Lady in Demand(2)

She laughed. Not a trill or titter, a genuine laugh that made her eyes light and those bewitching lips tilt at the corners.

“So you are not quite the stiff-necked peer I had always believed you to be, my lord.”

“Not all of us wish to be peacocks, Miss Langley.”

“Nor peahens, my lord.”

“Touché.”

“Miss Langley, may I procure you some refreshment?”

Finn had known he wouldn’t be speaking to Phoebe Langley for long, because her beauty dictated that she was sought by every man, be he young or old.

“Thank you, Mr. Phillips, that is very kind of you.” Finn watched the young man’s face turn red as she bestowed a smile on him.

“Phillips,” Finn greeted him with a curt bow.

“Lord Levermarch, pleasure.” The man bowed so deep his nose touched his knees. When he righted himself, his fringe flopped over his eyes. God, had he ever been that young.

“Shall we, Miss Langley?”

“Lord Levermarch, it has, as always, been a pleasure to converse with you.” Finn watched as she slid into another curtsy which displayed the valley between her breasts. She then flashed her teeth at him, and with a flick of her cream satin skirts was gone.

Sucking in a deep lungful of air, Finn unclenched his fists and tried to ease the tension in his body, yet he was doomed as her scent wrapped around him like an elusive mist.

His first sight of her had been at the Twoaks Derby last year, and Finn had felt as if someone had sucked all the air out of him as he’d watched her smile at her sister. Her beauty was in every line of her body and had her personality matched, he would have offered for her that day. However, on closer acquaintance he realized that she was in fact a woman who spoke her mind and cared little for the opinion of others. These views were not dissimilar to his own; however, he had decided long ago that he wanted a wife who would be happy raising their children and living a quiet life. Phoebe Langley was not that person. Finn knew how perverse his views were, and that admiring the traits she displayed in men but not in her was unreasonable, but it was the way he wanted things to be, and living with volatile parents had only reinforced that belief.

“Just a few more inches and you should be able to take a mouthful.”

“What?” Looking across the refreshment table, Finn saw his friend, Lord William Ryder, had approached without him knowing.

“I’ve been watching you. That drink has been up and down to your mouth at least five times and you have yet to take a mouthful.”

Looking down, Finn noted the glass in his hand and wondered when he had picked it up. It was her fault, bloody woman. She was like an insect bite, continually causing him irritation.

“I’m told the crab patties are superb.”

Snorting, Finn lowered his glass and deliberately reached for one and then, placing the entire thing in his mouth, he chewed and swallowed.

“Your wife’s sister told me they are not good for a man with ill-humors who is advancing in years.”

Finn watched Will throw back his head and laugh. Tall and dark, women had thrown themselves at Will Ryder for as long as he could remember, but Will had caught only one; his wife, Olivia.

“No one has a way with words quite like Phoebe,” Will said, reaching for the last crab patty that Finn had had his eye on.

“She’s outspoken with little regard for the conventions of society, Will.”

Silence followed Finn’s comment, until finally Will said. “My wife and I are very partial to Phoebe, Finn, and while you hold the same place in my life, I would advise you not to speak too badly of her in my presence.”

“Will, I’m sorry—”

“I understand that she may have provoked that uncharacteristic outburst from you,” he added. “But just remember one thing, my friend. Appearances are deceptive, and I will add that Phoebe is one of the kindest people I know. I would also point out that whilst you rarely make a scene you are the most outspoken, opinionated person I know.”

“When was the last time you heard me outspoken in public?” Finn questioned.

“You told Lord Hardy he was a fool for believing the threat of poverty was abating, and that he had better polish his monocle better next time.”

“We were in our club. That’s different.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Finn realized how pompous he sounded.

“So what you’re saying is that a man can speak as he finds in his club or whatever other male bastion he is in, but a woman must hold her tongue until she is where? In her bedroom?”

Finn didn’t often feel shame; in fact, he couldn’t remember the last time. He always showed people the correct amount of respect and never knowingly insulted or upset a person to achieve his own ends. He was ruthless when required, yet never ignorant, or so he believed. Will’s gray eyes were steady on his as he waited.