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Charlie rolled her eyes but Dane didn’t pay attention to either of his family members. He was busy watching Juliet. She gave him a wide, unfettered smile that showed her straight white teeth behind those lush lips. He studied her mouth, wishing he could kiss her. Then he blinked. Clearly all this talk of love had scrambled his head.
“Lord Hartwell is on my team,” she called, and finally dropping his arm.
For the next half hour, they played, laughed and Dane found himself relaxing in their company. It was honest and easy and he enjoyed the brunch immensely.
Mr. Moorish approached him as the game disbanded. “My lord,” he said, giving Dane a large smile. Dane blinked, realizing it was the same open smile that Juliet had given him earlier. “His Grace tells me that you’ve booked a room at the inn, but I must extend my invitation for you and your sister to stay here. You’ll be far more comfortable.”
Dane shifted, appreciating the offer. Charlie was eager to return to London but time with the Moorish family would surely be a welcome diversion while in the country. “I would appreciate that greatly.”
Mr. Moorish shook his hand again. “Most excellent. Since we’ll be family, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to get to know you better.”
A bit of guilt over his suspicions made his mouth tighten as he nodded. “So am I.”
Mr. Moorish turned away again just as Chase approached. “Dane,” Chase clapped him on the back. “So glad you could make it.”
Some of the tension eased. “I’m glad to be here.”
“Would you like to take a walk? The beach is stunning.”
He gave a nod. “Shall I get Charlie?”
Chase shook his head, his smile waning. “No. I think this should just be the two of us. We’ve some things to discuss, don’t we?”
Dane gave a nod. They did.
The two men set out, heading down a steep, rocky path that wove its way down a bluff to the shoreline below. Chase started down the beach at a brisk pace.
Dane struggled to keep up. “You’re going rather fast.”
Chase looked back with a nod. “It’s amazing how much more exercise I get here. I’m in better shape already.” Chase stopped, pointing to an outcropping of rocks. “If you look behind that jagged stone, you’ll find a hidden spot that the stone blocks the wind. I proposed to Ophelia there.”
Dane crossed his arms over his chest. “How sweet.”
Chase turned to his cousin. “Now I know you’re suspicious. You never use the word sweet.”
“I’m not suspicious. I just happen to believe you should know a woman for longer than a week before you propose. I know everyone thinks that I’m crazy, but from where I stand, I’m the sane one.”
Chase scrubbed his scalp with his fingertips. “I do see your point. And I can’t explain this to you but Ophelia, she’s just…right. She fits me like no other person ever and I won’t wait any longer to start my life with her.”
His shoulders sagged a bit. Chase was a grown man, a duke no less, and Dane had no say in the matter. “Do you remember the time you went to that gaming hell and I told you not to go? And you ended up in a duel?”
Chase let out a long breath, his face darkening. “You took my place. You know I’m a terrible shot.”
Dane gave a single nod. “I can’t save you from this one if you’ve made a mistake. Not if you won’t listen to me.”
Chase stepped closer to his cousin. “I’ve made plenty of good decisions in my life too, Dane. And this is one of them.”
Dane gave a small jerk of his chin. He’d keep his eyes open, but he hoped his cousin was correct.
“Sp
eaking of good decisions…” Chase started walking. “You seem awfully interested in Juliet.”
His gut twisted. “We’re not discussing this yet. Unlike you, I proceed with a great deal more caution.”
“Fine.” Chase laughed. “Have it your way.”
* * *
