Page 31 of The Moonstone Marquess
He had not expected to be admitted into Phoebe’s bedchamber and was not about to pass up the opportunity. Of course, it would have been nicer if she was in here with him and he was undressing her. But that was just him thinking with his privates and not with his head.
Phoebe was not going to be won over by his sexual prowess. She needed him to be a real man, one who would love and protect her, make a life with her.
He stepped into her bedchamber and looked around. It was as she had said, nautical and masculine, especially that big bed with its ocean-blue damask canopy and the dark wood headboard and footboard. Yet the room also had a feminine feel because she occupied it now. He caught the scent of lavender in the air…her scent.
He noticed her hairbrush and pretty butterfly hair clips atop the bureau drawer.
Although he should not have done so, he peeked inside her wardrobe.
She was a slender thing, and her gowns all looked so delicate. Most were of practical fabrics, muslin, wool, linen, but she also had her finer silks. He noticed her chemises neatly folded, and ran a finger across one of the sheer bodices, wishing very much to do the same with her in it.
This would not put him in her good graces.
He sighed, closed the wardrobe, and stepped onto the balcony. Indeed, one had a spectacular view of her garden and beyond to the glistening sea, especially on a cloudless day like this.
Phoebe’s eyes were the beautiful aquamarine color of the sea and sparkled whenever she was pleased with him, which was not all that often yet.
As for the view, it was indeed breathtaking. She had not been exaggerating.
He must have been lost in his thoughts and staring at the water longer than he realized, for the next thing he knew, Phoebe was at his side and clearing her throat to gain his attention.
He turned to her.
She smiled up at him. “I never tire of watching the play of sunlight upon the water or the waves breaking upon the rocks. Every once in a while, dolphins enter our cove. The sunsets are so beautiful, no matter the season of the year. Your nieces are tucked in bed and awaiting a goodnight kiss from you.”
He slipped his arm around her waist as they stood beside each other. “I promised you a kiss as well.”
“I do not recall asking you for such a promise.” She arched an eyebrow. “I think you have taken too many kisses from me. How about you try something different?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why don’t you try asking if you may kiss me? Instead oftakingfrom me, why don’t yougiveme the chance to consent?”
He laughed lightly. “That would require me to be patient and considerate.”
The comment put a sparkle of amusement in her eyes.
He loved that exquisite sparkle.
“Oh dear. What a chore that must be for you.”
“Quite onerous.” He grinned. “Very well, I’ll give your suggestion a try. For you, Phoebe. Only for you. I’ll do it because you ask it of me. Is that not a gallant gesture?”
“Yes, actually, it is. Try not to look so pained. One would think the effort was worse than having a tooth extracted.” Her eyes were still twinkling, so he knew she was enjoying their exchange. “Also, do not make too much of your grand gesture. After all, it is only common courtesy, something quite foreign to you, I expect. I would hardly call it a noble feat. However, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.”
Patience and consideration were traits quite new to him.
However, Phoebe made his sacrifice more palatable.
Of course, it was not really a sacrifice. As she said, she was only asking for good manners from him.
He truly wanted to be a better man for her. The feeling was odd, but did not feel like a burden at all.
“Phoebe, I need to talk to you after I kiss the girls and bid them goodnight.”
“Something serious? Is this why you are suddenly frowning?”
He nodded. “Something has come up, and my guests will not be leaving immediately.”
