and swung it casually back and forth aside his leg.
“Well, bachelor number three is noted to have very handsome features and a strong build. Lord Ellenborough.”
“This is progressing from bad to worse. No common sense, that young man, none at all.” He took an idle swing with his club and continued his discourse. “I’ve heard from the very best sources the man is as handsome as Adonis, but unable to empty a boot full of water when the instructions are written on the heel. Pity that. Such a waste.”
“You can’t be serious, Devlin. Is he truly that bad? Besides, how do you know? Who are these sources?”
He loved the way she grew animated within their playful repartee. And when she used his Christian name … so lovely on her lips, the hollow ache in his chest intensified. She was so beautiful, how could that single attribute never surface on their earlier lists?
“Servants, my dear. The very best sources are servants. Except at Kenley Manor. My servants do not gossip and I value them all.” He dropped the serious tone in a heartbeat and encouraged her to read the next name.
They ran through the list with expedience. Even though Julia noted interesting comments aside the names of the next five gentlemen, he shot them down with effective criticisms. Terms like spendthrift, horse-toothed and lecher brought tears of laughter to Lexi’s eyes and as he enjoyed their banter, a fresh, almost new again mood encompassed him.
“Well, there are only two names left. I’m afraid even to mention them.”
She was having such a good time he refused to stop it short. “Go ahead, I’m ready.” He’d long before put away his golf club and sat across from her now. What an enchanting treasure, his ward. He needed to force the latter word, as the relationship seemed awkward at best. One look at her explained his hesitation. Her pert little nose, those gorgeous blue eyes that twinkled in delight. He had to continually remind himself to look out the window or he feared he would pounce upon her in search of the flavour of her kiss.
“Lord Kirkhill? I suppose you will tell me he cures insomnia whenever he talks or perhaps has the pox?”
“No, actually. I’ve never heard of the man. Ever. Which speaks volumes, doesn’t it? Such a nondescript and boring fellow could never be deserving of you, Lexi.” He leaned forward and his elbows rested on his knees as he stared into the depths of her eyes. “You deserve someone who will treat you as if you are the only woman on this planet. As if the sun will not shine unless you allow it.”
An unsettling frisson of emotion passed between them and several long breaths followed. He forced himself to break the moment and leaned back, his arm outstretched across the back of the settee, his eyes once again out the window.
Her voice sounded breathy when she spoke again. “It says Lord Kirkhill is short with a long beard.”
The comedic notation returned levity to the room and they smiled at the preposterous description.
“I have never been fond of beards.”
She wrinkled her adorable nose with the comment.
He brought his palm up to rub his jaw line in an instinctive gesture. “Shall I have my valet remove mine?” He meant it as a jest, although it cloaked his desire to discover her answer.
“No.” Her immediate retort objected. “No. Absolutely not. On you …”
He noticed her hesitation, although it lasted less than a heartbeat.
“On you, it is most handsome, Devlin.”
He smiled again. That was twice today he’d let his guard down far enough to produce a genuine smile. What the hell had got into him? Whatever it was, he’d have to find a way to get it out with the same haste as it developed. He forced his attention back to the window. Again.
“The last name on the list is Phineas. I can’t believe she did it. If her brother knew he would skin her alive.”
Her giggle pulled him from his contemplations, although a scowl replaced his smile. Had Phin asked to
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