Part 16 (1/2)
Alexsey nodded. ”She would like Papillon to be a lapdog, but she is not accommodating.”
”I haven't met this dog, though I've heard about it.” Mama cut a sharp glance at Bronwyn.
Alexsey offered, ”Papillon is small, bred for hunting rats.”
”Rats?” Mairi looked fascinated.
”And the-what is the word?” His gaze flickered to Bronwyn. ”Ah yes, 'hares.' ”
Mairi brightened. ”I love small dogs.”
”But she is much trouble,” Alexsey said. ”Like a woman.”
Strathmoor burst out laughing. ”Now we really must go; we've other visits to make. But first, my uncle wished me to invite all of you to our house for a turtle dinner the day after tomorrow.”
Mama beamed. ”A turtle dinner, you say? How elegant! We'd be delighted.”
”Excellent. At eight.” The viscount bowed. ”We look forward to your visit.”
Bronwyn felt the prince's gaze upon her as she made her obligatory curtsy, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a single look. It was only when he was walking out the door, Lady Malvinea fluttering behind, that she allowed herself a long look at his broad shoulders as he disappeared from sight.
”Men.” Lucinda sighed. ”Their wants are so simple, but their feelings are like a river, ever moving and oft deep.”
-The Black Duke by Miss Mary Edgeworth As they untied their horses from the iron rings mounted on the posts by the portico, Strath grinned. ”Well, that was entertaining.”
”Miss Sorcha would not agree.”
Strathmoor's grin broadened. ”To see her all wet and covered in stems-” He laughed.
Alexsey lifted a brow. ”You are not usually so unkind toward women.”
Strath shrugged. ”She's been told her entire life how beautiful she is. It's good for her to realize she's a human once in a while.”
”She does not strike me as being overly focused on her own beauty.”
”Then why was she so upset at having water dumped upon her?”
”Because it was cold and uncomfortable. I daresay you'd have felt the same.” Alexsey swung up into the saddle.
Strath remained beside his horse, a questioning look in his eyes. ”You really think that was all it was?”
”Da.”
”Hmmm. I think you're giving her far too much credit.” Strath climbed into the saddle, and they turned their horses down the drive.
At the end of the drive, Alexsey caught Strath's curious glance. ”What? And don't tell me it's nothing, for I would not believe you.”
”Very well. You don't have to answer, as it's just idle curiosity. But what was Miss Murdoch about, spouting off nonsense about Oxenburg?”
Alexsey chuckled. ”I think she was trying her hand at flirting.”
Strath gaped. ”That was flirting?”
”Her version, I think so, yes.”
”Well, I'll be d.a.m.ned. I never would have thought that.” For a moment they rode in silence. ”And your demand to take the ladies for a walk?”
”I had the most unusual reaction to her flirting, bad as it was.”
”Oh?”
”I wished to kiss her. I was going to get her away from her sisters in the garden.”
”Ah, so I was to help you.”
”Wouldn't you have?”
Strath grinned. ”Of course.”
”You are a good friend, Strath.” Thinking about Bronwyn, Alexsey chuckled. ”I like seeing her fl.u.s.tered. I get the feeling very little fl.u.s.ters her.”
”She seems very self-possessed.”
”Aye-but I can make her flush with one look.” It was odd, how much that amused him. Women often became fl.u.s.tered around him, trying far too hard to attract his attention. And today so had Bronwyn, but she'd done it in such an unusual, earnest way, he was charmed. More than charmed.
Strath said thoughtfully, ”She was quite talkative today; she is usually very quiet.”
”Very true.” Because she wished to let me know she was . . . interested. That is good, because I am, too. Even eager. But I dare not progress too quickly. It is obvious she is new to this and if I startle her, she will retreat, as she did in the garden.
Aware of Strath's questioning gaze, he said, ”She is very capable. There she was, chasing that dog about the room, facing a furious housekeeper armed with a broom, and a nearly hysterical stepmother, yet Bronwyn was calm and collected. Not a whit out of breath. I find that intriguing.”
Strath shook his head. ”You're a strange one. Well, whatever your intentions are with her, have a care. In Scotland, even a prince can't ruin a woman of good reputation and just walk away.”
”I have no intention of ruining anyone.”
Strath gave him a flat look.
Alexsey laughed. ”Fine. I may have some ruination in mind, but only a very, very private one.”
”Good.” Strath sighed. ”Scotland is stuck in ancient morality, while Europe gambols ahead. Why, just look at your grandmother. A Gypsy could never marry into the royal family in this country.”
”Things are different in Oxenburg.”
”Well, here things are run by an invisible court of public opinion, undeterred by common sense and fueled by the cruelest of gossip. Have a care you don't end up prosecuted under their unwritten laws.”
Alexsey sent Strath a puzzled look. ”You are full of heavy, unhappy advice today, my friend. Do not fear for me, or Miss Murdoch. We play a game, but I will make certain it stays within safe boundaries. I've no wish to harm her.”
”I'm sorry. I'm cross today, and I've no idea why.”
”You need a woman.”