“That one of us is supposed to tell the other he or she is retiring, whether we want to or not, simply because if a member of polite society—”
“Or even impolite society, like theton,” he pointed out.
“Yes, or even impolite society wandered in, then we should be considered scandalous. You might even be forced to marry me.”
“Egad! Forced to marry a lovely lass? What a horror!” He leaned back on the sofa, letting his head drop back slightly and stretching out his legs. “I missed out on the second glass of brandy, and I intend yet to enjoy it. I would be pleased if you would keep me company, and I will grab farmer McNeil’s shotgun and let loose upon the first member of thetonI see peering through the window.”
He was rewarded with her heartfelt laugh. She didn’t cover her mouth. She simply chuckled freely, and her entire body moved with mirth.
“Well,” he said.
She paused, regarding him. “Well, what?”
“My brandy, woman. Where is it?”
Playing along, she went to the sideboard and poured them each another fingerful into glasses she chose from the tray.
“That might not have been your original glass,” she confessed, handing it to him and letting her fingers graze his.
He could grab her hand and pull her onto his lap and kiss her.
Christ, man! Get a grip!She was Maggie’s younger sister, after all. And he was thinking like a besotted twit. This was the same girl he’d taken fishing, surprised when she could bait a hook without help, even more surprised when she could haul in a fish with dexterity. He’d hunted with her though she declined to shoot anything live and only did target practice with his hunting rifle. They’d ridden together on more than one occasion, and she’d helped him teach the younger Angsley children to sit upon a saddle some mornings when they were all staying at Turvey, while Beryl was still in bed.
“You are quiet, Grayson,” she murmured.
He realized he’d been staring at her, swirling the brandy in his glass. To her credit, she hadn’t asked him what was on his mind or started up an inane conversation. She had simply let him be. He liked that tremendously about her.
But then, what about her didn’t he like?
“I was only thinking….”
“Yes?” she prompted after a long moment’s silence.
“How wonderful you are.” He couldn’t help smiling after he’d said what was in his heart.At last!
Her eyes grew so wide, he thought he’d shocked her. Until she blinked.
Then she returned his smile. He saw her draw a deep breath, knew it by how the curves of her breasts rose and fell. Then with a tilt of her lovely head, she charmed him.
“That is very strange,” she began, “because I was thinking the same thing about you.
Chapter Five
Eleanor decided shemight as well be honest. However, as soon as she said the words, Grayson frowned. Then he downed the last of his drink and stood.
“I shouldn’t have said what I said. I definitely shouldn’t have been so forward,” he added, “especially not when we are alone.”
“We could hardly speak that way if we weren’t alone,” she pointed out.
“True, which is why we shouldn’t have been alone in the first place. You’re Maggie’s little sister.”
“And what of it?” she asked, gulping back the last of her brandy, letting it create a warm trail down the back of her throat before coming to her feet.
Immediately, Eleanor realized she was standing a little too close to him, but if she stepped back now, it would seem as if she weren’t at ease. And downing her brandy so quickly had made her decidedly care-free.
It seemed being in the country allowed for different rules. She’d discussed this very fact with Beryl in the past but never put the notion into practice. Until now.
Eleanor stepped even closer, and Grayson had nowhere to go, as his shapely calves were pressed against the sofa. He seemed to be under the mistaken belief she was too young for him.A ridiculous thought!He didn’t have a single wrinkle or gray hair.
