disapproval.
“Mother’s eyesight is failing,” Hallam growled. “What would be your excuse for confusing Orkney for a gentleman?”
Jack winced. When would Hallam learn that these tactics would not gain her trust? Virginia had a stubborn streak a mile wide and particularly disliked any reference to past mistakes. It didn’t help that she and Hallam were very similar creatures.
“At least he knew how to present a respectable image in public.”
“Oh, I know how to dress and undress too,” Hallam challenged. “I could show you my expertise. Privately.”
Virginia gasped; her gaze bore holes into Hallam.
“Glad to see I have your complete attention. Have you enjoyed the season? Have you kept the London shopkeepers in wages with your extravagant purchases?”
Virginia’s eyes narrowed. “Tell me, my lord, does it take long for you to remove the cobwebs and dust from your person before you leave Oxford? Do the half-wits you boast of do it for you as part of their tuition? If not, perhaps it is the clothes themselves. You are aging badly. The moths have been busy.”
~ * ~
Constance retreated along the gravel path, startled by the intense expression on Hallam’s face, a look that hinted he might just shake poor Virginia. Given that her person stood somewhat central to the conflict, Constance took that step in the hope of clearing the marquess’ path to rescue his sister, should rescue be required.
Hallam grinned. “Why Lady Orkney, I had no idea you took such an interest in my figure. I am flattered. Perhaps you should take care of these little matters for me, since I am clearly incapable. You can even help remove my boots later if you like. Such capable hands and such a generous heart.”
The swarthy Lord Hallam looked Virginia over quite wickedly, until Constance grew uncomfortable. Her friend’s face turned a fiery red, but she returned his appraisal, pivoted on her heel with a loud snort, and returned to the house.
Constance very much wanted to follow, but instead she took another discreet step toward Jack. At least Jack seemed in a happier frame of mind. The marquess’ grin reminded Constance of the man he used to be. A nicer man than he’d become.
Hallam’s gaze followed Virginia’s retreating form. When she disappeared from view, Hallam grinned triumphantly. “First skirmish and she quits the field. I could win this round, Jack.” The older man rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
“That wasn’t a retreat. Surely you don’t believe she’s done yet,” Jack replied.
When Jack tipped his head in Constance’s direction, as if attempting to remind Hallam that he was rudely ignoring her, her skin heated.
“Now, where were we?” Hallam came forward and took her hand to bow over. “Ah, yes—the lovely, Miss Grange.”
“Lord Hallam, such a pleasure to see you again.”
Beside her, Jack stiffened. Hallam’s name was on the top of the list, but if Jack thought she could set her cap for a man like Lord Hallam then he was a bigger fool than she supposed.
“You are looking well and all that. Grown up as much as can be hoped for.”
“Thank you, milord,” Constance replied, still trying to decide if she was pleased to see him again. She thought not. She really didn’t care for his arrogant ways with Virginia, even if he enjoyed unsettling her friend.
Hallam linked Constance’s arm through his and led her toward the open doors of Jack’s study—a place she thought would be off-limits. Constance caught Jack’s eye and she raised an eyebrow in inquiry, curious if she should excuse herself.
Jack shrugged.
When they entered the study, Constance dropped Hallam’s arm and gazed about her. The masculine room, filled to the brim with curios and books, reeked of Jack’s cinnamon scent. She took a deep breath and her tension fell away as she took a seat.
Her gaze lifted to the marquess as he crossed the threshold. With the sunlight streaming in behind him, her breath caught.
“Mother’s eyesight is failing,” Hallam growled. “What would be your excuse for confusing Orkney for a gentleman?”
Jack winced. When would Hallam learn that these tactics would not gain her trust? Virginia had a stubborn streak a mile wide and particularly disliked any reference to past mistakes. It didn’t help that she and Hallam were very similar creatures.
“At least he knew how to present a respectable image in public.”
“Oh, I know how to dress and undress too,” Hallam challenged. “I could show you my expertise. Privately.”
Virginia gasped; her gaze bore holes into Hallam.
“Glad to see I have your complete attention. Have you enjoyed the season? Have you kept the London shopkeepers in wages with your extravagant purchases?”
Virginia’s eyes narrowed. “Tell me, my lord, does it take long for you to remove the cobwebs and dust from your person before you leave Oxford? Do the half-wits you boast of do it for you as part of their tuition? If not, perhaps it is the clothes themselves. You are aging badly. The moths have been busy.”
~ * ~
Constance retreated along the gravel path, startled by the intense expression on Hallam’s face, a look that hinted he might just shake poor Virginia. Given that her person stood somewhat central to the conflict, Constance took that step in the hope of clearing the marquess’ path to rescue his sister, should rescue be required.
Hallam grinned. “Why Lady Orkney, I had no idea you took such an interest in my figure. I am flattered. Perhaps you should take care of these little matters for me, since I am clearly incapable. You can even help remove my boots later if you like. Such capable hands and such a generous heart.”
The swarthy Lord Hallam looked Virginia over quite wickedly, until Constance grew uncomfortable. Her friend’s face turned a fiery red, but she returned his appraisal, pivoted on her heel with a loud snort, and returned to the house.
Constance very much wanted to follow, but instead she took another discreet step toward Jack. At least Jack seemed in a happier frame of mind. The marquess’ grin reminded Constance of the man he used to be. A nicer man than he’d become.
Hallam’s gaze followed Virginia’s retreating form. When she disappeared from view, Hallam grinned triumphantly. “First skirmish and she quits the field. I could win this round, Jack.” The older man rubbed his hands together in anticipation.
“That wasn’t a retreat. Surely you don’t believe she’s done yet,” Jack replied.
When Jack tipped his head in Constance’s direction, as if attempting to remind Hallam that he was rudely ignoring her, her skin heated.
“Now, where were we?” Hallam came forward and took her hand to bow over. “Ah, yes—the lovely, Miss Grange.”
“Lord Hallam, such a pleasure to see you again.”
Beside her, Jack stiffened. Hallam’s name was on the top of the list, but if Jack thought she could set her cap for a man like Lord Hallam then he was a bigger fool than she supposed.
“You are looking well and all that. Grown up as much as can be hoped for.”
“Thank you, milord,” Constance replied, still trying to decide if she was pleased to see him again. She thought not. She really didn’t care for his arrogant ways with Virginia, even if he enjoyed unsettling her friend.
Hallam linked Constance’s arm through his and led her toward the open doors of Jack’s study—a place she thought would be off-limits. Constance caught Jack’s eye and she raised an eyebrow in inquiry, curious if she should excuse herself.
Jack shrugged.
When they entered the study, Constance dropped Hallam’s arm and gazed about her. The masculine room, filled to the brim with curios and books, reeked of Jack’s cinnamon scent. She took a deep breath and her tension fell away as she took a seat.
Her gaze lifted to the marquess as he crossed the threshold. With the sunlight streaming in behind him, her breath caught.
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