A Warriner To Tempt Her. Virginia Heath

a limp and her hips undulated in a very pleasing fashion with each graceful step. Towards the end of the evening, his feet had been compelled to head in her direction again. The studious Bella might appreciate his scholarly conversation and he was tired of making small talk with those who would deign to tolerate a Warriner. He was curious to know her thoughts on Laennec’s paper, or maybe to discuss ancient Egyptian medicine some more. Even the state of Tom’s tonsils was more appealing than listening to more gossip and nonsense about ribbons. He had been a few feet away when the ethereal Clarissa had appeared out of nowhere and claimed him again for a second dance and then the opportunity was gone. The Beaumont carriage had left shortly afterwards after both girls were ushered out by their father, who had obviously had quite enough provincial society for one evening. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed Clarissa’s company.’

      ‘And the lovely Bella?’

      ‘Frankly confuses me. One minute she is as prickly as a hawthorn and the next she is...’ How to explain it? Joe frowned and pondered for a moment. ‘Bella is obviously clever and her commitment to the infirmary is surprising for a woman of her upbringing. Yet she is eminently capable, very well read...yet insular. Sometimes she is downright snippy, although I suspect she is shy. And then—bang—she is animated and engrossed in a topic.’ Like his stethoscope and Laennec’s research. ‘Half the time I don’t know what to make of her.’

      Jake had leaned forward and was listening intently. ‘She’s a conundrum.’

      ‘Yes. I suppose she is.’

      ‘You’ve always liked a conundrum. They excite that enormous brain of yours.’ He grinned, looking every inch the rake he was. ‘Admit it! You find the enigmatic Bella intriguing.’

      ‘I find her sister intriguing—and Bella interesting.’

      Jake pierced him with a glare, one which reminded Joe his flippant brother was more astute than he liked to let on. ‘You’re lying. I saw you trying to sneak off when she was surrounded by her other suitors. I saw you look at your pocket watch, the wall, her sister...you were bored stiff by Clarissa!’

      ‘I adore Clarissa. She is an angel. A diamond...’

      ‘Good grief, you’re at it again! Listen to yourself—diamonds. Angels! Why is it whenever you set your cap at a girl, she becomes this ethereal object to be revered from a distance? A woman of such dazzling perfection she is untouchable and unflawed.’