He startled, having not heard Beatrice approach.
“Affronted is not the precise word I would use,” he grumbled.
“You answered gracefully,” she teased, “if not truthfully.”
A spike of irritation went through him.“Who is to say that I wasn’t truthful?”
“I believe only a few days ago, you referred to anyone of Miss Tilly Perkins’s age as achild.”
Oh.Hehadsaid that to Beatrice, damn her.
“But the young lady doubtlessly appreciated it, given George’s little display over Miss Wallington.”
“A display that only happened becauseyoubaited them.I am not sure it was right, Bea.”
“I wanted to know how George felt for Miss Wallington!I had no idea he’d take it upon himself to rip her handkerchief out of Severn’s hand.He did that all himself.”
She had a smile of sly amusement on her face.
“It embarrassed Miss Perkins.”
“Which one?No, don’t answer.I’d wager both felt it.And I am sure your little act of kindness was appreciated by the Miss Perkins you truly wanted to impress.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Please, Malcolm.I know you have a fancy for Miss Scarlett.Your eyes nearly come out of your head whenever you look at her.”
“Enough.”
She raised her hands and laughed.
Right now, he was so irritated with his sister that he regretted the day he had accepted her invitation to come to work at Parkhorne Hall.She hated their father as much as he did, but sometimes she rivaled him for devilry.Malcolm did not know how her husband dealt with her.God save the man.
“You needn’t be cross.And I don’t see why you shouldn’t pursue her.”
“I saidenough.”
“I think she would accept you.”
He snorted.Little did she know that he had already been refused.No, he didn’t need Beatrice encouraging futile dreams.His sister had always been lucky.Nowhere more so than in her marriage.Most women who fell in love with marquesses didn’t become their wives.But, of course, his sister had somehow managed it with very little trouble to herself.
“Before you shout me from this hillside,” she continued, “I should warn you that my mother is hoping Miss Marburry will catch your eye.”
“Miss Marburry?”
“Is it so shocking?She is at least not achild,as you say.”
It was true that Miss Marburry was older than some of the youngest ladies here.She must be closer to Scarlett’s age, although he had never considered the matter closely.
“She has a decent dowry.It is not a terrible idea.”
“I could notmarryMiss Marburry.”
“Yes, well, not when you look likethatat Miss Perkins.”
“Kindly tell your mother that I’m not interested.”
“I can try.But she can be surprisingly obstinate.I merely warn you of her schemes so you do not find yourself… confused.”
