Page 29 of The Moonstone Marquess
“I am off to see my nieces. I won’t be gone long. Send word at once if things get out of hand.”
“They won’t, my lord. Do you not hear the snores? Your friends are sleeping off the vats of wine they’ve steeped themselves in.”
“They are not my friends.”
Melrose ignored him. “All save Lord Crawford. He is no longer in the parlor.”
“Where is he?”
“In your library reading a book.”
“Really? He’s actually reading?” He shook his head, knowing he ought not appear so incredulous. After all, this was exactly what he and Richard had been discussing.
This was a good sign, was it not?
“Look in on him from time to time, Melrose. He is still grieving, and I want to be sure he is all right.”
“Of course, my lord.” The butler nodded solemnly. “I will keep vigilant watch.”
“Good man. I won’t be gone long.” Cormac did not know why he felt so on edge about leaving his guests tonight, especially Richard.
He ordered his horse saddled, and then poked his head in the library to bid Richard farewell. He was seated in one of the comfortable, overstuffed chairs positioned by the window, book in one hand and glass of wine in the other. “Burness,” he said with a smile. “I’ve found this fascinating tome on the Phoenicians on your shelves. I had no idea you were such a discerning collector. This is quite a scholarly work. Have you read it?”
Cormac nodded. “I’ve read every book in this library.”
“I’m impressed.”
“Don’t be. I am still an arse.”
Richard chuckled. “We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Things we love to do and those we do merely out of duty.”
“Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you, Burness. Enjoy your nieces. I really appreciate all you are doing for me. It is very kind of your neighbor as well. It is not my place to ride over with you now, but I would like to extend my appreciation to them. Would it be forward of me to ride over with you tomorrow?”
“We’ll see. She may have other plans.”
“She? I did not realize there was one in particular.”
“There isn’t.”
Outright lie.
He did not like the idea of Richard meeting Phoebe.
It was ridiculous to be jealous of a pup like him, but what if Phoebe liked him? Was she not just the sort of woman a man like Richard ought to marry?
No.Phoebe was his. Richard would have to look elsewhere for his angel.
He rode to Moonstone Landing, his big Friesian eating up the ground beneath his hooves as Cormac gave him his lead. He was angry, and the horse sensed it.
But why should he be angry?
Just because Richard wanted to meet Phoebe?
He was being an arse again.
Indeed, he had to start courting Phoebe seriously.
