Page 45 of The Moonstone Marquess
He was right about that.
“I never thought of it that way.”
“I know. You are kind and compassionate. You stand up for what is good and right. This is how I can tell a person’s character. We can talk more about this later. Oh, blast. Look at how many tarts Imogen has piled onto her plate. I know you had planned to include a stop at Mrs. Halsey’s shop, but I think the girls are going to explode if they take in so much as another crumb.”
She laughed. “I think you are right. Well, we’ll eat a light supper if their stomachs are upset. Besides, as you have just pointed out, I cannot deny a child.”
“A little discipline wouldn’t hurt. But I am one to talk. Those little girls run roughshod over my heart.”
“I’ve noticed, and I think it is wonderful.” She glanced down at herself. “Oh, I’ve dribbled lemonade on myself and stained my gown. One last strawberry tart for the girls and then I’ll take them home. We’ve had enough adventures for today, I think. A puppet show, a mountain of treats, and making a new friend. I’m sure Imogen and Ella will be exhausted by the time we get back. By the way, I ordered some sketchbooks and drawing pencils for them. Mr. Hawke went to pick them up for me after dropping us off at the church. I think Ella and Imogen will enjoy a quiet afternoon of drawing.”
He nodded. “I’m sure they will. Thank you for thinking of them.”
“They are a joy. Chloe and I like being with them. We’ll take them for a walk on the beach to round out their day if they still need a little running around. I suppose you are eager to return to your home and see what is going on there.”
“Westgate Hall?” He gave a mock shudder. “I dread it. The place has been overrun by gremlins, some of them naked,” he said, tossing her a wink. “Seriously, I had hoped to be rid of them. But leeches cling tight, and Lord Crawford still wants them around.”
“So you will give in to his wishes?”
“I don’t know. I want to do the right thing, but I am out of my depth when it comes to him. I should be more compassionate and understanding for his loss, but I just want to wring his neck most of the time and tell him to get on with his duty. And yetIwas such an arse when facing a similar situation. In truth, his loss is far worse. I lost an arm. He lost a beloved brother. I am not good with feelings, Phoebe. I usually suppress them.”
“You only suppress the good ones. I’ve noticed that too often you let the bad ones overcome you. The loss of your arm is a constant source of frustration and enrages you.”
He frowned. “It always will. You have no idea how it humiliates me. Not the wound itself, but all it denies me from accomplishing.”
She reached over and placed her hand over his. “I know it is no small thing. I’m sorry if I made it sound as though it was. How thoughtless of me.”
He laughed. “Don’t apologize to me, Phoebe. I feel good whenever I am around you. I cannot explain why, for I never forget all the things I can no longer do, and that still infuriates me. As I said, it always will. But being around you…I just don’t hurt as much.”
He took her hand and put it to his lips, immediately drawing everyone’s notice.
Phoebe blushed and hastily eased out of his grasp. “You shouldn’t kiss my hand.”
“Shall I kiss you on the lips, then?”
She sighed. “No. Now people will talk.”
“I’ve come to the church with you and remained for the puppet show and treats. Speculation must be rampant among the villagers already. It has not escaped anyone’s notice that we seem to be a very cozy family.”
“You and your nieces.”
“Everyone notices the way I look at you. More important, they also see the way you look at me.”
She groaned. “Will you come around to Moonstone Cottage later today?”
He nodded. “Yes, I hope to. Assuming some calamity has not occurred with Lord Crawford.”
The girls, Chloe, and the lieutenant came back with full plates, putting an end to their conversation. But the chatter around the table continued because they were all eager to learn more about the lieutenant’s assignment and his early days as a child left to fend for himself on the London streets.
He did not reveal much that was truly personal. But he was engaging and patient with the girls, and appeared to enjoy his time with them. “My lord, I had better be on my way,” he eventually said. “It was a pleasure to meet you all. Perhaps I will be fortunate enough to see you again before I leave Moonstone Landing.”
“So you will be here a few more days?” Chloe asked.
He nodded. “I have several places to visit nearby, and I intend to use Moonstone Landing as my base while I scout the area. I’d also like to complete my report on the village before I head off to Devonshire next.”
Chloe offered her hand. “Then I am certain we shall run into you again, Lieutenant Brennan. We are often in the market square.”
He bowed over it and did the same to Phoebe.
