaned back in his chair and took a sip of the calming brew. “You and the others may leave. I shall happily designate Foxton as my proxy.”
“Foxton! Good lord, the man votes with his heart not his head.”
He stared at his friend. “What? The four of us have always voted alike.”
