Page 14 of Lady, Behave
“Really, dear!” Cass shivered. “We needn’t be reminded of how you cannot stand the sea!”
“Well, then he’ll certainly attend the Carstairs’ reception in the Steine.” Addy bubbled with anticipation at the next most prominent event they’d attend a few nights hence.
“A carriage is stopping.” Imogen squinted through the rain-splashed window.
Addy bent over but could not see through the raindrops on the panes. “The colors of it are—?”
“Indigo with yellow lacquer.” Imogen sighed.
“Heath!” Addy hoisted her skirts and headed for the hall.
“Serenity, Adelaide,” Cass warned as if she were the queen.
Sounds of their new butler opening the front door floated up the staircase. Melodious male voices exchanged pleasantries, and footsteps heralded the arrival of two guests. Addy rushed forward, Imogen behind her. Heath and Martindale left off their hats and coats and umbrellas. The sisters led the men up the stairs into the salon, where promptly, others seized their attention and took them away.
Addy surrendered to finding herself locked in a conversation with Lonsdale, Hewett, and another fellow who was a baronet from Winchester. Only when Cass interrupted and began a conversation with the duke and the viscount about Prinny’s tastes in architecture, did Addy find chance of relief. She rose and made her way to an empty chair before the fire. There within a minute, Gyles bowed before her.
“I’m so happy to see you again, my lord.” Addy flushed with delight that he had come to her. He was so dashing in a forest green frockcoat, copper satin waistcoat, and fawn breeches. “Do sit with me by the fire? It’s chilly today.”
He agreed and took the chair next to hers. “I like a good blaze. Even in summer. It is one thing I demand of every room in my homes.”
She saw the dark memories of his imprisonment flash over his countenance. “To keep warm is a good choice. One can remove clothes easily.”
“But often one cannot don enough layers to ward off the cold.”
“A chill invades the bones and the heart. In Ireland,” she said, “the winds from the sea can unnerve a body. The storms come this way and that, a gentle patter or the drum of thunder and lightning all in a minute. I’m glad you keep yourself warm. You will live long and well to have done so.”
“But you lived near the sea.”
“We did. It has its rewards. The crisp air. The skyline view of forever and beyond. The constant rhythm of the surf upon the shore that keeps time of the racing minutes you are allotted on this earth.”
“Would you ever consider a life away from the sea?”
What was he asking her? She’d be a fool to infer too much into such a question. Yet her heart pounded at the possibility he might hint at such interest in her. “I would. Although I’d like to visit the seaside now and then. I love to watch how people absorb the sun and play in the sand. I confess that I like to bathe in it, too.”
“So do I.” He chuckled with her. “Some say humans came from the sea. I can believe it. We are more than blood and bone.” He drifted off again into the reverie where he could sink and disappear from her.
“We are.” She covered his hand with her own. “We are invited to the Rensfords’ Regatta tomorrow. Do you go? Do you like to sail?”
“I do attend. I like such events very much, though I doubt I’d ever spend my time or energy buying a yacht or sailing one. I do like to sail on others’ boats.”
She sighed in satisfaction and allowed herself the enjoyment of conversing with him. He was such a different model of a man compared to Hewett or weak-chinned Lonsdale.
“I note how popular you are,” he said, his face solemn.
“I do enjoy learning about others.”
“Do you like Hewett? Or Lonsdale?”
Jealousy in man was not attractive—and never had she encouraged it. Nor would she ever speak against a guest. “Gentlemen, each. I find their company pleasing.”
He held her gaze like a key in a lock. “I apologize. I go about this the wrong way.”
“Go about what?”
“Telling you that I feel the sting of competition.”
Ah, she saw his problem and softened. “Never had it, have you?”
