“Oh.” She covered her mouth, color rising in her cheeks. “That was the loveliest compliment. I…” But she stopped as she heard someone whistling a merry tune from down the path. “Oh no. That’s Papa.” She started pushing him from the door, her hands splayed out on his chest. “You have to go.”

  “Why?” he asked, enjoying her discomfort. “I was only helping to find your sister’s cat. And besides. You yourself told me that he was unlikely to think ill of anyone. I’m sure he’ll—”

  She tsked, shoving him around the corner. “You know very well that we can’t be caught alone together. Not even my father will stand for that.” He stopped moving, and her hands slid lower to gain leverage. Even with the threat of marriage looming if her father found them alone, this was quite fun.

  “Fair enough. The problem, though, is that our conversation had only just begun.”

  The whistling grew louder and Adrianna pushed harder. “If you don’t go, I’m darting into the kitchen and leaving you out here alone. Then my father can think you’re lurking about.”

  He grabbed her arms and pulled her closer. Her violet scent wrapped about him. “I’ve just had a marvelous idea that I’d like to discuss with you.” If experience was what she needed, he might be able to help with that. And help himself too. Being with her was clearing the fog he’d been in for so long.

  She stilled in his grasp, tilting her face up toward his and, this time, knocking his with the brim of her hat. “Idea?”

  “Meet me at the top of the path at ten tonight,” he whispered and then as quickly as he’d grabbed her, he let her go. Turning, he made his way back to the road to head into the village. It looked as though he’d be staying in Seabridge Gate for one more day, anyhow.

  He’d have to tell Dashlane and Craven, though they’d all planned to go their separate ways regardless. But still. And he’d need to ask Mr. Moorish permission to use the cottage for another day. Then he smiled. That was the perfect excuse to return to the Moorish house later this evening.

  He started whistling to himself, a merry tune that hummed from his rusty lips. It sounded terrible, his lips unused to the activity but somehow, it made his chest lighter as the sound passed his lips.

  Then he stopped. Sharing with Adrianna about his past had made him feel lighter, freer than he had in some time.

  Just as he started moving again, Juliet and Dashlane made their way toward him. Neither Craven nor Bianca were with them.

  “I just don’t know where that silly cat could have gone,” Juliet said, her arms swinging wide in the air. “But I’ll have you all over for dinner as a thank you for helping us search.”

  Dashlane frowned, running a hand through his hair. “That’s very kind, Miss Moorish, but not necessary.”

  “Miss Moorish,” Luke called, smiling just a bit, knowing what his friends had been through and what they were being trapped into. “Mittens has been found.”

  Juliet gave a loud clap. “Oh thank goodness. And her kittens?”

  “All safe.” He winked at Dashlane. “So there is no need to have Dashlane or Craven over for dinner.”

  Juliet frowned even as Dashlane sighed, his shoulders hunching in relief. “See, Miss Moorish, I’ve done nothing, really.”

  Juliet clutched his arm. “Oh but my lord, you’ve been so very helpful. I must insist that you come for dinner.”

  Luke shrugged. Apparently Dashlane wasn’t escaping from Seabridge Gate’s noose. And neither was he but he couldn’t be ceased to care. One more day in Seabridge Gate would do him some good.

  Adrianna forced her body to stay still. Her sister, Cordelia, was playing a lovely piece on the pianoforte that Adrianna should be listening to rather than pacing. Besides, her family had been giving her strange looks all evening.

  She was jumpy. She knew that. But a woman didn’t get her first kiss every day. And then there had been the intimate conversation they’d shared. Luke had told her about his past and they’d held one another and she’d shared her worst fear and…

  Another wave of heat spread across her cheeks. She held them in her hands. Why did he wish to meet? He’d said they had more to discuss and she agreed. She didn’t understand what all of this meant. If he’d only kissed her, Adrianna might have considered his behavior that of a rake, but telling her about his first love? That felt deeper, more intimate.

