It simply didn’t happen often, that was all.
“I don’t think of you at all, Lord Fairmont,” she said quickly, her chin rising.
“No, of course not.” However, if that were the case, would she feel the need to say so? Could it be that she had thought of him, once or twice?
It was an intriguing idea, which was bizarre enough, as he never would have imagined he could ever find anything about Euphemia Templeton intriguing, but here they were, with him gazing down at her, and her gazing up at him as if they’d just seen each other for the first time.
Her eyes were startlingly blue, and her lips the sweetest, softest pink.
They were plumper than one might expect for such a delicate looking lady. Far plumper than they should be. Now he’d noticed it, it was difficult to take his eyes off them, especially now, when she was biting the lower one in such a maddening way, her teeth sinking into the tender flesh, like dollops of cream atop of handful of juicy strawberries.
It seemed incredible he hadn’t noticed them before.
Noticedher.
But if he had thought her a timid, quiet little mouse, it was because that was the way she wished to be seen.
Ornotseen. Yes, that was more accurate. If there was a lady more determined to fade into the background than Euphemia Templeton, he’d never encountered her.
But then, perhaps his aunt was right, and she had good reasons for that.
“Before I came in search of you, Miss Templeton, I remarked to my aunt that it surprised me that you should take such an active interest in Lord Gilbert’s affairs.”
“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow. “I confess I don’t see what’s so surprising about it. I merely wish to see Lord Gilbert treated with common courtesy. What was Lady Fosberry’s reply?”
“She, ah… she didn’t venture a guess.”
That wasn’t the truth, but Miss Templeton had gone tense beside him as soon as he brought it up. No doubt she had her reasons for wishing to protect Gilbert, but she didn’t want to share them with him.
“Are you aware, Lord Fairmont, that Viscount Gilbert was raised by his aunt?”
He glanced at her, surprised. “I was not, no.”
“Yes. His parents died when he was still an infant. Lady Fosberry tells me his aunt, Miss Gratrakes is a kind, gentle lady, but she’s not fashionable and does not spend any time in London. I believe Lord Gilbert had quite an isolated childhood.”
“Much like Harriett.” It had suited her. Harriett might not be the kind young lady she was if she’d been raised among theton— but for a titled gentleman of means, there were significant drawbacks to such an upbringing.
“I don’t deny Lord Gilbert lacks polish, but one can’t question the goodness of his heart. He’s a generous, sweet-tempered young man.” She gave him a long, steady look. “He simply needs a gentleman of sense to set him on the right path.”
“I see. What sort of gentleman did you have in mind, Miss Templeton?”
As if he hadn’t already guessed.
“Why, a gentleman of sense, taste, and character, Lord Fairmont. A gentleman who behaves as a gentleman ought to behave.”
“I hope you don’t mean me.”
“And if I do, my lord?”
“Then I’ll remind you, Miss Templeton, that you’ve spent half the afternoon scolding me for my deplorable behavior.”
“A gentleman with impeccable taste in dress,” she went on, ignoring his teasing. “A gentleman, for example, who knows that a navy Weston coat over a navy and gray striped waistcoat, and a handsome pair of top boots are just the thing for an afternoon of playing at bowls.”
He glanced down at himself, then back at her with narrowed eyes. “Are you trying to flatter me into doing your bidding, Miss Templeton?”
“Certainly not, Lord Fairmont, although I will remind you once again that Lord Gilbert has proven himself a faithful friend to your sister.”
She gave a sweet smile, as if she hadn’t just eviscerated him with the sharp tongue hiding behind those soft, pink lips. “I’ll consider it, Miss Templeton. Will that do, or am I to be subjected to another scolding?”
