Perfectly Flawed by Shirley Marks Read Free Book Online Page B

navigate, even
on the brightest of days."

    "And yet the Duke's children managed to traverse this
difficult maze." A smile touched Sir Philip's lips. "Your
father, the Duke, is a very clever man."
    "I believe you will have the pleasure of making his
acquaintance. We expect Papa to return home in a day or
two. It depends only on how quickly he is able to leave
Parliament."
    "Sits in the House of Lords, does he?"
    Muriel nodded.
    "Quite commendable. I, too, plan to take my place
when my time comes. My father can't be bothered to attend. It's inexcusable, if you ask me." He may have shown
his parent in an unflattering light, but Philip would voice
his opinion. "People depend upon him and he shirks his
duty simply because he ... chooses not to assume the responsibility. When one is in a position of influence, one
must do what one can to promote conditions for those who
cannot"
    "Well said, sir," she agreed.
    "What other structures of note are there at Faraday
Hall? Did we or did we not pass an orangery adjacent to
the conservatory on our way here?"
    "We did."
    "Had you planned for us to inspect that as well?"
    "I was hoping you would insist."
    "I do. Now let us be on our way." Philip stepped to
the ground and raised his hand to aid her descent.
    Muriel hesitated for a few moments but then accepted
his gesture. Her refined conduct was a far cry from the country girl he had first thought her when they met earlier that day.

    "Do not think I have not noticed," he said, surreptitiously admiring her beneath his lowered lids. "You are
quite the lady in that frock."
    "Is that an actual compliment? For me?" She glanced
up to him when stepping upon the ground. "I'm afraid
your pretty sentiments fall upon deaf ears."
    "That cannot be."
    "I'm afraid so. I am certain I would ruin your day by
admitting that not everyone dresses at the height of fashion on a daily basis."
    "Are you referring to yourself? That would be a shame.
When your time comes to marry, I daresay you shall be
quite as breathtaking as your sister." His attention drifted
into the distance, in the direction of the pond and Charlotte. He paid no mind to his companion's reaction.
    "I take it you would like to join our other guests?"
Muriel studied him, gauging his interest.
    "For tea, yes. I'm afraid that I am not, as of yet, ready
for a wife." Philip knew that someday he must do his
duty-marry and provide for the future of his family
line. It was a step he would not take lightly. "A lovely
face is often enough found, but what I require is more. I
must find a woman with whom I can share more than
occasional polite words. Do not mistake me, young lady.
I find your sister very lovely indeed."
    Muriel gazed heavenward; clearly she was tolerating
his lengthy discourse.

    "It takes far more than mere beauty, I dare say. Your
sister may be perfection itself in one respect, but I cannot vouch for her other qualities," he told her truthfully.
"It has been my experience that young women who have
the extreme beauty your sister possesses have characters that I consider somewhat ... lacking."
    Muriel might have been insulted on her sister's behalf
if she were not so overjoyed at his declaration. She need
not worry that he should try to infiltrate her family by
marriage.
    "You do not wish to marry a beautiful lady?" Muriel
found herself curious about his requirements for a wife.
What did Sir Philip think important?
    "I shall not complain, mind you, but beauty is not
everything, not even the most important quality. Those
types of women rely primarily on their appearance instead of substance to achieve their goals. Thus, as they
grow into mature womanhood, they become selfish, selfcentered, and vain."
    To lump any and all pretty girls into a single category and chastise them all? The man is too hateful!
    "I expect a wife to be not only accomplished in music
and the arts but, above all, in possession of a large quantity of compassion."
    Muriel stared