Page 20 of Stealing a Scoundrel's Heart
Foxton winged his arm out for her. She ignored the gentlemanly offer and strode to the door. Rather than being on her heels, Foxton lagged behind.
From behind, Alister said, “I shall be watching from the window.”
Under his breath Foxton muttered, “I’m counting on it.”
Fresh air was supposed to revive one’s spirits, but the sea breeze only enhanced Marjorie’s salty disposition. Garnering a gentleman’s attention had been near impossible for the majority of her life and to have two men squabble over her, whether Foxton was feigning interest or not, was not as flattering or pleasing as she thought it would be. She didn’t wish to place a strain upon the men’s friendship. Good loyal friends were difficult to find and maintain. Images of Elise and Dorinda came to mind and a sharp pang shot through the center of Marjorie’s chest. She missed her best friends. She shouldn’t have pleaded with them to give her space.
Marjorie stopped in the middle of the path and glanced over her shoulder. Foxton remained a few feet behind, but he was closing the gap between them fast. She needed a moment before speaking to him. She tilted her chin up, closed her eyes and let the sun fall upon her face. To hell with caring if she gained freckles or not.
“Marrie.” Foxton’s voice wafted through her muddle thoughts. “Mar…rie…”
She wasn’t ready to talk.
Foxton’s hands wrapped around her upper arms and the blasted fool pulled her to him and gave her a hug.
She tried to pull away but he held on tight and said, “Friends comfort friends. Let me hold you… just for a moment.”
It was the embrace of a friend, infused with support and encouragement. She let him hold her and she drew strength from him.
Chin resting on the top of her head, he said, “What were you thinking earlier? You must know that in every pack there is a pecking order regardless of wealth and title. Alister is our leader, then I’m next, then Hurlington and then Whistlestop.”
Marjorie pulled back and this time Foxton didn’t stop her from backing out of his embrace. “But…Whistlestop is a duke.”
His gaze flickered to the cottage before he answered. “Yes, that might be the case, but when it is just the four of us, we defer to Dartman. That’s not true—we always defer to Dartman regardless of who is about, or where we might be.” Foxton narrowed his gaze upon her and with all seriousness repeated, “Dartman is our leader.”
Eyes shut, she recounted the scene in the drawing room in her mind and then looked back up at him. “If what you say is correct, why are you upset? I distributed the handkerchiefs in the correct order, did I not?”
Foxton let out a long deep sigh. “I’m not talking about the blasted gifts.”
“Then simply tell me what exactly it is you are trying to discuss with me.”
The man had the audacity to roll his eyes right in front of her before he said, “Dartman is keen on you. He has claimed you… you can’t go about and flirt with Hurlington.”
“Claimed me? I’m not a piece of property.” She clasped her fisted hands behind her back. “What if I don’t wish to claim him?”
“But you do.” Foxton frowned. “Do you not?” His tone held a hint of doubt that rarely existed. Foxton, normally overconfident, stared into her eyes as if seeking out confirmation for himself.
Marjorie acquiesced. “I do.”
“Let’s head to the beach so as not to be in plain sight.” Foxton didn’t wait for her and set off toward her favorite thinking spot.
When they reached the shore, Foxton stopped and looked down at her. “If you care for Dartman, why would you blatantly provoke the man? Did Hurlington do something to make you angry? Do you wish Hurlington to suffer?”
“No!” She reached out and gripped the sleeves of Foxton’s jacket. “Oh, what a mess. You see, Hurlington said… well, it was his idea. He advised me to take action, to bait Alister into a confession.”
“Then why did you not attempt to flirt with me instead?” Foxton asked.
It was her turn to roll her eyes heavenward. “Because Alister knows, out of the three of you, you would never betray him.”
Foxton shook his head. “And it is for that very reason that you should have held on to me instead of letting go of my hand. I’m the only one whose betrayal could conjure an admission out of him.”
She lowered her gaze to the ground. Foxton was right.
“Don’t worry. I’m fairly certain Dartman saw me hugging you earlier. I can only hope he’ll forgive me or at the very least not break my nose for attempting to elicit the declaration of love you deserve.” Foxton glanced behind her and then added, “And I hope you will forgive me for what I’m about to do.” Foxton bent and before she could react, he pressed his lips to her cheek close to her mouth with the barest of pressure.
She placed her hands flat against his chest to push him away but he captured her by the wrists and tugged her close and said, “Stay still. Dartman is coming.”
What they were doing wasn’t right. It would only result in someone getting hurt. “Foxton, unhand me right this moment.” She twisted out of his light hold and nearly toppled to the side. She hadn’t expected him to release her that easily.
