Ben remained still while his servants helped him into knee breeches and Enis dressed him in a silk suit with goldthread buttons and a dark green velvet coat. He slipped his feet into his square-toed shoes and headed for the door.
“Your Grace,” Enis called out, “your cravat.”
“I’ll find Stephen to tie one of his elaborate knots.”
He didn’t wear a periwig nor did he color his face. Running his fingers through his natural hair, he thought he looked pleasing enough. Enough for who? Her?
He thought about how she’d just swooped down into his life bringing a little ray of light and warmth with her. He’d easily opened up to her. They shared their lives with each other as if they’d been waiting all their lives to do so. He thought about how she made him want to smile. He wasn’t even sure he remembered how. How was she breaking down walls it had taken him almost two decades to build? Besides, she was a Ramsey. She could be a Jacobite spy–if she was a spy he’d have to admire how good she was at it–before he killed her.
Could he kill her?
He stepped out of his rooms and spotted a little kitten racing by him. The kitten was followed by Miss Ramsey hot on its heels.
With her gaze fixed on the feline, she ran straight into Ben’s arms. He closed them around her and gazed into her eyes.
“You’re making a habit of this, Miss Ramsey.”
“Just keeping you on your toes, Your Grace,” she replied with a bright smile to start his day.
“Looking for this?” Sudbury appeared at the top of the stairs carrying the kitten in one hand.
With a squeak of joy and a little jump that left Ben’s bones trembling, Miss Ramsey left his arms and ran to his best friend.
Ben watched her take the kitten and kiss and hug the tiny beast. He felt the beginning of a smile.
“Your Grace.” Prudence’s voice snapped across his back like a whip. She stood beside him with another lady on her arm.When she had his attention, she softened her voice and smiled at her brother. “Look who’s here to pay a visit, Lady Charlotte, daughter of the Duke of Nottingham.”
Ben had met Lady Charlotte on a number of occasions. He wasn’t interested in getting to know her better. He spared her an uninterested glance then returned his gaze to Miss Ramsey and Sudbury standing together and stroking the kitten between them. He felt his belly rumble. Was it his belly?
“Your Grace,” Lady Charlotte curtsied low and looked up at him from under her long lashes, “it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
Did Miss Ramsey just smile and pet Sudbury’s arm the same way she stroked the kitten? “Sudbury!” He called out to the one he was certain would obey him. “A word.”
He stepped away from his sister and her guest and met Sudbury halfway.
“Are you trying to start a war?” he demanded quietly.
“Pardon? Ben, I’d never dream of fighting you.”
“Not between us,” Ben corrected, even though what he told Sudbury was only half true. “Look at Prudence. On whom do her eyes burn?”
His friend looked over his shoulder at Prudence glaring with hate-filled eyes at Miss Ramsey, who, by now, was also looking toward the women. Mainly, Lady Charlotte and her golden curls shimmering around her ears.
Sudbury appeared thoroughly repentant, but then said. “You know I’m in love with your sister, despite her sometimes unattractive traits. I have no thought of turning my heart in another direction. It’s no longer mine to give.” He smiled at Ben, and Ben nodded. “But brother,” the earl added. “I like the little flower you found in your garden. The more I get to know her, the more I believe she’s the one who will heal you. I’ll support whatever you choose to do. Your sister will get over it.” Withthat, he patted Ben on the upper arm and stepped around him to go to Prudence–God help him.
It left Ben facing Miss Ramsey. He was glad his friend had cleared that up. Unfortunately, it spread light on the fact that he was jealous. Possessive too, he reasoned as he went to her without hesitation.
“How are your feet?” He glanced down to see her feet covered by hose beneath her nightgown.
“All better.” She gave him a wide smile that rendered him weak for a moment…or two.
He laughed silently at the pitiful fool he was becoming over her. He had to fight it, keep his head on straight. He had a goal. He wanted to fight again. He needed it. He was born for it.
“I’m glad,” he told her. “I’ll have you measured for shoes.”
“Oh, no, don’t go through the trouble, Ben–Your Grace.”
He turned to see what vanquished her delightful smile. It was his sister’s snarl up close. She’d dragged Lady Charlotte to him with Sudbury coming up at a leisurely pace behind them.
