Page 23 of Stealing a Scoundrel's Heart
Alister scrambled off the bed and gathered his clothes. A piece of white linen landed upon her head and blinded her. She looked down at the material—it was her shift. She shoved her head and arms through the holes and then scooted back under the bed linens.
The click-clack of heels on the wooden stairs confirmed her friend was on her way.
Marjorie blinked at the sight of Alister who was already half dressed. It was obvious he’d done this a time or two. The door latch rattled, and in came both her friends, Elise and Dorinda.
She tugged the sheet up to her chin.
“Marrie?” The shock in both Elise and Dorinda’s voices as they echoed her name in unison was laughable.
Alister jammed his arms into his jacket and crossed his arms over his chest, legs slightly spread apart. “Your Grace. Lady Thornston. What brings you here?”
Dorinda held Elise back with an outstretched arm. She squinted and then took Alister in from head to toe. “Lord… Dartworth?”
“Lord Dartman at your service, Your Grace.”
“Pray excuse our unexpected arrival.” She walked over to the door and held it open. “We need a momentalonewith our friend Marrie.”
Alister turned and arched an eyebrow in her direction.
Marjorie smiled. “You could wait in the parlor if you wish, my lord, or you could return tomorrow during calling hours.”
Instead of leaving, Alister strode to stand next to the bed, right in front of her, and leaned down so only she could hear. “We are well past honorifics, Marjorie. Dress and meet me down below. I shan’t let them subject you to an inquisition alone.”
She blinked twice, shocked that he wasn’t abandoning her at the first sign of trouble like every other male she knew.
Alister whispered, “Be a good girl and do as I say.”
Not knowing what else to do, she nodded.
Appearing to be appeased, Alister marched over to Elise, turned her by the shoulders, and marched her to the door next to Dorinda. “Ladies, shall we go down to the parlor? A glass of sherry might be just the ticket.”
Marjorie giggled, drawing a glare from Alister over his shoulder. The man hadn’t spent enough time amongst her set to know he was playing with fire attempting to deter her two best friends. Those ladies had flayed more than one gentleman on Marjorie’s behalf.
Dorinda’s shook her head. “I’m certain you are accustomed to getting your way, Lord Dartman. After all you have the looks, the charm, and the wherewithal to buy your way out of trouble, but Elise and I shall not be swayed from our purpose.”
The man was no dullard. He executed a bow worthy of applause and said, “If that is indeed the case, then I shall bid you ladies a good day.”
He didn’t turn back or glance over his shoulder at Marjorie. Should she have supported him and attempted to sway her friends to change their minds? If he knew how formidable Elise and Dorinda were, he would have been sympathetic to her plight. But he didn’t know her best friends well, and mayhap she had overestimated how well he understood her.
Dorinda closed the door and slumped back against the wood frame. “Egad, the man is way too handsome for his own good.”
Elise ran to the bed, hopped up, and tackled Marjorie, pinning her back to the bed. “Explain your relationship with Dartman.”
“I’m a widow. He’s a scoundrel. What more do I need to explain?”
“Marjorie Ellen.” Elise loomed over her. “Have you fallen in love with the scoundrel?”
Dorinda sat on the edge of the bed. “Of course she’s in love with the man, she shared her bed with him.”
Elise was the impetuous one, Dorinda the most poised, and she was the quiet one. She was also the third wheel in most instances.
“I’m curious as to how all this came about, but first, accept our apologies.”
“Apology for what?”
“For leaving you alone, for not arriving sooner, for if we had been more present this would never have occurred.” She looked over at Elise. “This…” Dorinda waved her hand about in a circle in Marjorie’s direction. “This is all our fault.”
Elise fell on top of Marjorie and gave her a hug. “I’m sorry. Will you forgive us?”
