Not one of them said a word. While Crestwood wore a look of surprise, his eyes widening, Craven’s face remained unchanged. She didn’t bother to look at Dashlane, instead focusing on Chase. He had the decency to look at the floor, his features tight with what she assumed was regret. She didn’t say another word as she turned and left.
Chapter Nine
Chase watched her walk down the steps and he started to follow but Crestwood grabbed his arm. “You wanted to protect them,” Crestwood said as Chase turned back to look at the man.
“Yes,” he said, his chest tightening. “I’ve grown weary of the so-called delights in this world and those women are…” He paused, picturing Ophelia. “More wholesome than any I’ve met in a long time.” Then he straightened to his full height. “I think it best that you gentlemen continue your journey north without delay. I also am quite good with a pistol and I’ve no intention of allowing the debauchery to spread to Seabridge Gate.”
Crestwood gave a jerky nod. “I understand, but I must tell you, her delivery was much better.”
Craven stared at him for a moment before he cleared his throat. “Will you marry Ophelia?”
“Yes,” he answered, surprising even himself with how little hesitation he felt. In fact, it was the first right thing he’d said in ages. “If she’ll have me. After today, I’m not so certain.” But he was going to try. For the first time in what felt like years, the fog surrounding his path had cleared. He knew exactly who he wanted to be, where he wanted to be, and what he desired for his future.
And that was next to Miss Ophelia Moorish.
He rubbed his hand through his hair. If only he’d come to that conclusion last night. This entire thing might have been easier. In fact, he’d likely already be engaged. Bloody idiot, that’s what he was.
Dashlane grimaced. “Sorry about that.” Then he cleared his throat. “But we might attend that dinner if for no other reason than to thank our hosts. This little house is so cheerful that I almost feel a deep regret—” He stopped. “But I can assure you that I will be on my best behavior.”
Craven nodded. “As will I.”
Crestwood grimaced but said nothing and Chase decided he didn’t care. One man he could handle. If Crestwood tried to misbehave with any of the Moorish sisters, he could take the man. With that in mind, he turned on his heel and started after Ophelia.
Reaching the square, he saw them start down a path that was dappled with trees and rocks. Surely it was a shortcut to the house so that they didn’t need to take the road. He picked up speed and caught up to them as they crested the first hill.
Juliet was talking nonstop. “Did you see them? They were so handsome. Crestwood is the leader, don’t you think? And Dashlane…what a dashing name.”
Ophelia lifted her skirts as they continued to climb up the hill. “No one likes a romantic story better than me but those men…” She paused, her feet slowing. “They are not the stuff of romantic fantasy, Juliet. They are nightmares.”
Juliet sniffed. “That’s easy for you to say. The duke’s interest in you is—”
Ophelia raised her hand. “Irrelevant.”
“I beg to differ,” he said, announcing his presence behind them. Both women jumped.
“What are you doing?” Ophelia huffed and then started moving again, pulling her sister along.
“I told you that I would escort you home.” He had every intention of keeping Ophelia in his sights now.
Ophelia didn’t stop. “That is entirely unnecessary.”
“It isn’t,” he said, easily matching their pace despite Ophelia’s attempts to speed up.
“It is,” she answered, stopping on the trail and spinning back around to him. “When you consider that you and your friends are the most dangerous things in Seabridge Gate.”
He winced. Her point was sound. “They are not my friends.”
Her hands came to her hips. “Will you deny then that you are dangerous?”
He shifted his weight, looking to the ground. “I owe you an explanation.”
“You don’t.” She shook her head. “I’ve pieced it all together myself. But I would appreciate it if you’d return to the cottage and stay with the other men. I won’t tell my father but I’d rather you not stay in our home.”
Juliet gasped and his teeth snapped together. He drew in a long breath, choosing his next words very carefully. “Juliet. Would you be so kind as to walk far enough ahead of us that you can still see us but that we have a chance to talk?”
Juliet looked at her sister and Ophelia shifted again, her fists clenching in her skirts. “Fine,” she answered for her sister. “Go ahead, Juliet.”
He sighed a small bit of relief. At least he could plead his case. What her answer would be, he still couldn’t say.
Ophelia waited, her toe tapping as Juliet strolled ahead. Nothing but the sound of the ocean and the chirping of birds filled the silence that hung between them.
“Well,” she asked, clasping her hands together. The single word had come out harshly but her feelings of hurt and betrayal added an edge to her voice. He’d known she was smitten and he’d kissed her just for fun, not returning her romantic interest.
“I already told you that I lost my parents.”
He reached for her hand but she didn’t take it. “You did,” she said, facing the ocean to stare at the wave. She could see the cool blue off in the distance, from this spot on the hill path. “And I felt sorry for you. Thought maybe I could help—” She stopped, clamping her lips shut.
“Ophelia, you are so kind.” He stepped closer, touching her arm. “Thank you.”
“I was wrong,” She looked at him, her face taut with the tension that thrummed through her entire body. “You only wanted my kisses. Maybe you wanted more, I don’t know.”
“Why do you think that?” He lightly brushed his fingers back and forth along her sleeve.
It was a light touch meant to soothe and she tried to ignore the warmth that spread from that touch. “You left.” She took another step back. “To attend a party where you hoped to engage in—” Heat filled her cheeks as she took another step in retreat. Unfortunately her heel hit a rock and she started to fall backward.
She flailed her hands, but Chase was quick and lunged forward, catching her and dragging her against his chest.
The moment she came into contact with the hard muscles of his body her own shivered in response. She spread her hands over his chest, heat rising in her cheeks.
“I’ve been searching for what thing would fill my life,” he whispered close to her ear. “My parents died in a boat wreck and the truth was, I should have gone with them. I told them I was staying home because I needed to return to Oxford, but the truth was I wanted to tup one of the maids.” He shuddered against her, the memory clearly causing him pain. She found her arms sliding up about his neck. “I should have been with them instead of fooling around with some girl who meant nothing. That seems to be all I am good at. Meaningless dalliances.”