Free The Training of a Marquess by Sandra Owens Page B

grateful he had protected her from Mrs. Fisherman’s scheming—and even more so, relieved to know she had a home for at least another month. But, then what?
    “How kind of your mother,” Mrs. Fisherman said, the disappointment clear on her face.
    Chase stood. “If you will excuse me, I need to check on the boys. It was my pleasure, Mrs. Fisherman, Miss Fisherman.”
    He bowed and strode out of the room. Claire smiled sweetly at Mrs. Fisherman.

Chapter Seven
    “Did you do anything special this afternoon, Claire?” Chase smothered a grin at her startled expression.
    “Ah. Well, I, ah…yes. I took a leisurely ride to the cliffs, my lord, and enjoyed a bit of time by the sea.”
    “Did you, now? Was the view worth the ride? Please, Claire, stop lording me.”
    Pink stained her cheeks. “Yes, Chase, the view was remarkable.”
    Chase almost snorted. He’d trapped her in a brilliant chess move and smugly waited for her to admit defeat. She’d found an escape, however, and he couldn’t resist the one question that would throw her off balance. Someday—at just the right moment—he’d admit he had seen her. That she thought the view remarkable shouldn’t please him so much.
    He had sent the boys to bed earlier and now he was alone with her, which he’d sworn not to allow. The woman responsible for scrambling his wits chewed on her bottom lip as she studied the board.
    He wished she wouldn’t do that.
    “Are you going to make a move in the near future, or do I have time for a snooze?”
    She grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Checkmate.”
    “Well, aren’t you the clever one? I was certain I had the game. Well done, Claire.”
    Pure pleasure lit her face. “Thank you.”
    Had compliments been rare in her life? “Who taught you to play chess?” Her smile faded and he regretted the question.
    “My father. Chess was the only game he considered worthy of one’s time. Mama could never grasp it. Papa taught me to play so he would have an opponent.”
    “You were obviously a good student.”
    She toyed with the Queen, spinning the piece on the board. “The first time I won a game, I was so proud of myself. I thought Papa would be pleased, but he wasn’t. He said arrogance in a woman was not a virtue, and I needed to curb my bluestocking ways if I ever wanted a husband. He never played a game with me again.”
    The last was said in a whisper of hurt. Chase had the insane urge to gather her in his arms and comfort her for her father’s stupidity. “I’m sorry, Claire.”
    “Why? You had nothing to do with it.”
    “No, I didn’t, but every child should have loving and supportive parents, and it doesn’t sound as if you were that fortunate.” He pretended not to notice the tears she blinked away.
    “No, I don’t suppose I was. I think it’s why you and your sons fascinate me. I find myself envying the way the three of you tease and laugh together. Other than being pleased that he had his heir in the nursery, Thomas had no interest in Andrew. I don’t think that would have changed much as Andrew grew older. I thought that was the way it was supposed to be. Until you and the twins.”
    She was breaking his heart. Had no one in her life seen how beautiful and intelligent she was? Had Derebourne not realized her worth? Apparently not. You were ten times a fool , he told the dead Derebourne.
    “Can I ask you a question, Chase?”
    Was she going to ask for another kiss? Did he want her to? “Yes, although I may choose not to answer.”
    “Fair enough. My father taught me curiosity was not attractive in a woman so I have tried not to be curious about your sons, but I am failing miserably. My question is this. Bensey said he used to call you my lord. I realize they were born on the wrong side of the blanket, and I think it is very honorable of you to openly claim them, but why would you make the twins call you my lord?”
    There was a flash of disappointment that she hadn’t asked for another