The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(39)

“Yes, I’d like that very much.” The inclusive Langham family once again had taken her under their wings. “Thank you.”

Emma smiled and nodded. “Excellent.”

The duke turned his attention to Pembrooke, and the two men started a conversation about the upcoming week in the House of Lords.

“March?” Michael whispered.

As if called by a sorcerer, March slid her gaze to his.

“Are you happy?” he asked. With a stretch of his long legs brushing against her, he relaxed beside her.

The simple question along with his touch made her feel almost silly with giddiness. With an overwhelming lightness she hadn’t felt in years, not since her parents had died, she managed a slight nod.

“I’m delighted.” His whisper reminded her of a caress, the kind where a gentle finger ran across the skin of her face.

The tenderness in his gaze startled her. She’d imagined he touched her, hadn’t she? Her gaze swept across the table. Hopefully, no one noticed the effect he had on her. Unfortunately, William stared at her as if she were some unique creature from the ocean bottom.

When Michael turned his attention to his mother, William leaned across the table. “What have you done with my brother, Miss Lawson?” he whispered. “Cast a magical spell on him?” Totally at ease, he slowly reclined and regarded her with a wary smile.

She took a sip of wine. Something was going on between the two brothers, and she had no idea what it was. They spent an inordinate amount of time together. When Julia had asked William about his estate work, he’d been quick to change the subject.

She had to acknowledge the truth. If she had the opportunity like him to spend her days in Michael’s company, the sheep at Lawson Court might have to fend for themselves.





Chapter Ten

The family dinner ended, and everyone rose from the table. With tomorrow a busy day, no one lingered over tea or port. McCalpin exchanged good-byes with the family members who were leaving for their own homes. A sudden wave of discontent bit with enough force that he stopped before taking his own leave. The cause couldn’t be that he tired of his lonely existence. He’d never experienced such an emotion in his life. Yet, seeing Claire and Emma leave with their husbands left him on edge for some reason.

He dismissed the irritation. It was little more than a reminder he needed to discuss what happened at the modiste’s shop with March and explain she had no cause to worry over money anymore.

He briefly wished William a good night, then turned to March. “Would you have a few moments this evening? I’d like to show you something.”

“Of course.” She dipped her head, and a slight pink tinted her cheeks.

Every time he drew near, she seemed to blush. Really, it was completely charming. Without a word, he leisurely led her through a stroll of the various halls of the massive home until they reached the family’s portrait gallery, a lovely room that showcased the many generations of the Dukes of Langham and their families from the first duke, William, who had served King William and Queen Mary to the current duke, McCalpin’s father. Floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded one wall and gave a spectacular view of the increasing snowfall.

Standing elegantly tall, she surveyed the scene outside before turning to him. Her face had softened, making her even more beautiful.

“It’s so peaceful with the snow.” She turned her attention back to the view of Langham Park. Her straight profile was like a lightning rod that forced a jolt of desire to charge through his body. He took a deep breath. He wanted to ease her concerns about money, not seduce her. However, it was becoming bloody near impossible to ignore her and the effect she had on him.

“It’s a magnificent sight,” he agreed, not tearing his gaze from her person. He cleared his throat and took a step forward. “March, let’s sit.”

He waited for her to take the settee that faced the window before he joined her. His leg pressed against hers, and he frowned. He hadn’t done that deliberately, but he relished the heat of their contact.

She frowned in return. “Have I done something to displease you?”

“No, just lost in my thoughts.” He smiled, hoping she’d relax.

She adjusted her bottom until they touched from hip to knee. She seemed completely unaware of his discomfort as she studied the softly falling snow.

“My mother shared what happened at the dress shop yesterday.” He studied her profile. When she swallowed gently, the movement emphasized the elegance of her long neck. God, he was tempted to place his lips there to see if she tasted as sweet as she appeared. A wild need to feel the throbbing of her pulse against his mouth coursed through him.

She turned, and a gentle smile favored her lips. “I’m afraid I made a fool of myself at Her Grace’s favorite shop—”

He touched her lips with his forefinger to halt her words. “No. I apologize. I should have had this conversation with you earlier. I just assumed you were aware I’d take care of the expenses for all the preparations for the Season. Mother, of course, wanted to pay for your new wardrobes.”

“Why would you do that?” she asked with incredulity. Her brow creased as she contemplated him as if he were a puzzle. “That’s not proper.”

“It’s what a guardian does.” He took a deep breath and continued. “My uncle was a close friend to your father’s. My family is extremely loyal to friends, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. By giving assistance, I know that the effort would please my namesake if he were here today.”