Though she was no longer obsessed, she was still pulled toward the estate and Lord Bentford, which shemustignore. However, she hadn’t been able to forget what Benedict had said about the Norcott and Drakos men being wicked rogues.
What exactly had he meant?
Rogue wasn’t exactly a flattering term, though wicked seemed to imply that it was more, such as a rake who sought pleasure with women of ill-repute.
Was that why she’d not met Bentford in London previously? Had he spent his time with mistresses, brothels, gaming hells and the like?
“The two of you are much alike,” Brighid said breaking into her thoughts.
“How so?” Bentford asked with a frown.
He probably didn’t see any similarities as Cordelia did not.
“Duty,” Brighid answered. “Almost to the point of denying yourself pleasure.”
In that, Brighid was wrong. There were many things Cordelia found pleasurable and rarely did she deny herself anything.
“You both have taken on the care and concern for those who are younger.”
Cordelia frowned. She only did so because Adam was a poor disciplinarian and sometimes Edward needed to be watched over, as did Adriana or she might do something outrageous.
“I am guardian to my three nieces. It is not a duty I can shirk.”
“No, of course not, but you’ve used them as an excuse.”
Cordelia looked up at Bentford. Why would he need to do so? Was he not really a wicked rogue? If he wasn’t, then she shouldn’t be disappointed, yet she was.
Instead of asking Brighid what she meant, Cordelia decided it was probably best they leave before the witch revealed something she wished nobody else knew.
“Please send word if strangers arrive.”
Once they were out on the walk, Cordelia blew out a sigh. “I really wish people would not speak in riddles. I also wish they’d not offer advice when not asked.”
Bentford chuckled. “She did seem overly interested in us.”
Cordelia shook her head. “Brighid just wishes to be right about having brought us together when it was your niece who had done so.” She gasped, realizing what she had said. “Not that we are together, or in the manner in which Brighid assumes, just that we are acquaintances, neighbors and possibly friends. Yes, that is it.”
Bentford was laughing by the time she finished speaking.
“You are rather defensive.”
“I just don’t like others meddling,” she finally said, though in truth, Cordelia was about to die of embarrassment.
Oh, why couldn’t he be a wicked rogue and be interested in her?
Chapter 17
“Are you finished?”Adriana asked Cordelia as she came out of the bookshop.
Cordelia in turn glanced up at Damon.
He supposed they’d visited every place that they could, but he didn’t wish to return to Nightshade Manor yet. He’d had far too pleasant of a day with Miss Cordelia.
“I believe we are,” Damon finally answered, though he wished to walk slower upon their return.
“Then I’ll go ahead and see you back at Hollybrook Park.” Miss Adriana took a few steps back as if she were in a hurry to be on her way.
“You are supposed to be my chaperone,” Miss Cordelia reminded her.
