Page 64 of Passions of a Wicked Earl
“Possibly another suitor.”
She squeezed his arm. She’d never expected that he’d be such a tease or that she would enjoy so much spending time with him, even engaged in an activity as simple as taking a walk through the verdant park. “His name?”
“Ah. Viscount Milner.”
“Do you know him well?”
“I’ve played cards with him now and then. He has rotten luck.”
“It’s interesting to note that what a man values in other men is not at all what a woman searches for in a husband.”
With a wicked grin, he capitulated. “He’s a pleasant enough fellow.”
“Did you pay him to dance with Beth at the first ball?”
“I did.”
“And did he return the money?”
“No.”
“Pity.”
“You’re judging too harshly. Love at first sight is often preceded by the discovery of the size of a lady’s dowry.”
Before she could make a scathing rebuke—even though she knew that was the way of things, as her circumstance had been—Milner trotted his horse over to them and bowed in the saddle. “My lady, my lord.”
“Lord Milner,” Westcliffe said. “How is your mother?”
“One day older than she was yesterday, which means she has one more ache in her bones. I daresay your mother seems to avoid the years.”
“If rumors are to be believed, she made a bargain with the devil to keep her youth.”
The young man laughed before giving Claire what she was certain was his most charming smile. “Lady Westcliffe, I was hoping you would allow me to call on your sister tomorrow.”
“We would be delighted with your company, Lord Milner.”
“Jolly good. Until tomorrow then, I bid you good day.” Settling his hat into place, he cantered away.
Westcliffe lowered his head to hers, his breath skimming along her ear. “Are you happy now? Your sister has another suitor, a choice.”
“I want her to have a choice.”
“Because you didn’t,” he said quietly.
The darkness had returned to his gaze. She did not wish to pursue this path. “I simply want what is best for her. I want her happiness.”
“A choice does not always guarantee that.”
“A poet and a philosopher. I learn more about you every day.” She hoped her teasing would return the lightheartedness to their walk.
“And I about you.”
His eyes darkened with desire, and she thought he was probably thinking about last night more than any other day that had come before. Thank goodness, Fen started tugging on his leash, apparently wanting to explore the brush at a nearby tree.
“What do you think he’s found?” she asked, irritated that she could be so affected by him with so little effort on his part.
“Let’s see.” He took the leash from her and began to follow the dog.
