Bubbling warmth travelled through her veins. That might be the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her. “Thank you.” Then she looked down at the ground. “But I don’t see how I could make that happen.”
* * *
He pursed his lips, irritation zipping along his skin. It was on the tip of Chris’s tongue to declare that he would make them cease their useless prattle. Bianca deserved to be worshipped, not teased. But he remained quiet, as usual. It wasn’t his place to interfere. After all, he only planned to stay in their small village until he could get to the party.
Still the words sat bitterly in his mouth as he tried to swallow them down. “Do you know those young men well?”
She shook her head as they started walking again. “Not really.”
He cocked his head to the side, looking down at her. She studied the ground as they walked, her chin tucking into her chest.
“Why do they tease you then?” Irritation at those boys bristled along his skin all over again.
She shrugged. “I made a fool of myself in front of one very well-liked young man in the village and it seems that every boy within three years of his age has had a good laugh at my expense.”
He placed a hand over hers, as though covering hers would help protect her. Boys could be merciless, he knew that. They had ridiculed him relentlessly as a child. Words could tear a person down and they had nearly undone him until he’d learned to respond with his fists. “What happened?”
“I’d rather not tell you.” She looked inland, her mouth pressed into a firm line.
Part of him wanted to push the subject, but he barely knew her, so instead, he allowed the silence to fall between them again.
The road curved around and a large house appeared to their right. Juliet turned off to a well-worn path that led to the side of the house, rather than the front.
After passing close to the stable, they arrived at the back door of the kitchen. The stately manor was impressive in both size and design with sweeping views of the ocean. It must have been a fine place to live.
He studied the brick face, noting the array of balconies adorning the front and side. The wrought iron adorned with ivy gave the place a cheery look as it sat high above the water. Chris was so focused on the house, he nearly missed the sight of his good friend, The Earl of Crestwood, with his hand at a woman’s waist.
He pulled up short, thumping Dashlane on the back.
“I see it,” Dashlane muttered over his shoulder.
Juliet tsked. “It’s not what you think.” She spun to look at them as she spoke. “Adrianna says that your friend is a rake and she’s set herself to sending him on his merry way.”
“What time is it?” Craven asked, pulling out his pocket watch and squinting at the piece in the bright sun. “Crestwood was supposed to catch a noon boat north.”
“Oh, it must be past that,” Bianca said, looking up in the sky. “The sun is directly above us.”
She tilted her head back, shading her eyes to glance up. He noted the creamy column of her neck. He’d like to trail his lips along that flesh, kissing her dress open as he slid his mouth lower…he held back his thoughts. “Crestwood? Not leaving?”
That wasn’t like his friend at all. Of all of them, Crestwood most enjoyed his carefree lifestyle. For him to miss a party like Lord Balstead’s surprised Chris immensely. Balstead’s party was an orgy of delights that included drinking, gaming, and women. Chris didn’t attend these sorts of things often, but occasionally Crestwood talked him into one. He wasn’t certain why he’d agreed to go to this one, he didn’t particularly like Balstead, but he’d been without a woman’s company for a long time and clearly, he was in need. He looked at Bianca once again, his stomach clenching.
“I know,” Dashlane answered. “That’s like saying the sun forgot to rise.”
Juliet gave them a glowing smile. “I guess my lost cat has had a happy result in that Lord Crestwood will continue to grace us with his company.”
Dashlane frowned at her. “You look awfully happy for a woman whose cat is still missing.”
Juliet ignored him and stepped forward, addressing Crestwood instead. “I just don’t know where that silly cat could have gone,” Juliet said, swinging her arms wildly. “But I’d like to invite you all over for dinner as a thank you for helping us search.”
Dashlane frowned, running a hand through his hair. Chris hid a smile as his friend gave the strands several good tugs. “That’s very kind, Miss Moorish, but not necessary.”
“Miss Moorish,” Crestwood called, smiling just a bit. “Mittens has been found.”
Juliet gave a loud clap. “Oh thank goodness. And her kittens?”
Bianca’s hand tightened on his arm
and her eyes narrowed. She muttered under her breath but he just caught the words. “I should have known better.”