Page 29 of Redemption of a Marquess

Chapter Six

Valan arrived with Miss Matheson and Miss Stone at his cousin’s home and directed the servant to escort the ladies to the garden. He then went to the drawing room where he was told his cousin rested. Legs curled up beneath her skirts on a pale yellow divan, Peigi rested her chin on her arm, which was stretched out across the divan back. She turned her gaze from the window overlooking the east lawn.

“Valan, what a surprise.” She straightened and extended a hand.

He dutifully crossed the room, grasped her fingers and bowed over them. “You are looking well,” he said.

She sighed. “Well, I am not well.”

Valan sat on the far end of the divan. “Are you ill?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know I am never sick. Nae, it is Richard. He is intolerable.”

“Ah, what has your husband done now?” Valan asked.

She pouted. “You needn’t act as if it is he who must tolerate me. I know how you men are.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes, you protect one another.”

“If that is true, it is only because women are such formidable foes.”

“There you are,” she cried. “Why must men see women as foes?”

“I doubt I could explain it to your satisfaction,” he said.

“Because the notion is ridiculous,” she replied.

“You are probably right. In any case, I did not come here to discuss the male mind. I need your help.”

“My help?” Her brows rose. “I have never known you to ask anyone for help.”

“Be that as it may, I am doing so now. I am planning a party and would like you to help.”

“A party?” She frowned. “You never throw parties.”

“I admit, it has been some time.”

She regarded him. “What are you up to?”

“I am not ‘up to’ anything. I have simply taken a ward and am introducing her into society.”

“Her?” Peigi stiffened. “You are mistaken, sir, if you think I will be party to your affaire de coeur.”

“This is no affair,” he replied mildly.

“No one will be fooled by the pretense—least of all Richard. You know he will never allow me to associate with one of your light o’ loves. Besides, I know you too well.”

“Pray tell, what do you know?”

“I know that you do not do anything that doesn’t benefit you. Don’t be cross,” she quickly added. “We all have our faults and that is yours. I love you, nonetheless.”

“I am grateful. However, despite your…accurate assessment of my character, Miss Matheson is, indeed, my ward and nothing more.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“My dear, Peigi, have you ever noted amongst my, er, shortcomings, that I am a liar?”