Page 27 of The Moonstone Marquess
Cormac nodded. “I know he would be. Extremely proud.”
Richard sighed. “I will think about it.”
They had walked up and down Cormac’s short strip of beach and were now back at the steps. “I have some books in my library that might interest you. It is far from complete, since I’ve only owned this house about a month. But I’m sure you will find one or two of interest. I will entirely stock the bookshelves eventually. There is much yet to do to fix up this house.”
“I’ll browse the bookshelves later…maybe.” Richard laughed. “I don’t have much of a head for reading at the moment. I’m in a sorry state and just want mindless sex with insincere lady friends who will flatter me shamelessly and tell me any lie I wish to hear. For this same reason, I keep Lord Harding on as a companion. I need someone to tell me I am droll and witty, and pretend to be my friend.”
“You don’t need any of them, Richard. I have already suggested they leave. I can toss them out at any time.”
“No, I still want them about. Do you mind? These women are like sex-starved ferrets, and I am not all that adept yet. As for Harding…he is a witty enough companion. I worry about him. He would be homeless and starving on the streets if not for me. I know he is using me, but how else is he to survive? I know the difference between friends like him and worthy friends such as you.”
“I am hardly worthy, but I hope to be someday,” Cormac replied. “It took me years to work through my own despair, although I think I was more angry than ever despairing. But anguish is anguish, no matter what form it takes. Move at your own pace. Just keep moving forward, for this is what matters most. Forgive yourself for what you see as failings in yourself. None of us is perfect. Do not judge yourself too harshly.”
Richard stared at him. “What happened to you? In truth, you do not appear to be the same man you were even a few days ago.”
“You noticed? Well, my nieces are here and serve as a reminder that there are people I treasure who rely on me. Perhaps this is what helps us heal. Knowing we are needed and important to some people in the world. Your sisters are in need of you. Do you not care for them? How can you let them down?”
“I’ll take it under consideration,” Richard said as they climbed the steps to return to Westgate Hall. “I do love my sisters, and they love me.”
“Then you are a fortunate man, for few people will love you as dearly as your own family. And the eldest is now ready to enter the Marriage Mart. She needs you to protect her from all the scoundrels out there.”
“Yes, I’ll have to find all of them suitable husbands. Well, I suppose I could do with the distraction of marrying them off. You wouldn’t be interested in one of my sisters, would you?”
“No.” Cormac was about to add that his heart was already taken.
Blessed saints.
Richard noticed his expression and laughed. It was the first hearty laugh Cormac had heard out of the man.
“Perhaps I ought to find someone reliable for myself, too. Don’t you think so, Burness? Surely there is a young lady out there who is similarly inclined and would enjoy traveling with me.” He glanced up at Westgate Hall, the elegant manor that stood atop the red stone cliff. “Not like those lady friends. They serve quite a different purpose.”
Cormac nodded. “You will find yourself bored with them soon.”
“Perhaps. But I like having sex with them. They are quite…liberated in the bedchamber. However, I think they have had their fill of me. They found me amusing, at first. A young man, painfully innocent and naïve. I must have been quite a curiosity to them. Now, the curiosity has faded and they find me rather tepid. They much prefer you.”
Cormac winced. “I am not interested. They’ll return to London and soon find others to amuse them. This is what happens after these meaningless encounters. All is quickly forgotten by those involved.”
“I expect so, although I don’t think women forgetyouall that soon. They’ll forget me for certain. I am not memorable.”
“It doesn’t matter. They were never meant to be permanent relations for you.”
They slowed their pace toward the manor house. Richard was still eager to talk now that Cormac had finally gotten through to him. Cormac suggested taking a turn in the garden.
“Yes, that is a good idea.” They ambled toward the flowerbeds. Richard was now pensive. “Do you think I will ever find a young lady who will love me?”
“Yes, but not among this fasttonset. You are more likely to find her in the museum halls or at a lecture. This is where you’ll find the one who shares your love of history and travel. I’m sure there are several lovely ladies who will catch your eye.”
“I only need one,” he muttered. “It would be nice to travel together and perhaps keep a journal of the places we visit. I don’t imagine we would ever grow bored with each other if we started out with so much in common. I wonder if there are any societies or lectures here in Moonstone Landing?”
“I don’t know. It is a lovely village but still quite provincial. You will not find the intellectual stimulation you would find in London.”
“Even so, I might remain here a little while longer.” Richard clasped his hands behind his back as they continued to walk along the rows of flowerbeds. “I’d like to explore the area. Another week should not make much of a difference to my sisters or estate managers.”
“Richard, my nieces are here and I must bring them to Westgate Hall soon. They cannot remain with my neighbors, lovely as those ladies are. I cannot have you or your friends—”
“Oh, our week here is almost at an end. Harding and the ladies will be gone within a few days, I assure you. I will tell them in no uncertain terms they must leave, if they think to linger.”
“And you?”
