“Would it be possible to tell my cousin I have fallen ill and am unable to see anyone?”
“Ye jest, my lady.” She pulled the drapes apart and Willamina groaned at the intrusion of light spilling forth from the large window.
“I am no’. I would gladly waste the day away here in bed than be put on display for a bunch of hungry animals that care naught for me as a person. Instead, they just see me as some prize towin. ’Tis infuriating. I remember when I went through this when I was younger. Going through it at my age is just ridiculous.”
Joan ignored her prattling and opened the wardrobe doors, sticking her head inside to see what gown she would choose for Willamina today. Joan could dress her in a barley sack for all she cared. As long it kept the men away from her.
The maid poked her head out and smiled at her. “Lord Primrose is waiting as well.” Then smirked at Willamina’s reaction.
He had really called again today? He said he would yesterday, of course. But she assumed it was just pleasantries once again so as not to offend her. Especially after what she had revealed of her past.
Well, this indeed made the day slightly better. But it still meant she had to go downstairs and face not only him, but the others as well.
She sighed and slumped into the chair at her vanity. “I suppose ye should work your magic, Joan, and make me as presentable as I am capable of.”
“My lady, ye are much too harsh on yourself. Ye are beautiful and wanted. The number of men calling prove that.”
Willamina laughed. If only that was what the men downstairs cared about. Nay, she was quite sure there were money signs in their eyes. The hope of deeds in their futures. She was just an afterthought.
Joan continued to brush her hair listening silently while Willamina continued to complain.
By the time Joan had made her presentable, Willamina’s throat was scratchy from talking too much.
Ten minutes later she walked into the lion’s den. She scanned the room until her eyes clashed with Lord Primrose’s. He looked positively dashing in his black waistcoat and tan breeches. His hair swept off his forehead in the style that she found mostbecoming. She had to stop herself from sighing aloud and embarrassing herself.
The corners of his mouth lifted in a soft smile. All the other callers could leave. She had naught interest in anyone else.
Her feelings clashed with what she wanted and what she needed.
On one hand, she longed for Finlay Primrose. She wanted him.Craved him.Her body had never known pleasure, but for whatever reason, she felt like if pleasure was to be had, he would be the one to give it to her.
On the other hand, her heart said she could not marry him. She would never put herself in that situation of no escape again. But her mind was constantly reminding her that marriage was exactly what she needed.
“Cousin,” Gil approached, a tight smile on his face. “Thank ye for blessing us with your presence finally.” The men in the room chuckled. Except for Primrose. He shot her cousin an irritated look and once again she found herself intrigued by the man she should not be wanting.