  Not that she needed any promises from him. Honestly, she’d been happy just to share their kiss, she’d learned a great deal in that moment and he’d been so tender.

  Butterflies danced about her belly and she shifted again as Cordelia’s piece finally ended. Juliet turned to her father. “As I was saying. They helped us find Mittens. We took up their entire morning and I really think we should invite them to dinner.”

  Her father looked over to the Duke of Rathmore, who sat on the settee with Ophelia.

  Rathmore frowned. “I’m not certain another dinner is a good idea. After all—”

  “Oh but,” Juliet started again. “They’ve done us a favor and besides.” She clasped her hands. “We have to properly celebrate your engagement. Doesn’t a dinner party sound like a fabulous way to honor your impending nuptials?”

  Ophelia shook her head. “Speaking of that, his Grace has invited his cousins to join us here in Seabridge Gate. Is that all right, Papa?”

  “Of course.” Her father nodded. “We’d be more than happy to host them.”

  Juliet huffed, a tiny sound that everyone seemed to hear as they all turned to look at her. “We can still host a small party in honor of Ophelia and His Grace.”

  Ophelia shook her head. “Oh no you don’t.” She sat forward, pointing at Juliet. “I don’t want anything to do with those men. They are certainly not coming here under the guise of my engagement. You’ll have to concoct a better reason.”

  Adrianna bit back a smile as Juliet spluttered. For once, she and Juliet were in agreement. Well, Adrianna didn’t give a whit about Dashlane or Craven, but she’d like Luke to return tomorrow night. She didn’t know if they were building toward something or not, but spending time with him was the only way to find out. Was he the rake she’d first thought or was there more happening between them? “I think the dinner is a good idea.”

  Her father turned back around. “Really? You didn’t appear all that impressed with Lord Crestwood last night.”

  She clasped a hand over her stomach as it flopped about. That was true. But Cordelia answered for her. “Adrianna is using Crestwood to sharpen her claws. She’s going to be ready to beat off all the rakes of London when Papa finally takes us.”

  Rathmore nodded. “Now that is an endeavor I can get behind.”

  “You don’t care for Crestwood?” her father asked Rathmore.

  “Not particularly.”

  Yesterday she’d agreed entirely with His Grace. Today, irritation at Ophelia’s fiancé made her skin bristle. “Regardless, we’ve an opportunity here to socialize with the sort of men we might meet when we finally go to London for a season. We shouldn’t squander this chance.”

  Bianca perked up at that. “I quite agree.”

  Adrianna turned to her sister. Bianca had been unusually quiet all evening. “Thank you,” she answered, cocking her head to assess her sister.

  Papa nodded, stroking his chin. “I’ll extend the invitation myself. Since these men are here, it does seem like it’s our duty to entertain them and…” He raised a finger. “It is a unique opportunity for you girls.”

  “Papa.” Bianca’s hands fluttered. “When do you think we’ll go? I know this season has already begun but perhaps next year?”

  “Probably, lamb.” Her father smiled. “You girls are getting older. It’s time to begin preparing.”

  Juliet clapped her hands while Adrianna slumped in relief. She was glad her family wasn’t aware of her changing feelings on the subject of Lord Crestwood. Somehow she didn’t quite trust them or perhaps she didn’t quite trust Luke yet.

  But then she remembered that kiss. The way he’d held her close, the feeling in her chest when he’d told her about his past. Deep down, she felt they had a connection. Was she right? If she wasn’t, she’d have to rethink all her beliefs about herself and her abilities as a person. Which scared her tremendously. How would she ever find her future and help her sisters if she couldn’t figure out one single lord?

  Chapter Nine

  Luke lifted his full pint of ale but didn’t bother to bring it to his lips. It was likely warm anyhow.

  He glanced about the table and realized that neither Dashlane or Craven had touched their drinks either. Around them, the Swan’s Neck Inn buzzed with activity. He shifted. He’d known these two men for the better part of five years, but he realized when they weren’t carousing, they had very little to say to one another.

