Page 22 of Moonstone Angel
“Then why do you look so…I don’t know…confused? Perplexed?”
She put her hands on the railing and gazed out across the water, her attention caught by the blaze of reds and golds across the sky and the reflection of those brilliant colors upon the sea. “Just something your grandmother said to me just now.”
“What did she say?”
She loved the sound of his voice, so deep and resonant.
It wrapped around her like a soft blanket.
Standing beside him made her realize how much she was missing by shutting herself off to love all these years.
Not that she loved the duke.
Of course, she did not.
It was absurd to think she could ever allow herself to do so.
She’d be utterly lost if she ever gave her heart free rein. He was the sort of man she could love deeply and eternally.
He would own her heart forever.
No, she could never free herself to love him.
His hands closed on her arms, and he turned her to face him. “Cara, what did she tell you? Why are you looking at me so oddly?”
“Truly, she is fine. She just asked to have her supper in bed.”
“That’s it?”
His face was so close to hers, she felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek. “No, she said something more. But it is absurd.”
“Cara, I am going to throttle you if you do not tell me what is going on.”
“Don’t laugh. Promise not to laugh if I tell you.”
“Laugh? Then it is not something serious?” He studied her face, his eyes upon her with a smoldering intensity.
“No, it is not serious. It is silly. Unthinkable. She said…she suggested…she thinks I am suitable for you. Is it not the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard?”
He inhaled sharply. “Are you serious? She said this?”
Cara nodded. “Ask her yourself.”
“Not necessary. I believe you.” His expression turned soft, and he cast her a smile. “Is this her way of telling me I should court you?”
“Oh, dear!” Her eyes popped wide. “Rest assured, I expect no such thing. I know it is impossible. That is why I suggested Lady Phoebe as a match for—”
“I have no interest in Lady Phoebe.”
“Well, you’ve only just met her. But she is very nice, don’t you think?”
He nodded. “For some lucky man. Not me.”
She gasped. “You cannot still be thinking to take Lady Yvonne as your wife! Are you? I shall beat you senseless if you dare nod.”
“Then I had better not nod,” he said with amusement glittering in his eyes. “Why would it be impossible between you and me? Hypothetically speaking, of course.”
“Isn’t the answer obvious? I am not of good society. I am not of any society, actually. Marriage to me would make you a laughingstock among theton.”
