Page 49 of The Moonstone Marquess
“It is the charm of this barren outpost, is it not? Ladies, I agree with Burness. What do you say? A little fresh air and sunshine will do us all much good.”
Lord Harding laughed. “My dears, do bring your parasols. The sun will be strong and burn your delicate skin.”
“I shall pass.” The countess turned to Lord Harding and motioned for him to pour her a drink.
“I do not enjoy the sun,” the viscountess intoned, and gestured for Lord Harding to pour her one as well.
Lord Crawford shrugged. “Looks like it is just you and me, Burness. I’m game to venture down to your beach. But I do not know how to swim.”
“You needn’t go in the water. It is still a pleasant jaunt.”
“Will you be swimming?” the countess asked, her ears suddenly perking.
“No.” Much as Cormac would like to cool down in the pleasant waters, he would need assistance to remove his boots. He could manage the shirt himself, but then it would leave the stump of his arm exposed to their view in bright daylight. As for his breeches, he would have to leave them on, for it was too embarrassing to be seen struggling to put himself back in them after his swim.
He would not feel any such hesitation were he on the beach with Phoebe. She would never make him feel degraded.
Perhaps this was why he felt so strongly about her.
Not only did she make him feel good, but he trusted her never to hurt him. In truth, he did not think Phoebe had it in her to utter a vicious word.
Oh, she’d railed at him when they first met, but that was to protect his nieces. She railed at his bad behavior. Never even mentioned his arm.
She refused to see him as damaged because of it.
Come to think of it, she had never once looked upon it with revulsion.
This was what she was—fiercely protective and just as fiercely kind.
“Perhaps I will try learning how to swim,” Lord Crawford said. “Not now, of course. A walk along the sand is enough for today.”
Cormac was pleased to be making progress. Lord Crawford was not a stupid man. They would enjoy another conversation about ancient civilizations.
The two of them headed down to the beach soon after their meal, leaving the others to drink in the parlor. He and Lord Crawford had removed their jackets, waistcoats, and cravats, both of them of a mind to enjoy the walk in comfort, since there was no need for formality.
There was a softness to the afternoon, the wind warm and gentle, and the waves quietly lapping the shore.
The sun was strong, but Cormac enjoyed the heat seeping into his bones.
They helped each other tug off their boots, and then Cormac went to the water’s edge and poured water on his hair. “Do the same, Richard. It will cool you down.”
“All right.” Richard imitated Cormac and soaked his head and neck. “Ah, that does feel good. Too bad the others don’t appreciate this.”
“Some people will never appreciate what they have.”
“Yes, they seem to be locked in their own misery. I noticed how you were questioning them, trying to understand why they do what they do. Their answers surprised me. If one is miserable with one’s lot, why knowingly take the same road if they are given the chance to correct their mistake?”
“The lure of wealth and title is too strong, I suppose. Their husbands are not bad men, you know.”
Richard shook his head. “I am not acquainted with them. I suppose I will encounter them eventually, now that I am to be installed in the House of Lords. Perhaps I will be in London long enough to see one of my sisters launched into Society. The eldest, Arabella, is a pretty thing and ought to do well for herself. Are you certain you are not interested?”
Cormac laughed. “Quite certain.”
They were now walking along the water’s edge, allowing the waves to swarm about their bare ankles. They continued to walk and talk, going as far as the edge of his beach and then turning back to walk toward the outcropping that separated his property from Phoebe’s.
Cormac wondered whether Phoebe had taken his nieces down to the beach. No, she wouldn’t have them there now—it was after three o’clock. and she’d made quite a fuss about scheduling their beach hours so as not to interfere with his.
He would tell her tonight that the schedule wasn’t necessary. His guests were not going to set foot outside of his house, except for Lord Crawford, who could be trusted not to cavort naked in the water, since the man did not know how to swim.