  In fact, he hardly knew them at all. “I think I’ll be staying in Seabridge Gate for another day or two.”

  Dashlane flicked his gaze up to Luke. “Really? I plan to leave first thing in the morning. I can’t spend another day chasing after cats.”

  Craven made a small sound that was halfway between a laugh and snort. “You mean you didn’t find that fun?”

  Was the man being sarcastic? Luke had no idea. What was going on with Craven? The man never made jokes, if that’s what that was. “I personally thought the exercise had some merits.”

  Dashlane grimaced. “But you missed your boat. How will you get north now?”

  He looked down at his full drink, spinning the glass. “I reckon I won’t. I mean, it wasn’t the best use of my energy anyhow.”

  Craven sat back in his chair. “Good God, man, what’s gotten into you?”

  Dashlane gave a salacious chuckle. “I think the better question is what he’s gotten into. Perhaps the answer is a Moorish sister.”

  For some reason that comment, which he would have found funny a day ago, irritated him to no end. To make such a comment about an innocent woman who was kind, and caring, and so lovely…He slapped the table. “Don’t disrespect her or any of her sisters like that.”

  Craven leaned forward. “Interesting.”

  His hand on the table drew into a fist. “It isn’t interesting, and it isn’t like that.” What they’d done today had been the furthest thing from Dashlane’s innuendo. He’d told her things that no one knew…

  Dashlane shrugged and sat back in his chair. “Suit yourself. I don’t care one way or the other. What I know is that Juliet Moorish has some definite ideas about me and the future and I’ve no intention of aiding her in their implementation whatsoever.” Then he took a long swig of his ale. “Which is why I shall leave as soon as I can.”

  Luke grimaced and nodded stiffly. Likely a good plan. He’d somehow opened a door today, or perhaps it had been yesterday, but now he was having trouble closing said door again. He twisted his neck, giving it a crack. She’d given him a great gift and truly, he hoped to give her one in return.

  With that in mind, he pushed the pint away. It was nearing nine o’clock and he had no intention of getting inebriated this evening. First of all, he’d need all his control. She was an innocent and she’d stay that way. Second, and this one surprised him, he wanted to experience every moment with her without the fog of alcohol clouding his judgment or enjoyment.

  “What sort of ideas does Juliet have?” Craven asked. “What kind of family are they?”

  Luke crinkled his brow “What kind of family? What does that mean?”

  “Well, there are the sort of families that attempt to tear each other apart and then there are the sort that spend Christmastide singing together and hugging between verses.”

  Luke had to chuckle at that. “They are definitely the sing and hug sort.”

  “How nauseating.” Dashlane lifted his warm ale then and took a large swig from the glass.

  Craven ran his index finger over the top of the glass. “I don’t think it’s gross in any way. In fact, I rather like it. It’s just that I wouldn’t have the first clue how to act in that sort of family. I’m far too…”

  Luke gave his friend a knowing glance. “Me too.”

  “Excuse me, my lords.” A man stepped up behind Dashlane, giving a short bow. “The Honorable Thomas Moorish has asked me to extend these invitations to you.” And the man handed each of them a sealed envelope. “Someone will return to the cottage in the morning to collect your replies.” Then the man turned and left.

  “Bloody Christ,” Dashlane swore, banging his tankard of ale on the table. “It’s a dinner invitation for certain.”

  Luke sliced his open with his finger and then quickly read the contents. “For tomorrow night.”

  “Juliet is behind this. I’m certain of it.” Dashlane’s lip curled up. “I’m not going.”

  Luke grimaced. “I’m not one to force a lord of our breed to socialize with such innocent women, but I’d like to remind you that Moorish had been exceedingly kind to us. Providing food, shelter, staff and—”

  “I’m doing him a favor,” Dashlane muttered, then gulped down another large swig from his mug. “He’s far better off if I stay away from his daughters.”

