Read Online Rhonda Woodward by White Rosesand Starlight - Free Book Online Page B

sister and was struck by the wistful longing so plain on her pretty face. When Deirdre was like this, Marina didn’t find her at all irritating. “Perhaps one day you shall, Deirdre.”
    “You have not answered my question.”
    “Which?”
    “Do you wish to marry Henry?”
    “Not today,” she replied with a laugh and urged her horse forward.
    Reaching High Street, Thomas helped them alight and took charge of the horse, saying that he would find them in an hour to see if they were ready to return home.
    Gathering up the train of her habit, Deirdre announced that she was going straight to Marshes, to find something pretty for Marina to buy for her.
    “I have not forgot what you said.”
    Smiling wryly, Marina followed her sister, pausing to greet people and agree with those who were at the ball last night that they all had the jolliest time ever.
    After much picking up and putting down of various fripperies, she and Deirdre emerged from the shop some time later, with Deirdre still exclaiming over the dear little fan that was just the right size to fit in her reticule. Marina was just as pleased with her magazines.
    “Oh look, there is Mr. Penhurst. He is with that tall, fair-haired man. I never saw
him
dance once and never saw him again after supper.”
    “Nor I.” Marina felt her face grow flushed at the sight of Mr. Sefton striding toward them next to Mr. Penhurst.
    “Pooh! We cannot escape now, they have seen us. I do wish Mr. Penhurst would speak of something other than horses, hunting and dogs.”
    “Hush, he was a gracious host, and I think he is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.”
    Within a moment, the two gentlemen drew close enough to hail the ladies. “Miss Buckleigh, Miss Deirdre, what an unexpected pleasure. I do not believe you met Mr. Sefton yestereve. Mr. Sefton, may I present Miss Buckleigh and her sister, Miss Deirdre Buckleigh of Buck Hill.”
    While Mr. Sefton bowed, and she and her sister curtsied, Marina reminded herself of her vow to keep her composure. But she found it an immediate challenge for the sensation of being in his arms hit her anew. Quickly, she returned her gaze to Mr. Penhurst. It had been one thing to gaze into those startling aquamarine eyes alone on a shadowy terrace, and quite another in company in the bright afternoon light.
    For once, she was grateful for her sister’s boldness, for Marina found her tongue to be quite tied.
    “We did not see you dance last night, Mr. Sefton, I do hope you were not unwell?”
    Marina heard the slight chide in her sister’s tone. Evidently, she had not set aside her displeasure with young men who did not dance when there were ladies languishing without a partner.
    Mr. Sefton smiled, his eyes sliding to Marina’s for an instant. “Not unwell, Miss Buckleigh, thank you. I now certainly regret the missed opportunity to dance with two such charming ladies. I hope I may have another chance.”
    Deirdre seemed mollified by the pretty speech and said, “You just may, sir. For I know Ridgeton Abbey shall soon receive an invitation for our ball, with the hope that all there may join us.”
    “Indeed?” Mr. Penhurst inquired, his pale brown eyes smiling down at Deirdre. “We shall all look forward to that. Spent a good bit of time with your esteemed father last night, he said nothing of a ball, but he kindly invited us to join the hunt next week. Terribly excited, you know.”
    This comment jogged Marina out of her muteness and with a laugh she said, “Knowing my father, I’d be surprised if he even remembered we are having a ball. But what of your sister, Mr. Penhurst? I hope she and your other guests are well after your wonderful party.”
    “Fit as a fiddle, thank you. In fact, they are not far behind us, at the receiving office to leave some letters for the post. Would you walk with us in that direction? I know they would like to see you.”
    “Oh yes, how lovely,” Marina replied.
    Such were their positions that it was