Passionately Yours (Hellions of High Street 3)
Page 10
He couldn’t argue with that.
“That’s another reason I like Caro Sloane. She has such interesting knowledge about a wide variety of subjects. I wish I knew half the things she does.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” replied Alec. “In London, the three Sloane sisters are known as the Hellions of High Street. The mean-spirited gossip died down once the eldest married the very rich and very proper Earl of Wrexham. But the family is still considered a trifle odd.”
“Why?”
“Because their late father was an eccentric scholar and adventurer, and believed his daughters should have the same education as any son would receive.”
“He sounds like he was a very wise man,” murmured Isobel. “You’ve always encouraged me to be inquisitive and to learn new things.”
“I may revise my thinking,” shot back Alec.
She regarded him thoughtfully. “Interesting.”
Ignoring the comment, he spent several moments rearranging the empty decanter and glasses on the silver tray.
Looking up to find her gaze still focused on him, he gave an exasperated sigh. “What?”
“I’ve never seen a lady make you so agitated,” mused his sister. “It must mean something.”
“Yes—it means that she is too…”
Dangerous.
“Different,” he finished.
“I’m not sure that is such a bad thing.” Isobel tapped at her chin. “Lady Fiona Sunderland remarked last year that the wall around your heart is thicker and harder than Highland granite.”
“She should know,” he growled. “She tried using a hammer and chisel to chip away at my refusal to make her an offer of marriage.”
“Oh, I agree that the two of you would never have suited, but my point is, you’ve never shown the least emotion over any of the many ladies who have set their cap at you, since…”
Since he had been a callow, youthful fool.
Isobel looked apologetic.
“Forgive me, but if that is your point, I fail to see its meaning.” The whisky, which he had downed to bring a pleasantly mellow fuzziness to his thoughts, was now beginning to make his head ache.
“It means you’ve never let a lady pique your interest since… a long time ago.”
“Bella,” he warned in a low growl.
She ignored him and went on, “But admit it—you find Caro Sloane intriguing.”
“A more accurate adjective is ‘infuriating,’ ” replied Alec.
“Even better,” countered Isobel. “Heated feelings bode well for a passionate relationship.”
Deciding not to ask how she had come to that conclusion, he merely responded, “As I said, we are too different.”
“There is an old adage that says opposites attract.”
“And there is an even older one that says oil and water don’t mix,” scoffed Alec.
Isobel’s eyes lit with mirth. “Actually they do. Just ask any woman who’s spent time in a kitchen. You just have to put them together and shake or stir very vigorously.”
Chapter Three