Page 14 of Gone With the Rogue
“Before I left London the first time, and before he met you, we spent many evenings together playing cards. He was more skilled than I at hazard and roulette, all the games. He was an expert at the billiards tables, though that didn’t stop me nor anyone else from trying to beat him every chance we got. I don’t know of anyone who ever had a complaint about him. You get to know a man when he sits across a card table from you. Stewart was fair-minded and even-tempered whether winning or losing. He was the kind of man everyone wanted as their friend.”
“Yes, he was, Mr. Stockton,” she said quietly. “He enjoyed life and took pleasure in watching others enjoy it, too.”
“That’s the way I remember him, too. He was a worthy opponent shooting a pistol, musket, or bow, and he could fence better than most of us.”
“Stewart loved all his pursuits, especially when putting his money on a successful race.” Brina breathed in heavily and smiled. “He always believed he had a good eye for a winning horse and was quite proud of all his horses.”
“He was never boastful about it.”
“No, he wasn’t,” Brina agreed. “He was quite respectful about his attributes and accomplishments. Thank you for letting me know your memories of him, Mr. Stockton. That means more to me than you couldpossibly know. It’s been a long time since Stewart’s death, and not many people take the time to even mention his name to me anymore. I appreciate that you did.”
Listening to Mr. Stockton converse with Brina about her husband touched Julia deeply. His voice was even, genuine, and considerate without a hint of placating. He believed what he was saying about Brina’s husband. There was nothing Mr. Stockton could have possibly said or done that would have pleased Julia more than his comforting words to her dear friend. And by Brina’s sweet expression, Julia had a feeling he’d just made a friend for life.
Mr. Stockton nodded to Brina and then focused his attention back on Julia. She felt another tug at her heart as he looked at her, and she would love to be free to explore it and act on what she was feeling. Most any lady would be drawn to such a man. The difference was that Julia was no ordinary lady. She had boundaries the duke had put around her. She had to be sensible about Mr. Stockton.
He’d said what he’d come to say. Much as she would like, she couldn’t let him linger.
“Thank you for stopping by, and for removing the net from the tree.”
“I was happy I could do that for you, Lady Kitson.”
“If you’ll tell me the name of the shop where you left it, I’ll pick it up and save you the trouble of having to go back and worry with it.”
He was silent for a moment and seemed to be seriously considering her suggestion, but then to her surprise, he said, “It’s no trouble for me. I left it there. I should be the one to pick it up and bring it back to you.”
Julia’s breath fluttered in her throat. She would likethat, too. But it was dangerous for her to encourage him no matter how much she liked the idea of doing so. “Perhaps you could return it to The Seafarer’s School for Girls. There’s a house in front of the school. I can pick it up from there.”
“I’ll let you know when I’m going to do that.”
As if sensing Julia’s frustration over the situation she was in, Brina walked over to stand beside her. “Lady Hallbury is having an afternoon tea on Saturday,” she informed Mr. Stockton. “Her parties are always a delight. Julia and I will be attending.”
Brina looked at Julia and smiled so innocently Julia had no choice but to return her pleasant expression and say, “Yes. We will.”
“Perhaps we’ll see you there, Mr. Stockton,” Brina added.
Mr. Stockton nodded to Brina before his gaze swept over to Julia once again. A deep warm glow seemed to fill her. Yes. She would love to see him there.
“It was my pleasure to see you, Lady Kitson.” He bowed, turned, and headed toward the doorway.
“What are you doing?” Brina whispered. “Don’t just stand there.” She made brushing motions with her hands. “You must at least see him to the door. Go.”
“I don’t need encouragement to do something I shouldn’t do.”
A wild squeal of merriment startled Julia. The shrieking was followed by childlike laughter and little feet rushing down the stairway.
Julia huffed. “Chatwyn knows better than to run down the stairs. I’ve told him a thousand times he’s going to fall and hurt himself one of these days.” She picked up her skirts and marched toward the corridor. “Chatwyn!” she called. “Slow down!”
She entered the corridor in time to see her son careen into Mr. Stockton at the front door. Chatwyn giggled, wrapped both his arms around one of Mr. Stockton’s legs, and looked up at the man gleefully.
Chapter 5
Gasping in horror that her little boy would be so familiar as to lock his arms around a stranger’s thigh, or anyone’s, and be happy as a puppy while doing so, immobilized Julia. Mr. Stockton seemed completely calm. He looked down at Chatwyn, ruffled his hair a couple of times, and asked, “Who are you running from?”
“Miss Periwinkle is after me.”
Julia could only manage a whispered, “Chatwyn, what are you doing?”
“Playing chase,” he answered loudly, looking around Mr. Stockton’s long, sturdy, and quite powerful-looking leg to stare at Julia. A gleam of youthful mischief shone in his bright blue eyes. He giggled again. “And I caught him. It’s his turn to chase me now.”
