Page 80 of Make Mine a Marquess

“Nor have I,” Beatrice said. “I find them fascinating, but why meet here?”

“I wanted to be sure we were alone.” Phoebe had been careful about where to meet her cousin for fear of others overhearing. It seemed all the ladies were obsessed with gossip, especially the twin sisters. When Beatrice had expressed an interest in the orangery, a magnificent structure with tall glass windows, iron work, and red brick, with a flat roof and a central glass lantern, Phoebe recognized the opportunity.

Beatrice looked about. “No one is here. Even the gardeners seem to be taking an afternoon break.”

Phoebe halted by one of the tables. “I was with Landon.”

“When? You saw the orangery without me?” Beatrice stood by one of the trees and glared at her.

“Not the orangery. His bedchamber.”

“Oh!” Beatrice’s cheeks turned pink.

“I visited him last night.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “It was a night I’ll never forget.”

Beatrice’s eyes again darted around to be certain they were alone. “I’m not as shocked as I should be.”

“You’re not?”

“Your afternoons playing backgammon were a subterfuge of courting. I may have little experience with men, but the marquess has wanted you for some time now. I’m only surprised your mother has not noticed.”

“Are you sure she hasn’t?” Phoebe asked.

“I know she hasn’t.”

Phoebe bit her bottom lip. “Do you think Lord Willard has noticed?”

Beatrice waved a dismissive hand. “The baron is consumed with himself and his friends. He wouldn’t notice if the house fell upon his head!”

“I shouldn’t be relieved that the baron is oblivious, but I am,” Phoebe said.

“Good,” Beatrice said. “You know how I feel about the baron. Now, tell me about your night with Lord Landon.”

Phoebe rubbed her temple. “You won’t judge me?”

“No. I may have at first, but I’ve been spending more time with Aram.”

Phoebe blinked in surprise. “You have?”

“We’ve been walking the grounds in the evenings. My aunt Edith believes I’m abed.”

Beatrice’s aunt and chaperone was in her seventies and retired early. “Why haven’t I noticed?”

“Because you have eyes only for the marquess and I don’t blame you.”

Phoebe felt guilty and worried at the same time. She loved her cousin and the thought of her heartbroken or melancholy caused her to ache herself. “Oh, Beatrice. You know Mr. Adian is only temporarily in England. His home and life are in Egypt. I don’t want you to suffer a broken heart.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “Are you any different? Spending a passionate night with a man only to know your marriage to another is imminent?”

Phoebe’s heart clenched. The words, plainly spoken, rang true. The house party would come to an end and her future with the baron would begin.

And why should she? Landon didn’t offer her words of love, a ring, or a future. He’d only stepped foot back on English soil weeks ago. He needed to get the marquessate in order. The ledgers sprawled across the desk in his room were only the beginning.

He had demons to deal with as well. She’d been riveted to his every word as he’d told how he’d escaped the ship’s fire. He’d been concussed and without memory, afloat for days. And he’d been alone in a foreign land. The fact he’d survived was a miracle. More importantly, how much did such a horrific experience change a man? He might not speak of the tragedy, but it must weigh upon him.

She became aware of Beatrice watching her. Phoebe cleared her throat and met her cousin’s gaze. “You’re right. There is no future between us. I’ve known this from the first day he walked into the gardens. I’m not a virgin. You were the only person I told after Phillip left. I swore then never to act recklessly again. Still, when it came to Landon, I wanted to seize one night for myself. One night before I’m a married woman. One night instead of a lifetime of regret. Is that so wrong?”

Beatrice shook her head. “No. Like I said, I’m not one to judge. Maybe at one time I would have been shocked, but things have changed. After spending time with Aram, I have grown close to him. Not intimately as you two, but I have changed.”