Page 21 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
“I suspect you may never again.” She glanced down at her hands as her teeth grazed her lower lip. “The situation calls for a semblance of protection. The defense you will provide is better than none.”
“A whole-hearted endorsement if ever I’ve heard one,” Finn said dryly.
“Trust me, I would not even describe it as half-hearted.” She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes. “As you well know, I’m in a bit of a fix. If you wish to play the chivalrous knight, then so be it.”
“Good,” Jon said. “Now that we’ve settled Finn’s role—”
“Hisroleis not settled,” she said, steeling her voice. “I have some conditions.”
“Oh, good God,” Jon mumbled, plowing his hand through his hair yet again. At this rate, gray hair would be the least of his worries, as he was in danger of raking himself bald.
“I am not a girl fresh out of the schoolroom. This is not my first London expedition, and until I find myself wearing a wedding ring and a shiny new title, Papa’s mandated husband hunt will continue. At least for another year or so, when he declares it—and me—a lost cause. So, it is to my advantage to buy time by keeping potential suitors at bay.”
“You’re scheming again, Macie.” Jon began to pace. “I can see it in your eyes.”
“Call it whatever you will, dear brother. But I sense an opportunity. And I have you to thank for it.” Inspiration percolated in Macie’s brain. “You’ve no need to concern yourself. I give you my word that I will not embarrass Papa or further tarnish the family’s questionably good name. What I have in mind is between me,” she said, her gaze shifting to Finn, “and my gallant protector.”
Chapter Seven
Finn leaned anelbow against a massive bookshelf in Jon’s study and glanced toward the door. If he had any sense, he’d run while he still could. His friend’s plan might have been uncomplicated and logical, but if life had taught him anything, it was that the end result of any scenario involving his sister would be anything but simple.
Macie studied him with those keenly intelligent emerald eyes of hers.I sense an opportunity.If ever a man had a reason to run for the hills, her pronouncement summed it up beyond all argument. Especially since the opportunity involved him.
Blast it all, it would be easier to turn away if his own cursed curiosity hadn’t taken control. For some reason he couldn’t even explain to himself, her expression intrigued him, even more than her words. Of course, the fact that her emerald-green walking suit hugged her curves in all the right places didn’t help matters. She’d appealed to him even in the bloody abysmal gown she’d worn at Lady Drayton’s soiree, but today, in the light of day and wearing hues that did not resemble the muck in a stable, he could take in her natural beauty without distraction. In his gut, he knew he would not like what she was about to propose. But like a moth nearing the heat of a flame, he did not veer away before it was too late.
Finn met her gaze. “What manner of scandal are ye devising now?”
A hint of a smile curved her full mouth. “Scandal?” she scoffed unconvincingly. “Why, I wouldn’t think of it. After all, I promised that I will not tarnish the family name.”
By thunder, the woman was maddening. And so blasted fascinating, he could not look away. Let alone leave.
“Then what is it ye want of me?”
The corners of her mouth pulled higher. “A distraction, if you will.”
“A distraction?” Jon echoed. His brow had furrowed like a washerwoman’s board.
Her shoulders rose and fell in a little shrug. “I supposedecoywould be more to the point.”
Decoy? “What in thunder are ye getting at?” Finn pinned her with his gaze, expecting the truth.
“I suppose that is the correct term. Rather like the replica of an owl on the barn at our country home—it keeps away undesired creatures.”
Jon pinched the bridge of his nose. “Have you gone a bit mad, Macie?”
“No, she hasn’t.” Finn didn’t like it one whit, but he took her meaning. “Ye think to use me to frighten off a man who shows an interest in ye.”
Her slight smile transformed into a grin. “Precisely, Mr. Caldwell. My, you are a clever one.” She cocked a brow. “Played right, this little game might actually prove entertaining.”
“Count me out.” Finn had had enough. He had come to London to arrange a deal between Mason’s enterprises and his family’s business. Being a blasted human scarecrow was not part of the bargain.
Macie pulled out a chair, swished her skirts out of the way, and took a seat. “Won’t you join me, Mr. Caldwell?” she said, patting the chair at her side.
He sent her a look that made it clear he had no intention of accepting her invitation. Or was it a command? “I don’t know where thisMr. Caldwellhas come from. I’ve beenFinnto ye since ye were a girl in braids.”
She shrugged again. “But I am not a girl in braids any longer. And since propriety is a virtue, I thought a moreproperform of address appropriate.”
“In any case, suffice it to say I will play no part in chasing away yer suitors.”
