Page 38 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

Aunt Henrietta rolled her eyes. “Elias, I’ve told you a million times you cannot see. You need a lorgnette. And do not trust that fool with your ledgers. I hope you haven’t also shared them with Dupont.”

Her uncle blanched. “Lorgnettes are for women.”

“Oh, husband. For a brilliant man, you have the worst taste in friends. And why must you be so stubborn? Perchance your niece can double-check your work if you refuse to deal with you diminished eyesight.”

Madeline shook her head vehemently. Please, no. She’d die of boredom. She’d buy him quizzing glasses if she had to.

Luckily neither her aunt nor uncle pursued the issue.

“We will be spending today’s picnic with the captain. I take it you will do nothing to interfere with our afternoon,” Aunt Henrietta said.

Uncle Elias’ gaze was still vacillating between Madalene and his paper. “Fine.”

Once they were alone in the hallway, Aunt Henrietta grabbed Maddie’s forearm and whispered, “I told you I would handle it. Captain Eaton will propose before the week is up.”

Maddie giggled. Merciful heavens, she was sillier than a love-sick adolescent. But, oh, the picnic would be delightful. And fake spying was way better than scrutinizing and memorizing long lists of useless information.

Chapter fifteen

October 5th, 1817

Cladinwarmcoatsand colorful bonnets, the party meandered across the grassy field. The weather could not be more perfect. Crisp air, a blue sky, and golden rays dappling over the autumn foliage. In the distance, towers and spirals appeared above the trees.

Flanked between Lady Beaumont and Lady Saxton, Stephen strolled toward the lake where a tent, tables, and chairs had been set up for their picnic. Even though the woman talked incessantly, making Stephen’s head spin, they were better company than Dupont and Adams. Hell, Myrle and Diggins were more agreeable than Dupont and Adams.

Sylvia Beaumont grasped his elbow. “I dare say, this late morning constitutional agrees with Arabella. Look at her healthy glow.” She pointed in her daughter’s direction and beamed. “Do you agree, Captain?”

What kind of man would he be if he disagreed? “The fresh air does suit her,” he said, even though she was scowling at her younger sister.

Henrietta grasped his other elbow and inclined her chin toward Madalene, who smiled at a chittering squirrel. The fluffy-tailed animal, annoyed at those traipsing through its playground, squeaked at her as if she spoke squirrel. Perhaps she did because it hopped to her and held out its paws. She dropped an acorn at its feet. The little beast grabbed it and scampered up a tree.

Well, damn. The woman could even charm disgruntled rodents.

Sylvia tugged on Stephen, tucking him closer. “After lunch, you should accompany Arabella and me. We plan to explore the chapel at St. James Cathedral on the other side of the lake. The stained-glass windows are said to be exquisite.”

Henrietta tugged him in her direction. “I am afraid the captain has already agreed to accompany Madalene and me to the chapel.”

Well, that was a bald-faced lie. However, there was no person in the world he would rather be with than Madalene Spencer.

He winced. He’d better pull his head out of his arse and stay away from anyone of the female persuasion. With no other choice, he stopped short as he was tugged in different directions. The matriarchs seemed intent on ripping him into two. He should have stayed in his chamber and worked on his correspondence.

“Please forgive me, ladies. I must speak with Benjamin about business.” Extricating himself from their grips, he bowed and hastened away. He was almost to safety when his body and voice defied his brain. He turned and called, “Lady Saxton, I look forward to accompanying you and Madalene.”

Once he caught up to Calhoun, he groaned. What had he just committed to? Sir Saxton would slice off his balls.

His mate chuckled. “You look woebegone for a man in such demand with the ladies.”

Dare he confess how deep his attraction to Madalene Spencer was and the unfortunate situation he found himself in?

What in tarnation was wrong with him? He should kick his obsession to hell.

Since they were the first to reach the tent, Stephen and Calhoun scooped cups of apple cider, then sipped as they watched the parade of guests trickle into the picnic area.

Calhoun cleared his throat. “Arabella Beaumont is lovely.”

The nineteen-year-old second lieutenant was an overflowing barrel of male need. Although who was Stephen to pass judgment since his barrel also floweth over? Hell, his was filling so fast it might explode at any minute, taking a few casualties with it.

Stephen searched the field for the Beaumont sisters. Madalene now walked alongside Rose, and they appeared to be chatting. Even from a distance, Arabella’s scowl and Madalene’s genuine smile were evident.