  Luke clenched his jaw. “And this would be the second time you’ve turned down his invitation.”

  “Hellfire and damnation,” Dashlane swore, finishing the pint and waving to the barmaid for another. “I’m going to need a great deal more ale to face this.”

  Craven had been silent, holding his note in his hand. “Well then. It looks like we’re spending two more nights in Seabridge Gate.”

  Adrianna crouched behind a bush strategically placed so as to see the path down to the bluffs but not be witnessed herself. She’d not be caught waiting for a man who didn’t come. It offended her pride. She pressed her hands together. Perhaps she should go back inside.

  Because right at this moment, she was in a position for him to make her look foolish. Which was a situation she never allowed. Why was he an exception? But she knew the answer. She liked him. Which, honestly, was dangerous. As the youngest sister, she’d see her sisters safely wed before she sought a match for herself.

  “What are we staring at?” Luke whispered just next to her ear. It took every ounce of her control not to scream.

  “You cad.” She turned, swatting at him. “You frightened me.” How had he gotten the drop on her when she’d been trying to do the same to him?

  “Your dress picks up the moonlight. You look like a fairy. Or a moon goddess.” He wrapped a hand about her waist, pulling her close. “Do moon goddess’s take night walks on the beach?”

  “You are a silver-tongued devil, you know that?” While her insides warmed, her mind hesitated. He’d thrown her off guard again, just as he’d done earlier. She felt off balance, hot and giddy. The sensation swirling through her both delightful and worrisome.

  He chuckled drawing her close, his breath tickling her ear. “I had no idea.” And then he drew her toward the path.

  She hesitated. “You said you wanted to talk. We can talk up here.”

  He stopped, turning toward her. “Are you worried?” His touch softened. “Don’t be. I know who you are and I won’t compromise that.”

  She grimaced. “You already have.” And that was the truth. Being alone with him demonstrated a definite social gaff that could have dire consequences, but when she was with him, she forgot to worry about such things. She’d never allow one of her sisters to participate in such behavior.

  “Adrianna.” He brushed his fingertips down the back of her arm. “That’s it exactly. I want you to tell me who you are and what you want. Perhaps I can help you.”

  “Help me? Help me to what?” Tingling raced up and down her spine.

  “You want to help your sisters in the marriage market? Find a husband for yourself?” He drew her a bit closer. “That is definitely something I can aid you in.”

  Was he considering proposing? She allowed him to pull her closer. “How? Why?” Her body came into contact with his, warmth radiating from every spot their bodies touched.

  “Because I like you. Because you helped me today and because everyone needs help sometimes.”

  “Oh,” she murmured, but she didn’t say more.

  He took her hand and started down the path, his words easing her trepidation about being alone with him in the dark of night on the isolated beach. Yes, she’d wanted more time with this man and certainly she’d wondered where this was building, but moonlight walks seemed more like the behavior of a rake and less like a gentleman wishing for her hand. But if he were doing this to help her as a friend, then that was entirely different.

  They made their way down to the beach as the wind whipped at their clothes. She shivered and he slipped an arm about her, pulling her against his chest. “Did you say there was a shelter down here?”

  She nodded, placing her arms about him too. “This way.”

  As they moved together, he lightly kissed the top of her head. Somehow, the intimacy in his gesture further relaxed her. Surely rakes were not so tender as that?

  Was she being a fool? Part of her worried she was.

  Chapter Ten

  Luke held Adrianna close as he breathed her in. Damn, this woman felt so good against him.

  She led him toward the cliff and in the darkness he didn’t notice that one section jutted out, wrapping around the rock face and creating an open-sky shelter until they were nearly upon it.

  He stepped inside, looking about him as the rock immediately cut the wind and the temperature warmed considerably. He stepped on something soft that shifted differently from the sand. Looking down, he realized there were several blankets strewn about. “What’s all this?”

 

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