Free Rescuing Rosalind (Three Original Ladies and Their Gentlemen) by G.G. Vandagriff Page B

Westringham the day before, he grew uncomfortable.
    “How could you be so careless of her reputation as to let me believe she was your mistress?” his former lieutenant had demanded.
    He had been at a loss. Why had he allowed it?
    “She’s a lovely woman. Even you must have noticed. How could you jeopardize her future in such a way?” Westringham had continued.
    Had his opinion of Rosalind mended enough that his friend declined to accompany him because he wished to make things up with her? Was he going to resume his courtship of her?
    Much as Buck cared for his friend, the idea made him uneasy. Why should it? I am not looking for a wife, but he is.
    His next thought surprised him. He was a good lieutenant. Not brilliant, but adequate. But he has no imagination. He is too conventional for Rosalind. She would be bored beyond belief married to him.
    A desire seized him to return to London before such a mistake could transpire. He must be very quick about his business at his estate. And somehow, he must convince Ruisdell that he would not lead Rosalind into further transgression if he wished to see her again.
    During the following days, as he strode his grounds bellowing orders, Rosalind’s face was frequently before him, wearing one of her naughtiest looks. He was forced to admit that he missed her. In fact, her absence from his life was becoming an aching hollow. What would he do when she married another?
    Tossing in his lumpy bed one night, Buck finally confessed to himself that he wanted to hold that slender form in his arms, kiss that lovely, long throat, unpin that glorious hair. In fact, his craving for her charms had become that of a sailor’s for fresh water in a drought. Thoughts of further intimacies tormented him as he imagined her turquoise eyes over her fan, teasing him. Had he been pursuing her without realizing it? He had never let a virtuous woman into his life before. Once again, he reminded himself that the true possession of Rosalind that he desired could only be enjoyed within the bonds of marriage.
    Throwing his blankets off, Buck strode to the window and looked out over his view of the sea as it was illuminated by the full moon. This house, this estate: it was for a family man. The sea was for him.
    The institution of marriage had never seemed to be for the likes of him. He was too much of a law unto himself. He could not see settling in one place, not even here. The world called to him—China, Japan, the South Pacific. There were many places he had never seen. After the scars inflicted by his own family life had healed, he had taken well to life as a wanderer. More than anything, he did not want to risk further wounds. Those closest to one had the power to hurt one the most.
    Then, unbidden, the thought came again that Rosalind would not be a typical wife. She was game for anything. That was her trouble. She would most probably welcome the kind of life he had in mind. Would she marry Westringham?
    Buck recommitted himself to winding up his business at his new home as quickly as possible.

{ 12 }
     
    F ANNY WAS VERY SURPRISED when Viscount Westringham paid her a call the day after the Marquis’s departure.
    “I thought it necessary that I come in person to offer my apologies for that misbegotten note I sent you. I am filled with dread every time I remember what I said.”
    Fanny mustered a smile. “Do not refine upon it overmuch. I am only glad you kept your suspicions to yourself. It was not well done of me to tease you so.”
    “You are very high-spirited. After the life I have led, I appreciate that. The amusements of the Season are far too tame, I find.”
    “Do you really? I am convinced that I have acted outrageously and deserve to be ruined.”
    “Put those thoughts from your mind. Though I should not say it, I am convinced that my former captain was the more at fault. As a matter of fact, I should be honored if you would accompany me to the theater this evening. Perhaps your sister and