“I do not want you matched with Reggie. Good gracious, you are far too smart for him. But it is imperative that you agree to gaining Reggie’s affections.”
“Fiona, you are making no sense. Why should I agree to your cousin’s scheme? First of all, I am not Reggie’s type at all and do not stand a prayer of gaining his affections.”
“You are very pretty, Cherish. I’m sure every man thinks so. But as I’ve said, you and Reggie would not suit.”
Cherish nodded. “Second of all, I would not even know how to go about gaining any man’s affections. Yes, it is my fault for never taking lessons in such matters. But the fact remains, I do not know how to flirt.”
“Which is why you are so perfect.” Fiona glanced around furtively and then cast Cherish a beaming smile. “This is what you will say to Bromleigh when you approach him to tell him you have reconsidered and will accept the challenge.”
“I am to admit that I do not know how to flirt?” Cherish burst out laughing. “And why would I tell him that?”
“Because he will never be able to resist the challenge. More important, he will never be able to resist you. Do you not see where I am going yet? I want you for Bromleigh. Is it not obvious? I mean to make youhiswife.”
Chapter Two
“Lady Cherish isperfect,” Gawain said, smiling as Fiona approached him later that evening shortly before supper was announced. He stood toward the rear of the parlor, nursing a brandy and hoping to avoid the throng of guests now gathered for a welcome reception to start off his cousin’s week-long house party.
Well, the party had started two days ago and the reception was to celebrate his arrival and that of his two friends. In truth, nobody really cared what reason was given for this party so long as there was ample libation and an orchestra to provide music for a night of dancing after supper was served.
The large glass doors leading onto the terrace were open to allow in a gentle breeze off the sea, and Gawain had moved closer to those doors in order to inhale the bracing sea air. It was a hot day and the sun had been shining with no reprieve until now.
“Did I not tell you she would be just the one?” Fiona replied with a smirk.
“Yes, but I dared not suppose you would come up with the right girl so easily.” He refused to expound on just how perfect he thought Lady Cherish was, for Fiona might make too much of it.
Lady Cherish had certainly caught his attention.
She was physically beautiful in a quiet way that wrapped around a man’s soul, a point in her favor and undeniable. Her hair was the color of molten honey and her eyes were a dark, brandy brown. Deep, rich, and intelligent. Indeed, he could go down the list of her attributes and find them all to his liking. Soft lips. Creamy complexion. Generous bosom and a slender frame.
She was also sharp witted, sensible, and could stand up for herself.
Yet despite that streak of independence, there was something fragile and lovely about her. Perhaps it was because he knew her situation and understood how frustrated a competent woman like Cherish must be feeling while under the thumb of an oaf like the new Earl of Northam.
She was a trapped bird, a lovely nightingale in a cage, unable to escape due to circumstances partly of her own making. But he could never fault her for choosing loyalty to her parents over her own Society debut. That her father had not trusted her to manage her own funds after his demise must have stung deeply, especially since she had shown herself worthy by running the Northam estate when he was no longer up to the task. Why had he left her to the mercy of an obviously uncaring uncle?
Well, her father’s failing was now serving Gawain’s purpose. Reggie would flourish in the hands of a woman like Lady Cherish.
“Speaking of Cherish, where is she?” Fiona craned her neck to search the gathering. “I thought she had come down ahead of me, but I don’t see her here.”
“She slipped past a cluster of guests a few minutes ago and is hiding out on the terrace,” Gawain said. “I’ve been watching her.”
Fiona’s eyes widened. “You have?”
Gawain chuckled. “Surprised?”
“Yes, I thought her earlier rejection might have put you off.”
“Actually, it had quite the opposite effect. I like that she knows how to stand her ground. She was honest with me and I admire her for it. She is a bit sensitive and feels things a bit too much, but is this not better than hiding her intentions behind a false smile?” He glanced across the room. “Would any of these young ladies have been so forthright with me?”
Fiona graced him with a knowing smile. “No, they would have fussed and fluttered over you, indulged you if they thought there was profit in it for them.” She looked around and then eyed him curiously. “I am surprised to see you standing alone.”
He shrugged. “I might have been scowling and chased everyone away.”
Fiona laughed. “It must have been some scowl.”
“I suppose I could have been more polite, but I do not wish to get caught up in this marriage business.”
“It is a business,” Fiona agreed. “But a husband is a husband. If those young ladies cannot have you, then any one of them would be amenable to settling for Reggie as the next best thing.”
