Page 76 of To Treasure an Heiress
“When the conversation is about rats? Absolutely not.” How long would Ollie be gone? Probably at least twenty minutes, and he’d only just left.
Sheridan chuckled. “Perhaps that one could even be termed a tryst. That’s a critical part of courtship in some cultures, you know. Ancient Sparta, for example—a couple was expected to steal out at night to meet. They recognized that the feeling of secrecy was, well, exciting. Even when it was approved. So that’s what they would do. Meet in secret, I mean.”
“Fascinating.” She pushed her chair back and stood. If he put his feet down, there’d be plenty of room on that sofa for her too. “And what about sickbed vigils? Is that a critical part of courtship in any culture? Perhaps fabricating an illness or injury when one doesn’t occur naturally?”
His gaze tracked her as she came closer, and his feet hit the floor,freeing up that cushion beside him. “Ah. Well. Not that I’ve yet learned about. Per se. Though Mrs. Bennet certainly recognized the power of such a thing, didn’t she? Hence the ploy to make Jane walk in the rain. To Bingley, I mean.”
It was the second time she could remember him referencingPride and Prejudice, which was downright hilarious. She’d never have taken him for the sort to read romantic novels. Usually, he had his nose in the driest history texts to be found in their library. “And Mrs. Bennet’s tactics arecertainlyones we should all emulate.”
“Well now, we needn’t go that far. But still, the sickbed vigil most assuredly counts.” He reached for her hand and, when she moved to sit beside him, tugged her toward him instead, so that she landed on his lap.
A squeal slipped out, more of surprise than protest, though it soon turned to laughter when his grin went mischievous.
“And this, lady fair, most definitely counts too. Even if the library isn’t lamplit.”
His right arm supported her back, his left came around her waist, anchoring her, and he could probably hear the way her heart crashed against her chest, but that was all right. She could hear his too. She did her best to keep her smile serene. “Studying historical records together is themostromantic date of all.”
“Obviously. And even if some troglodytes disagree, no one can argue that a meeting involving a kiss is anything but a true milestone of courtship.”
She felt as though she might just fly to pieces. “Kissing? I seem to have missed that part. I could swear we’ve only been reading and taking notes.”
“Ah, well. Patience, you know. That’s the next phase of my brilliant plan, now that I’ve got rid of your brother.” He wiggled his brows.
Hers shot up. Then, as she caught sight of the edges of paper sticking out from behind his cushion, laughter bubbled up again. “Devious man, aren’t you? Ithoughtwe’d already brought that book over.”
“Desperate times. I’ve been trying for days to get you alone again, but...” He trailed off, frowning. “It wasn’t on purpose, was it? I mean—you weren’t making sure to keep others around? To avoid this—me? If so, I—”
“Sheridan.” She set a finger on his lips to silence him. And then leaned close, gaze locked with his. “Back on topic, please. I believe we were discussing a kiss.”
The blaze of uncertainty settled back down into his previous amusement. “Right. But, you see, I’m not just a man of words. I believe fully in the need for field research. So, less talk, as they say.”
And more kissing. She met his lips with her own, grateful that this time she could lift her arm without pain and settle her hand on his cheek. Send her fingers into the light auburn of his hair. Hold him there just a moment more when he made as if to pull away.
“Definitely, definitely counts,” he whispered a moment later, as he trailed his nose over her cheek.
Gracious. “Well, if you’re set on adding dates, I think we need to schedule a few more. A walk after supper, perhaps, in the Abbey Gardens.” He feathered a kiss over her jaw and made her breath catch. “And now that I’m feeling better, another sail—and I promise not to send you overboard. Probably.”
“Mm.” His lips trailed down to her chin. “You can if you want. I’ll just take it as a declaration of your undying affection.”
“You would. Incorrigible man.” Praise God he was that, and patient enough that he hadn’t turned and fled in those first few weeks.
“Well, I—”
Footsteps in the hall cut him off and brought a scowl to his brow. She slid to the cushion at his side, the racing of her heart shifting a little. A man’s step, without question. Was Oliver back already?
No. Telford had finally deigned to join the land of the awake and entered with a teacup in one hand and a telegram in the other. “Did you see this, Sher?” He didn’t even glance over at them.
“I haven’t seen anything today. I was busy plotting. Which you’ve ruined, thank you very much.”
That brought Telford’s gaze up. His lips twitched upon spotting them, no doubt well able to imagine what they’d been up to. “I may not be sorry about that, but I’m certainly sorry about this.” He held up the yellow slip of paper and then held it out. “They’ll be leaving Sheridan Castle tomorrow.”
His sisters. Beth’s stomach turned to a rock, and she eased away a few more inches. Sheridan had received a letter a few days ago saying they’d be coming, but they’d offered no definite date. And Beth had let herself think that maybe they’d get distracted and go somewhere else instead.
Because she had only to remember all the sneers she’d received from the aristocracy while she was at finishing school to know that, happy as the marquess was to steal kisses and talk about courtship, his sisters weren’t likely to approve of a match between him and an island girl.
An indisputable fact that didn’t seem to faze Sheridan at all. He took the telegram with a smile. “Oh, good! I was beginning to think they’d never come.”
Was the look Telford sent her commiserating, or was she imagining it? “Still not sure why you invited them, old boy.”
