Page 85 of Rakes & Reticules
“It is accurate.”
“Then I am sorry for her. She will never recognize happiness when it is offered to her. That is terribly sad.”
“And you, Amelia. Will you recognize happiness when you come upon it?” As they spoke, he guided her toward the summer parlor and the tables where they were to play.
“I hope so.” She shook her head. “I can be rather dense oftentimes. Most of my learning comes from books and not from experience with others. I often don’t trust my instincts because I have been out in the world so little.”
“What do your instincts tell you about me?”
She blushed. “I dare not tell you, for your head will swell to enormous proportions.”
He laughed. “Ah, is that so? Then you must tell me. I am about to sacrifice myself to two dances with Dorothea. Does this not earn me some favor?”
“All right,” she said with a grin. “I suppose it does. My instincts tell me that you are a man of rare qualities. Intelligent, compassionate, strong, but kind in that strength. Add this to the fact you are very good looking. Is it any wonder the women all want you?”
He had not expected her to toss him such a fine compliment. “Most women do not look beyond my title and wealth.”
He held out a chair for her and then took the one across the card table from hers. They were the first to sit, so they had a moment longer to speak before the other players arrived.
“You sell yourself short, Your Grace.”
“You can address me as Callum. There is no one close by to hear us.”
“Oh...um, Callum...um...yes.” She cast him a ruffled smile before continuing. “The bachelors you have invited to this house party are titled and of decent wealth, too. Most of them are also nice looking. This is not what distinguishes you. It is your natural abilities that set you apart. Your leadership, your intelligence, and the power you exude.”
“Exude?” He grinned.
“Yes, that is the right word for it. That daunting sense of power oozes out of you.”
He burst out laughing. “I ooze and I exude? Sounds like you are describing a moldy cheese left out in the sun too long.”
Her eyes lit up with mirth. “Now you are making fun of me because I am neither glib nor flirtatious. Do not mock me for being honest.”
“Not at all. I am enjoying your description of me. It may sound perverse to you, but I much rather prefer to be described as moldy cheese than a golden chalice. Do go on.”
“Haven’t you heard enough?”
“No, pray continue before the others arrive and we must start our game.”
“As I said, you have strength and intelligence, and a good bit of conceit if that gloating smile is any indication,” she teased. “In all seriousness, if I were in danger and needed protection, there is no question I would look to you first.”
“I am not the strongest man present.”
“True, Lord Wellbridge is a beast of a man. He seems quite nice. However, I would always choose you because I think you would honor your duty to protect me above all else. I do not get that feeling with any of the other gentlemen. I think they would be quick to toss me out to the enemy.” She gestured with her hands. “Here, take her. She is cannon fodder. Now go and leave us alone.”
“Amelia, the friends I have invited here are quite honorable and would never sacrifice a lady to save their own hides. But there is a reason you feel most comfortable with me.”
She nodded. “I know. You have looked out for me from the moment I arrived. It feels nice to be taken under your wing. However, I do not wish to hold you back.”
He wanted to assure her that she wasn’t holding him back from anything. In truth, he ached to spend more time with her. He liked being around her, and this was quite a new feeling for him.
He said no more as his uncle and Rosie joined them.
His uncle had a devilish look about him, so Callum knew immediately the old codger intended to cheat. Well, let him have his fun. This game was only for sport anyway. He knew his uncle would never cheat at a serious game of cards.
“Lord Danvers,” Amelia said with a giggle, watching his uncle shuffle the deck and begin to deal the cards. “I do believe you are dealing yours from the bottom of the deck. And Aunt Rosie, how many aces have you concealed up your sleeve?”
“Bollocks,” his uncle said with a chuckle. “We are caught already, Rosie. We must be losing our touch.” He winked at Amelia’s aunt. “Ah, well. We shall have to play an honest game now. Where’s the fun in that? You are awfully sharp, Amelia.”
