Page 29 of Passions of a Wicked Earl
So damned formal. Because they were not family. They were not intimate. They were not even friends.
“Naturally. Lady Beth, welcome.” He bowed slightly, took the young lady’s hand, and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, which caused her to roll her shoulders almost to her chin and giggle.
“My lord, thank you so much for allowing me to stay in your residence. Claire informs me that I’m not to disturb you at all, and I swear to you that I shan’t. I shall be as quiet as a mouse.”
“I’ve never known a mouse to be quiet.”
Her eyes widened, and she giggled again. “I suppose they aren’t, are they?”
“As quiet as a pillow perhaps,” Claire said, coming to her sister’s rescue, and he realized there was a protectiveness about her. He didn’t know why he didn’t comprehend the extent of it sooner. It was the reason she was here—to save her sister from Hester.
“Oh, yes, a pillow,” Beth repeated with more exuberance than he thought the comment deserved. “A much nicer image, really, as opposed to a mouse.”
“Or a grave,” he said solemnly, and she blinked with incomprehension. “I’ve heard ‘quiet as a grave,’ ” he explained.
“That’s rather macabre.”
“Then quiet as a pillow shall suffice.”
She smiled, an innocent smile, the smile of a child. How old was she? Older than Claire on the day they married? Had she been that young? “Then quiet as a pillow I shall be. But you must alert me if I disturb you in the least. I am simply so excited to be here that I can barely contain my joy.”
He was on the verge of telling her to try when Claire said, “Come, dear, let’s see to getting your trunks inside.”
“Are all of these hers?” he asked.
“There are only three,” Beth said. “And a few smaller bags. I need a proper wardrobe for the Season.”
“Obviously, I know nothing at all regarding what a lady needs for the Season.”
“Not to worry. I have it all well in hand.”
“Come along, Beth.” Claire took her sister’s arm as though words were not sufficient.
Beth had taken two steps before spinning around so quickly he was surprised she didn’t get dizzy and swoon. “We will see you at dinner, won’t we?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Splendid.”
He had no reason not to follow, but he waited until both ladies had disappeared inside. God help him, he thought it would be an improvement if she were only as quiet as a mouse.
“I can’t believe I’m here! You should have seen my eyes on the journey. I’m certain they were as round as saucers. I was so young when I visited London with Father that I barely remember it. I want to see everything while I’m here.”
They were sitting at the dining table with Westcliffe at one end, Claire at the other, and her sister between them. He was astounded that she managed to eat with her incessant prattling. He wasn’t particularly irritated; simply amazed that she could speak for so long about absolutely nothing of any consequence. He was growing weary simply from listening. He couldn’t imagine trying to carry on a conversation with her.
“Oh, I do hope that I have good fortune in finding a suitor. I don’t suppose you know which of the lords are available.”
He was taking a healthy swallow of wine when her attention came to bear on him. Setting his glass aside, he reached into his jacket pocket. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I’ve compiled a list.”
His gaze darted to Claire, and he saw a flash of gratitude in her eyes. He wondered, if like him, she was already longing for a quieter dinner.
“Oh, this is absolutely marvelous. Claire, look.” Beth set the paper on the table between her and her sister. “There are so many. Surely, surely I shall find one who suits.” Tears glistened in her eyes when she glanced back at him. “I cannot thank you enough.”
He wasn’t quite comfortable with her appreciation. “I cannot vouch for their willingness to marry.”
“I want someone who is pleasing to the eye,” Beth said. “Do you consider all of these men handsome?”
He fought not to scowl. “I take little notice of their appearance.”
