Page 40 of The Moonstone Governess
He nodded. “I would not have asked otherwise.”
I want to know everything about you.
He waited patiently, hoping she would begin to open herself up.
“Have you heard of our local moonstone lore,Daire?”
He smiled, liking the sound of his name on her lips and the impertinent stress she put on it because she did not feel comfortable yet with the familiarity. “No, little dove. Tell me.”
“The moonstones glow for those who find true love. They did not glow for me when I held up Albert’s letter, the one where he demanded an answer to his proposal. I read it aloud as I looked out over the water.”
“And received not a single glimmer in response?”
“You are mocking me.”
“No, not at all. The entire village believes in this lore, so I expect there is some truth to it. Perhaps the lore is enhanced because the sight of those moonstones shimmering across the water puts one in an amorous mood and makes a man propose to the lady he is with. Or perhaps being caught alone with an unmarried young lady late at night puts said young lady in a compromising position, and a hasty marriage is the result whether or not those moonstones shine.”
“Must you be so cynical? The moonstones only shine when there is true love. This is why they are magical.”
“But they did not shine for you and Albert. I would have been shocked if they had. Have I not told you he is not the man for you?”
“Yes, but the moonstones don’t care about your opinion.”
He chuckled. “Unless I am the one you love.”
She cast him a pained look. “Don’t ever say that. You know we are not suited. And do you think I would ever consider you while you travel around with your harem?”
“Brenna, I’ve sent them away.”
“What?” She eyed him warily.
“They’re leaving for Bath tomorrow.”
“Because you are sending them off? Or did they decide to leave of their own accord?”
“It was all my doing, but they are eager to go. Moonstone Landing’s society leaves much to be desired for them. They will be much happier in Bath…and I will be much happier with them gone.”
He noted the turmoil in her eyes as she stared at him. “Why did you send them away?”
“It was time,” he said quietly.
“What made you decide it was time?”
“Oh, several reasons, the most important being that my nephew needs me to be a presence in his life. If I wish to shape him into a man of good character, then I ought to set the example. Should I not?”
She nodded, and her expression softened. “I’m glad you realize it. You carry more influence than anyone else, and he will notice your deeds more than your words. What were your other reasons?”
“For a while now, this casual life has not satisfied me. I am ready for more serious attachments. Did you know I had started to court Lady Chloe before she married Viscount Brennan? It was a halfhearted attempt, I will be the first to admit. I knew she would never take me seriously while my lady friends remained with me, yet I made no effort to shed myself of those ladies. They stayed, and Chloe dismissed me, as I fully expected she would.”
“So why send them away now? She is married and will never leave the husband she loves for you.”
“This has nothing to do with Chloe. I never loved her and she never loved me, but she was not married at the time and had many qualities I did like. However, the most important quality was always missing. There was no spark between us. Those moonstones would not have shimmered for us. But I think…” He tucked a finger under Brenna’s chin and tipped her face upward so that her gaze met his. “Must I spell it out for you, little dove?”
“Yes, because I am dense and will probably come to the wrong conclusion. Or be angry with you because you are taking advantage of the moonstone lore to make a jest of it and me.”
“Brenna, I would never do anything so cruel. Especially to you. I have enjoyed our time together immensely. Yes, we only met recently. But we’ve been in each other’s constant company, and I haven’t stopped thinking about you ever since.”
He saw at once this admission scared her, for she pursed her lips in that fretting way of hers. “Are you suggesting I am one of your reasons?”
