Page 63 of A Lady's Heart Deceived
Keen and intelligent.Maggie couldn’t think of a better combination to have in a stargazing companion.
“My Uncle Ewan is a member of the Royal Society, and he always brings a copy of the almanac up to Scotland with him. On the nights when it is clear over Strathmore Mountain, you can see thousands of stars,” she said. Lying on her back and staring up at the dazzling display was always a special delight. The six layers of clothing that were required on those freezing nights were less enjoyable, but necessary.
“I’m applying for membership, though they don’t give as much attention to astronomy as I would like. It’s not as exciting as sending expeditions off into the unknown places of the world. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone eventually decided to start their own astronomical society. If they do, I will be one of the first to put their hand up to join,” said Piers.
“You would make a perfect candidate, Piers. Then again, any society would be honored to have you as a member.” she replied.
The look which appeared on Piers’s face was one which Maggie couldn’t quite find the right word to describe. Surprise, mixed with happy gratitude, was the best she could manage.
“I’ve never met a woman like you before, Maggie Radley. So many other female members of thehaute tonare all about themselves and the impression that they give, whereas you are open to new experiences and also refreshingly honest. Those are two rare gifts. Promise me you won’t ever change.”
It was her turn to struggle with accepting praise. She glanced down at her boots, to where they peeked out from under the hem of the coat.
Piers’s breath warmed her cheek. “You are a like a colorful, precious stone. Diamonds might shine brightly, but only you capture and hold the eye so completely, Maggie.”
His sweet words. His proximity. They did things to her, made her want and need everything he could possibly ever give.
She lifted her head and their gazes met. When Piers brushed his thumb over her lips, Maggie shivered.
Please kiss me. Let tonight be the night when we finally share our hearts.
But instead of taking her lips with his, he dropped his hand and moved away.
“We had better get going. It’s a good half mile over the fields to the viewing place. And while the night might be clear now, we really do not want to get caught out in the open if it rains. My mother will have my guts for garters if you catch a second chill.”
“Yes, and I wouldn’t want to get your coat wet or ruined. You will need it once you go back to London and the Horse Guards,” she replied.
“Probably. Though I would much prefer to leave it here.”
Before she could stop herself, Maggie’s fingers were on Piers’s coat sleeve.
“Why don’t you resign your commission? Surely, the army can find someone else to reply to all those letters.”
He gave her a look which said that they both knew his problems extended well beyond some misguided sense of honor.
“That is true, Maggie, but just think on this: if I had left the army, no one would have followed up your case. You would have spent the rest of your life grieving over a man who didn’t deserve it.”
Maggie released her hold on Piers’s coat. That thought hadn’t occurred to her before. If someone else had received her letter, they might never have bothered to follow it up. Piers had been thorough in his efforts to trace Robert. Another officer may not have gone to all the trouble of making the trip to Coventry.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push. You don’t answer to me.”
An all too familiar guarded smile sat on his lips. “Let’s go and watch the night sky. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”
She shoved her disappointment deep inside and followed Piers toward the gate, which opened onto the top field. They had visited the viewing spot earlier in the day during their walk around the grounds. Piers’s invitation to sneak out of the house and go stargazing had been a delightful surprise.
He wanted her; of that much, she was sure. But why he continually pulled back whenever they reached a point where matters might progress further between them, she couldn’t understand. The only thing of which she was certain was that Piers was a reluctant member of the military. That given half a chance, he would resign.
I just wish you would trust me enough to share your problems.
The need for them to talk, for Piers to finally reveal his secrets and let them come into the light, was the only way they could move forward. Until then, she was left guessing at shadows.
Maggie had promised to let things lie, but she found it difficult. Patience wasn’t a Radley family trait. With a soft sigh, Maggie stuffed her hands in her pockets and followed in Piers’s wake.
She had never thought love could be this testing.
Chapter Forty-One
It was a mistake. He should never have asked Maggie to come stargazing. Piers blamed his impetuous nature; he could only pray he wouldn’t come to regret extending the invitation.
