Page 52 of The Moonstone Marquess
Her smile in response was shy, but genuine. “I was relieved to find you both dressed.”
“And Lord Crawford’s eyes bulged when you came darting around the rocks with your gown hiked to your thighs. Do you have any idea how tempting you looked?”
“Oh, I did not realize. But I suppose it was rather brazen of me. I did not wish to get my gown wet. Besides, my legs were covered by the water.”
He laughed. “Oh, Phoebe. The water is clear as a bell and your beautiful legs were on full display.”
She looked genuinely distressed. “Then you and your friend saw too much.”
“We are men, so to our way of thinking, we did not see nearly enough. Men need shockingly little encouragement. One glimpse of you and our bodies burst into flames.”
She blushed. “I’m truly sorry. I was not thinking. Shall I apologize to your friend?”
“For being the one bright spot in his day? I don’t think it is necessary. And Lord Crawford is not actually a friend. I’ve told you, none of them are.”
“Fine, I shall refer to them merely as your guests. I don’t know why you are so adamant about the distinction when you are housing them under your roof and not kicking them out. Were the others on the beach, too? In truth, I was so busy keeping my head down that I did not look beyond you.”
“No. You needn’t worry about encountering them down there. They seem incapable of moving from my parlor. All they do is drink and indulge in aimless pastimes. By evening, they are too drunk to stand on their own or hold their glasses steady. So they sit like lumps in their chairs, too deep in their cups to play so much as a round of cards. Life to them has become a numbing blur.”
“Oh, you sound so angry,” she said. “But it is a very sad thing for them, don’t you think?”
“Forgive me if I show them little compassion. I’ve had my fill of their company. They think they are so high in the instep, but they are purposely letting their lives go to waste. The countess and viscountess have rich husbands and will never lack for anything. They have the ability to do so much that is worthwhile. Yet this is how they choose to spend their days.”
“The gentleman with you, Lord Crawford, did not look so bad.”
Cormac’s heartbeat quickened, and he suppressed the well of anger that rose at the mention of the name. He wasn’t angry with Phoebe, of course. Just at himself for allowing this simple remark to rouse his jealousy. Gad, he was hopeless. He wanted to keep this beautiful girl all to himself.
But he could not go through life behaving like a possessive oaf. “Lord Crawford is the one I brought here on the deathbed promise to his brother. He is coming around, but not quite there yet. I think in the end he will do something useful with his life.”
Phoebe looked up at him with her sparkling eyes.
She really was exquisite.
“He’s a scholar and enjoys studying ancient civilizations. He plans to return to London and organize an expedition to one of those biblical lands.”
“That sounds fascinating. I would love to hear more. Why don’t you invite him to come along with you tomorrow evening? Chloe and I would enjoy hearing him speak on the topic. Is he very learned?”
“No more than I am.” Which was probably true, for he did know his history and had gained much of his military prowess on the battlefield by studying ancient battle tactics. “But I will decline the invitation on his behalf. I am adamant about this, Phoebe. He does not come over to see you while his friends remain here.”
“Are you afraid they will come along, too? I thought you said they will not budge from your parlor.”
“They won’t. But I do not like that he still wants them around. It makes me wary, that’s all.”
“I see your point. The simple act of separating himself from his unsavory friends will count far more than a thousand promises he might make to you.” She looked back at her house. “Shall we go up to see the girls?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“Be prepared, for they have drawings to show you. We spent the afternoon in the garden making sketches of whatever interested us.”
“Did you draw as well?”
She laughed. “Yes, I am fairly decent at it, along with a host of other useless talents. Art lessons are a must if one wishes to become an accomplished young lady. I can sing, play the pianoforte, and embroider, too. Are you not impressed?”
He arched an eyebrow and cast her a warm smile. “Very.”
“I wish I could do something truly important. You went off to save England. My talents are nothing outside of our privileged world.”
“That isn’t so, Phoebe. You have the ability to heal damaged souls. You’ve certainly done wonders for mine. Will you sing for me?”
