Page 8 of Marigold and the Marquess
He arched an eyebrow. “How so?”
“You are constantly mentioned in the gossip rags, but I have not read of any specific wrongdoing on your part. Does it not bother you that you are innocent and yet so often accused?”
That dangerous glint sprang into his eyes again. “Miss Farthingale, I am not innocent. Do not be so foolish as to put it to the test.”
Heat rose in her cheeks, for she had been too forward and inadvertently prodded this gorgeous, dark-maned lion of a man. She took his words, although spoken gently and rather protectively, as an admonishment. “I do apologize again. I thought we might be kindred spirits, considering our mutual love of ancient artifacts. Well, you have been most helpful and seemed genuinely interested. I thought you were an explorer too, or had an interest in becoming one.”
His gaze fixed on her, a rather hot gaze as he cast her an enigmatic smile. “I do not think we are of the same mind in the things we wish to explore.”
She was not certain what he meant, so she moved on…well, she tried. But it hurt not to be considered his friend, and hurt that he would not allow her to consider him as one of hers. “Am I to understand you are not interested in ancient bones?”
“That’s right. My preference is for living bodies. I like to know the person I am with is actually breathing.”
“Oh, you are mocking me.”
“No, Miss Farthingale. Forgive me if I gave that impression. I am sincerely enjoying my time with you.”
“As I am with you. Are you quite certain I am not permitted to call you by your given name? Leonides…Leo. You resemble a lion, for there is something quite magnificently predatory in your aspect. Perhaps in the darkness of your eyes and the powerful build of your body. Forgive me, is that also too forward of me? I mean nothing by it. I am fascinated by your bone structure. It is quite exceptional.”
He arched his eyebrow again. “Is that so?”
“Yes, quite. Should I be afraid of you?”
“Because I remind you of a lion and you are now worried I might eat you?” His regard softened, which was a relief because he had been looking at her quite dangerously a moment ago. “I hope not, Miss Farthingale.”
She pursed her lips as she studied him. “Good, because I feel we have taken two steps backward after we started our acquaintance with such promise. Despite your warnings, I find it very hard to be wary of you. In fact, I like you and do not even mind that you have no fascination for my skulls and bones.”
He leaned forward. “Miss Farthingale, I hope you will never fear me or have cause to be wary of me. I would never hurt you. More than that, do not ever hesitate to come to me if any of your suitors make you feel at all uncomfortable. I will always protect you.”
He may as well have lit a match to her, for her insides turned fiery. This big, glorious man watching over her? She cast him her brightest smile. “I was sure you would never hurt me. But I do appreciate your confirming it. This proves you are truly your namesake, does it not? If a lion takes you into his pride, then he will protect you to the death. This is the other side of being a predator, you protect what you deem yours.”
He groaned, obviously exasperated with her.
Still, he laughed softly and shook his head. “Miss Farthingale, being my neighbor hardly makes you mine. But as I said, come to me if ever you feel the need for protection. It is an offer that is always open to you.”
“I will, my lord.” She regarded him warmly. “Lions are territorial animals and it could be said that you have marked Chipping Way as your territory. My cousin, Lily, is an authority on the topic of dominant behavior in the male animal. Her research was primarily on baboons. Did you know men and male baboons are remarkably similar? Both are aggressively territorial. Of course, the Royal Society was in an uproar when she presented her findings.”
“Good gracious, I can understand why.” But he chuckled heartily. “I wish I had been at that lecture.”
“Me, too. A riot almost broke out. What fun that must have been. Lord Muir, I am glad we met today, even if you won’t permit me to acknowledge it. Do you mind if I ask you questions about yourself?”
He glanced out the carriage window, saw they were still some distance away from the Huntsford Academy, and shrugged. “It depends on the questions.”
“Well, you can refuse to answer any you deem too personal. I will not take offense. I know I have an inquisitive nature.” She laughed lightly. “That is a polite way of saying I am an incorrigible snoop.”
“Miss Farthingale,” he said, his manner suddenly serious, “I cannot impress on you enough to be careful where you choose to nose about. Many people have secrets they will kill to keep quiet.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” His eyes grew dark for a moment, then he sighed and eased back against the squabs. “I did not mean to frighten you, but you must be careful what you say and to whom you say it, especially while in London.”
She nodded. “My family advised the same.”
“Well, you must take their advice to heart.” He regarded her sternly a while longer before letting go of his admonition. “I know you enjoy digging up fossils. What else do you like to dig up?”
“As in dirt…gossip…secrets? Oh, nothing wicked or sordid. I do not skulk behind draperies to spy on others. I would never wish to hurt anyone, despite what you obviously think. I keep my snooping mostly to harmless matters, to new fossil finds or advances in medical science. I would never repeat something I was not meant to overhear, unless it involved harm to someone else and they needed to be warned. Then I would report it straight to one of my uncles.”
She emitted a sight and continued. “Mostly, I enjoy gossip of a romantic nature. As I said, nothing sordid or humiliating. You know, figuring out who might hold atendrefor a certain gentleman? Or which young lady would be a good match for one of the eligible lords? It is a harmless occupation, merely a game of romantic attachments.”
