“Aunts?” he asked.
She shrugged, looking at a painting of the very harbor they’d just left. Her father’s relationship with his brother was fair but he didn’t approve of his sister-in-law’s parenting practices. He’d never wanted to leave his daughters in her care. “My father hasn’t sent me to the countess yet.”
Crestwood cleared his throat. “It’s very nice what you’ve done for us, both of you.”
Ophelia nodded but she noted Juliet’s blush. She’d been irritated with her sister when she’d invited these men for dinner, but she understood why Juliet had. Apparently, she wasn’t the only Moorish sister starving for a bit of fun and romance. “We’re always happy to help guests of Seabridge Gate,” she answered. “If for some reason my father does not stop by on his w
ay home, I’ll see that he does first thing in the morning. In the meantime, there are two bedrooms upstairs and a third in the back, just down the hall. To reach the town square again, you only need continue up Mayfair Street.”
Juliet gave a small curtsy. “We’ll send a maid over as well to make sure you are comfortable.” She looked up at the ceiling, tapping her chin. “Miss Kitteridge lives in the village so it would be an easy assignment for her. Is that all right, Ophelia?”
“Of course,” she answered.
“Thank you,” Craven replied, giving her sister a long look.
It was innocent enough but Ophelia straightened, ready to defend her sister. She faced the lords who became their unexpected guests. “But let’s be clear that Miss Kitteridge is here for cleaning and shopping only.” She pressed her lips together as her face tightened. “And dinner tomorrow night will be a friendly event meant for introductions and polite conversation.” She turned to her sister. “Please step outside for just a moment.”
Juliet frowned but did as her sister commanded. Then she turned to face the four lords who had landed in Seabridge Gate. She met each of their gazes, including Chase. “None of you are to do anything untoward involving my staff or my family. Just so that you’re aware, the benefit of growing up in the country is that I’m adept at firing a pistol or a rifle. I’ll shoot you out of this town if I have to. There will be no debauchery in my village.”
Not one of them said a word. While Crestwood wore a look of surprise, his eyes widening, Craven’s face remained unchanged. She didn’t bother to look at Dashlane, instead focusing on Chase. He had the decency to look at the floor, his features tight with what she assumed was regret. She didn’t say another word as she turned and left.
Chapter Nine
Chase watched her walk down the steps and he started to follow but Crestwood grabbed his arm. “You wanted to protect them,” Crestwood said as Chase turned back to look at the man.
“Yes,” he said, his chest tightening. “I’ve grown weary of the so-called delights in this world and those women are…” He paused, picturing Ophelia. “More wholesome than any I’ve met in a long time.” Then he straightened to his full height. “I think it best that you gentlemen continue your journey north without delay. I also am quite good with a pistol and I’ve no intention of allowing the debauchery to spread to Seabridge Gate.”
Crestwood gave a jerky nod. “I understand, but I must tell you, her delivery was much better.”
Craven stared at him for a moment before he cleared his throat. “Will you marry Ophelia?”
“Yes,” he answered, surprising even himself with how little hesitation he felt. In fact, it was the first right thing he’d said in ages. “If she’ll have me. After today, I’m not so certain.” But he was going to try. For the first time in what felt like years, the fog surrounding his path had cleared. He knew exactly who he wanted to be, where he wanted to be, and what he desired for his future.
And that was next to Miss Ophelia Moorish.
He rubbed his hand through his hair. If only he’d come to that conclusion last night. This entire thing might have been easier. In fact, he’d likely already be engaged. Bloody idiot, that’s what he was.
Dashlane grimaced. “Sorry about that.” Then he cleared his throat. “But we might attend that dinner if for no other reason than to thank our hosts. This little house is so cheerful that I almost feel a deep regret—” He stopped. “But I can assure you that I will be on my best behavior.”
Craven nodded. “As will I.”
Crestwood grimaced but said nothing and Chase decided he didn’t care. One man he could handle. If Crestwood tried to misbehave with any of the Moorish sisters, he could take the man. With that in mind, he turned on his heel and started after Ophelia.
Reaching the square, he saw them start down a path that was dappled with trees and rocks. Surely it was a shortcut to the house so that they didn’t need to take the road. He picked up speed and caught up to them as they crested the first hill.
Juliet was talking nonstop. “Did you see them? They were so handsome. Crestwood is the leader, don’t you think? And Dashlane…what a dashing name.”
Ophelia lifted her skirts as they continued to climb up the hill. “No one likes a romantic story better than me but those men…” She paused, her feet slowing. “They are not the stuff of romantic fantasy, Juliet. They are nightmares.”
Juliet sniffed. “That’s easy for you to say. The duke’s interest in you is—”
Ophelia raised her hand. “Irrelevant.”
“I beg to differ,” he said, announcing his presence behind them. Both women jumped.
“What are you doing?” Ophelia huffed and then started moving again, pulling her sister along.
“I told you that I would escort you home.” He had every intention of keeping Ophelia in his sights now.