you intriguing.”
She looked away from me then and kept her gaze straight ahead. “Is that so? Well, I believe you are up to something.”
I hadn’t expected her to hit so closely to the truth. She was intelligent of that I had no doubt. However, this was impressive. Uncomfortably so.
“Why would you think that?” I asked because I could think of nothing else to say. She’d blindsided me.
She didn’t respond right away, but when she did, she looked back up at me. Those eyes of hers so full of wisdom and disillusionment. She didn’t have the same sparkle of hope most ladies in society did. There was no fairy tale brewing in her head or dreams of being a title that held esteem and power.
“Your eyes say much about you, Mr. Compton. Just as your brother’s do. I amuse you and that is why we are out today. Nothing more. I’m a moment of intrigue and that is all. I don’t harbor some hope of more where you or Lord Ashington are concerned. I came to London for my sister and I will do what I must for her future happiness. I have no desire to play any games you may have; I simply have no time for them.”
Words so bluntly expressed without a batting of lashes and flirtatious grin, I had never heard from a lady’s mouth. At least not in London. Taking a quick glance at Miriam, I asked, “Are you sure you aren’t from Paris?” I knew she was not but the way she did not hold her tongue and expressed her thoughts so boldly reminded me of the reason I much preferred Paris.
Miss Bathurst smirked then and her shoulders seemed to be a touch straighter than before, if that were possible. “Thank you,” she said simply.
Frowning now unsure of why I was receiving thanks, I paused but a moment then asked. “You are most welcome, but what is it I am being recognized for?”
Miss Bathurst grinned then. A smug grin, not at all an expression I expected to see on her face. It was almost wicked and damn if it wasn’t appealing. She need not do anything to be more appealing, but yet here she was flashing a smile that could make a man’s knees weak without notice. “There are many things I do not wish, Mr. Compton. Being one of the many silly English ladies in search of a husband is one of them.”
But yet she was here in London for the season doing just that. “Correct me if I am wrong, but you are, indeed, in London for the marriage mart, are you not?”
She sighed then and her shoulders drooped only the slightest inch. “Yes, you know that I am. It does not mean I want to be or that I wish to appear to be like all the others. A husband was never something I desired. I realize that may come as a shock to you, but not all women want to be married. Not all women want to give up their freedom to be… to be…,” she paused and then waved her hand in the general direction of the others out for a stroll, “them.”
I didn’t need to look about to understand her words. I was fascinated by Miriam Bathurst, but I had been since the moment I watched her turn my brother down. She was an anomaly in a sea of indistinguishable females.
“You are the most fascinating lady I have ever known,” I told her truthfully.
A small smile touched her lips then and her cheeks turned a light pink. I found an odd pleasure in knowing I had made her blush. I did not believe such a feat would be easy. If I wasn’t careful, Miss Miriam Bathurst would ruin everything I had set in motion.
Chapter Ten
The Earl of Ashington
I was too young for this. Too young to be weighed down with choosing the proper wife. Or was I too damn picky. Whatever my problem, I had to get my priorities sorted. Emma deserved a mother and I would supply her with just that. However, I must first overcome the issues I currently faced. Staring down into my glass of brandy, I knew the answers weren’t there, but at least it took the edge off my dilemma.
Today’s visit to Lydia Ramsbury’s home had proven several things. One, she was a proper lady, she had been raised to run a home, she was aware of all that was required of a countess, she