THREE
As Adrian stared atthe lovely woman, his mind tried to figure out what she was really saying. She was playing with her words, for some reason. Either that or he was still very suspicious of her. He’d been watching her and her family since their arrival, and from the Reverend Benson’s actions toward Lyndsey, Adrian knew what they were up to. Indeed, Miss Bensonwasa farthing-filcher.
Now it was up to Adrian to keep her away from Collin, because for some reason, his older brother seemed to have his eyes on the lovely brunette, even while he entertained another woman. Adrian needed to keep them apart.
A servant walked by with a tray of champagne. Adrian stopped the man and took two glasses, handing one to Miss Benson and keeping the other.
He raised his glass slightly. “Here’s to deceitful women, and finding them before they can worm their way into the Dorsey family.”
She arched her perfectly shaped eyebrows. Her lovely lips twitched in a wicked smile. “Why do you think women are the only people who can deceive? Are you saying men cannot possibly be devious, as well?”
He chuckled before sipping his champagne, keeping his gaze locked with hers. She slowly lifted the glass to her lips and sipped.
“Miss Benson, I must admit, you are a delight.” He nodded.
Her smile stretched wider. “Mr. Dorsey, you have yet to answer my questions.” She stepped closer to him. “And that tells me you have secrets of your own.”
“Are you telling me thatyouhave secrets as well?”
“Pray, what sort of secrets would I have?”
She twirled a lock of the curly ringlet that rested on her shoulder, pulling his attention to her gown. Although he’d seen more elegant gowns, he couldn’t stop admiring how well Lyndsey looked in this one. The light-blue tones complemented her eyes perfectly, and the lacy sleeves, barely hid her slender shoulders. For a moment, he wondered if her skin was as soft and creamy as it appeared.
He yanked his thoughts back to their conversation and stared into her pretty eyes. What kind of secrets did she have? He was sure he knew one of them, but were there more mysteries to this woman? Surprisingly enough, he wanted to find out more about her.
He sipped his champagne before answering. “What if I were to tell you that I think you are after the earl for his title and lands?”
An uncomfortable laugh sprang from her throat, so she quickly took a drink of her champagne. Her eyes glittered like gems beneath the large chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling.
“Mr. Dorsey,” she said in a low voice, “you are a very suspicious man.”
“One has to be if it’s his duty to watch over his cousin and look out for his best interests.”
She sighed and her shoulders relaxed. “I am not foolish enough to believe a man of wealth will find me remotely attractive. However, I’m also a woman who should start looking for a husband unless I want to become a spinster.”
Surprise washed over him from her comment. “Why wouldn’t a man find you attractive?”
“Because a man ofwealthwould look at the pathetic farm where I live and help my father and sisters to keep it productive, and he’d wonder what I could possibly bring to the marriage.”
He cocked his head. “But you mentioned you were looking for love.”
“Yes, but we also confirmed that love in a marriage amongst the titled is uncommon.”
Chuckling softly, he shook his head. She was going to dance around his questions all evening. But that was fine with him. He found her refreshing, and he enjoyed their discussion.
“Pardon me for cutting in.”
Collin’s deep voice startled Adrian and he whipped around toward his older brother. A foolish grin was pasted to the man’s mouth as his gaze locked on Miss Benson. Inwardly, Adrian seethed. He couldn’t allow his brother to fall under her spell.
“My lord.” Lyndsey curtsied.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” Collin asked, stepping around Adrian and closer to Lyndsey.
“Of course. It’s a lovely party.” Her smile widened.
“I was wondering,” Collin continued, “if you would honor me with the next dance.”
