Page 58 of When the Scoundrel Sins

She smiled through the tears that threatened at her lashes. “Of course.”

He grinned at her, one that looked for all the world like one of Quinton’s…but somehow wasn’t quite the same. Oh, it was charming and brilliant, certainly. But it lacked the earnestness and warmth she’d always found in Quinn’s smiles. A genuine love for life and unabashed exuberance.

Robert’s smile only made her ache more for Quinn.

She glanced nervously past his shoulder, feeling like a goose for once again checking…“Is Quinton with you?”

“I don’t know where he is.” Then he added, his voice tinged with sadness, “Most likely halfway to Liverpool.”

His words jarred into her. A stark reminder that in one week—perhaps even after tonight’s announcement—Quinton would be on his way to America. And away from her. Forever.

Sobering at the sight of her troubled expression that Belle was unable to hide, Robert explained quietly, “He needs a sense of worth in his life, one separate from the family.”

Her chest tightened at that very succinct, dead-on description of his brother. That was exactly the person Quinton had revealed himself to be—a man who wouldn’t settle for anything less than proving his full value to the world.

“He hasn’t had much chance to do that,” Robert added, “and it grates at him. He thinks he’ll be able to succeed in South Carolina.”

Belle was certain of it. Since his arrival, he’d helped greatly with the estate, more so than she’d thought possible given the devil-may-care attitude of his younger days. He’d demonstrated a natural talent for estate management, and his charming personality was perfect for interacting with the tenants and workers. He’d be a grand success.

But she wouldn’t be there with him to see it.

She forced a smile for Robert, hoping to hide the sorrow gnawing at her chest. “What do you think of his plans?”

“I think he’s better off staying right here,” he said seriously.

She nodded, sighing out the truth, “He belongs in England. He’ll miss his family too much.” A faint smile touched her lips. “As well as London and all the trouble he gets into there.”

A knowing gleam flickered in Robert’s eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”

He moved away to let the next person approach to congratulate her, and Belle stared after him, bewildered.

Not what he’d meant? If not England, then…

“Oh,” she whispered, the sudden realization dawning on her. Robert’s subtle comment sent a quiet warmth twisting through her, a tiny tendril of hope—

No.

Taking a deep breath, she quashed whatever reckless optimism had just flamed inside her. No good would come of dreaming of what could never be, and she could never admit the truth aloud. That she wanted nothing more than to keep him right there at Glenarvon. With her.

As if fate had heard her thoughts, the crowd parted. Only for a fleeting moment, but long enough to catch a flash of golden blond beneath the blaze of the chandeliers on the far side of the room—

Quinton.

Dressed impeccably, he wore a superfine black jacket and blue brocade waistcoat that further accentuated the rich gold color of his hair and the wide breadth of his shoulders. Muscular thighs stretched beneath white trousers that matched the snow-white of his cravatthat boldly contrasted the midnight-blue of his eyes. He held a glass of whisky in one hand as he listened to the group around him, with his other hand tucked into the small of his back and his feet wide. Quiet confidence exuded from him—the perfect stance of a gentleman who knew exactly who he was and what he wanted.

Her body reflexively tightened at the sight of him.Sweet heavens…so handsomely formal in attire, so comfortably casual in stance. Of course, he stood with a group of women, but truly, where else would Quinn be but surrounded by ladies, their attentions riveted to him? Just as hers was. He smiled that beaming grin of his and made them all feel the full effect of his charm, as if each of them were the most beautiful woman in the room.

The scoundrel she’d known had grown into so much more, and she no longer saw him as an impish rogue but as the capable man he’d become. As the true partner and friend with whom she could share her life.

Somehow, when she wasn’t looking, Quinton had found his way into her heart. Now, when she closed her eyes at night and dreamed of a husband, it was his charming smile she saw. The quiet evenings before the fire she longed to have were with him. The children she imagined had his same grin and sparkling blue eyes, his same golden-blond hair. And it was Quinn she fantasized about welcoming into her bed, the only man she ever wanted to give herself to.

In mid-laugh, Quinn glanced up and caught her watching from across the room. An electric jolt swept over her as his eyes darkened on her, a predatory look pulsing with so much possessiveness and desire that she trembled. He held her captive beneath his gaze for a mere half dozen heartbeats, but in that moment, he set her heart somersaulting. It was as if a silken ribbon joined them, one that tangled through her and made her a part of him, and him a part of her. She couldn’t remember what it was like not to have that connection to his strength and warmth. As she drew in a deep, shaking breath and felt the rush of emotion slice through her, she knew then, without a doubt…

She loved him.

Then the crowd closed back in, and he was gone.

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