Page 37 of The Moonstone Major
Fionn shrugged. “I don’t really know him beyond a few conversations. Surely you and the Duke of Malvern have a better sense of him than I do.”
“Not really. Neither Cain nor I did much to recommend ourselves to Polite Society. We were hellraisers and traveled with a fast set. Mostly vain idiots such as his friends seem to be.”
“You cannot fault him for the friends he keeps,” Fionn said with a grin. “You’ve told me yourself that your taste in friends was just as bad.”
“Oh, much worse.” The marquess chuckled. “Phoebe had a word for me and my unsavory friends. She called us vile and accused me of being a bigger idiot than Claymore. She’s right, of course. Took me a long while to come around and straighten up. Phoebe did that for me. I took one look at her and fell madly in love. I knew the moment I set eyes on her that I had to be a better man, or she would never have me.”
“Then Claymore is ahead of the game, isn’t he?”
“Yes, I suppose. But he should be doing better with Chloe. She isn’t giving him a chance.”
“Not giving him a chance? Or does she know in her heart he isn’t right for her? If she doesn’t want him, then do her sisters really want to push her at him?”
“No, they never would. But neither do they want Chloe wasting her life pining for someone she can never have.”
So this was what their cozy little chat was really about—Fionn’s unsuitability for Chloe. “Are you warning me to back off?”
This was what Fionnhadbeen doing, but he did not care to be told he had to do it.
“No, you mistake my meaning. I suppose I am rather inelegantly asking what your intentions are toward Chloe.”
“I have none, if that is what you are worried about.”
“I am only worried about Chloe’s happiness. Your plans are set for tomorrow, and I will not interfere with them. In truth, you are doing my brother a great favor by joining Chloe and the girls. I know they will be safe in your company.”
He nodded. “Upon my oath, I will guard them with my life.”
“But after this, I think you must keep away from Chloe.”
“Is this what Chloe wants?”
The marquess had been grinning, but his expression now turned grim. “It is what Chloe needs. She will never look at another man while her dreams are filled with you. I—”
“There you two are,” Phoebe said, bustling to her husband’s side and taking his arm. “You’re supposed to be acting as host. And you, Fionn…please, you must tell us all about this hospital you are building. If I have to listen to Lord Claymore’s friends prattle a moment longer about their idle, useless, mindless London lives, I shall scream.”
“I shall do my best, but the topic is more likely to put you all to sleep rather than fascinate anyone’s imagination.”
“You are far too modest. By the way, did my husband pump you for information about Lord Claymore? He is a bit of a puzzle, I think. An intelligent man who surrounds himself with these idiots. What do you make of him?”
“I cannot say.”
“Well, do let us know if you have any insights. Cain has written to his Bow Street Runner asking for information on him, but that report should take a few weeks to prepare. In the meanwhile, I hope you stay close to Chloe. I know you are busy and this may be an imposition, but she likes you and trusts you…as do we all. Hen and I are worried about her being out alone with him and his circle of friends.”
The marquess groaned. “Phoebe, he cannot.”
“Why ever not?” She stared at her husband. “Oh no…you didn’t. What stupid thing did you just tell Fionn?”
Fionn thought it was his duty to intercede. “Your husband’s concern is for Chloe, and he is right. I know she likes me perhaps more than is wise, and this is blinding her to more suitable men. I’ve just assured your husband that I will not court her, so you needn’t concern yourself—”
Phoebe’s gaze turned fiery—it was the only way to describe the fierceness suddenly in her eyes. “You have no intention of courting Chloe?”
“How can I? She is an earl’s daughter, and who am I?”
“But you like her?”
He hated others knowing his feelings, but what was the point of hiding it from Chloe’s sisters when he would likely need to enlist their aid in helping Chloe move on and find a proper suitor?
“Fionn, do you like her?” Phoebe asked again, pressing him for an answer he was reluctant to reveal.
