Page 50 of The Moonstone Governess
Daire knew he would never treat Brenna so uncivilly, for she was neither a toady nor a leech. Nor would she ever be the wanton sort to hop from bed to bed, or go out of her way to demean him as Gemma and Sarah had attempted to do at yesterday’s tea party.
He would have to sink to the lowest depths to treat Brenna that way.
But he was not going to engage the innkeeper in that conversation now.
As it turned out, Hollingsworth happened to walk by on his way to the dining room. “Ah, Claymore, have you had a change of heart and decided to join us in Bath?”
Daire walked over to the lord. “No, I meant it when I said my family must come first.”
“Well, we shall all be pleased if you change your mind. I’m going to have a cup of coffee, and then I’ll go rouse that lazy bunch. Do not judge my sisters too harshly.”
Daire arched an eyebrow. “It isn’t my place. My conduct has been no better.”
“We’ve all been rather dissolute, haven’t we? I suppose their behavior is more shocking because they are women, and we have been taught those of the fairer sex are delicate creatures. Ha! That is quite a jest. I stopped lecturing my sisters years ago. They were never going to be sweet young things. But they have grown into beautiful women who know exactly what they want and how to use their wiles to get their way. In truth, it relieves my burden. They are a pair of nimble cats who will always land on their feet. If all goes according to their plans, they will be two of the richest widows in England within the next five years.”
Daire cast him a wry smile. “Send word when they are packed and you are all ready to be on your way. I wish you a good journey, Hollingsworth. While you are in Bath, may you find yourself a beautiful,youngheiress who dotes on you, provides a pot of gold for you once you marry, and will not mind if you continue your wastrel ways.”
To his surprise, Hollingsworth turned wistful. “These wastrel ways grow tiresome, do they not? Did it not surprise you that Malvern, Burness, and Brennan have yet to stray? Nor does it appear they ever will.”
“I noticed, but those Killigrew sisters are something quite special.”
Hollingsworth nodded. “You liked the youngest one… What was her name again?”
“Chloe.”
“Yes, that’s her. But you did not appear put out at all when she chose Brennan over you.”
“Because I did not love her.”
His expression turned surprisingly sober. “I wonder what it feels like to be in love? Were you ever curious about it, Claymore?”
Daire nodded. “Sure.”
“But I cannot see you ever falling in love.”
They stepped out of the entryway to allow other guests to walk into the dining room and find their tables. “Why do you think I am not capable of it?” Daire asked.
“Claymore, I admire you. In fact, I wish I were you. But I haven’t your intelligence or steely resolve, so I will never be you. Let’s face it, you are competitive, cunning, and ruthless in getting what you want. A look springs in your eyes that chills me to the bone sometimes.”
Daire frowned. “What sort of look?”
“I don’t know…predatory? You train your gaze on your prey and then move in with the stealth of a jungle cat. Of course, the ladies seem to adore this masculine power and are happy to become your willing conquests.”
“My prowess is much exaggerated.”
“I think you are actually quite modest about your abilities. But my point is, you win over these ladies and they will do anything for you.”
“And?”
“You always win. You alwaysneedto win,” Hollingsworth replied.
“You exaggerate.”
“Do I? When have you not gotten your way? When have you ever lost control of a situation and not come out on top? You give in to no one. Seems to me, the important question to ask is…will you ever find the woman whose desires are more important to you than your own?”
Daire gritted his teeth, for hadn’t Hollingsworth just put his finger on exactly the problem?
Hollingsworth cast him a wry smile. “They call it sacrifice, Claymore.”
