Page 141 of From Rakes to Riches

“I’m not finished,” he scolded her gently. “And it wouldn’t matter if the Prince Regent told me to stop seeing you, I’d refuse, knowing he was only saying that so he could scoop you up himself.”

Lola laughed a little, the sound delightful. “Are you sure?” she asked, though her voice no longer sounded tentative.

“Yes.” He breathed deep, hoping she would come to realize what he already knew without a doubt. “Don’t you realize how much I care about you?”

“Yes,” she answered immediately and leaned up to look into his eyes. “I do. That’s why I asked about visiting Margaret. Because I care about you.”

“Good. That’s settled. We don’t need to discuss the subject again,” he said knowingly. “Now that we’re both awake, are you hungry? I arranged for there to be a light meal left in the kitchen in case we wanted something to eat.”

“You arranged for my horse and for the house to be quiet.” Her fingertips feathered through his chest hair as she spoke, a hint of humor in her voice. “And you arranged for a meal. So, I have one other question.”

“What’s that?” he asked, placing his hand over hers.

“If the rain continues, there’ll be no need for me to go to Vauxhall today. Not for practice or a performance.” She looked up at him, her brows raised in question. “Did you arrange for this weather too?”

“Very clever,” he said with a smile. “Unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of authority. Although, I’ll never begrudge a rainy day again.”

24

The rain continued through mid-morning and Theodore’s staff reappeared as if they’d hidden in the woodwork and simply materialized to begin their duties for the day. Fires were stoked, curtains were drawn, and an elaborate tray with delicious breakfast foods and steaming tea was delivered to the sitting room adjoining Theodore’s bedchamber.

Lola looked down at the oversized banyan she’d selected from Theodore’s dressing room and clenched her eyes shut with an inconvenient reality.

“I have nothing else to wear aside from my evening gown,” she said, replacing her tea cup on the saucer. “I need to go home.”

“I can see how that might present a problem,” he murmured. “Although I have no complaint about your present attire.”

“Somehow, I knew you would say that.” She hummed a little sound of amusement. “What time are we expected at Margaret’s this evening?”

“Dinner is at seven,” he replied. “I’ll have my carriage return you to your home as soon as you’re ready to leave. I’m sending an additional tiger with you.”

“That isn’t necessary,” she objected, not wanting to inconvenience anyone. “It’s midday and?—”

“Ihaven’t forgotten that someone held a knife to your back and threatened you, even if you have. Just because it’s been quiet of late doesn’t mean it will stay that way and I’m not willing to take a chance with your safety,” he stated firmly.

“I suppose you’re right,” she said as she placed her napkin on the table and stood. “I’ll get dressed now.”

“If you must.” He smiled across the tea tray. “And I want you to know I’m already looking forward to seeing you this evening.”

“You really shouldn’t say things like that.”

“Whyever not?” He asked.

“It causes all kinds of fluttering inside me,” she confessed. “And I find I can’t think straight for hours afterward.”

“Then maybe you should take to bed immediately and lie down?” he said with a roguish grin.

“You’re incorrigible!” She let out a playful squeal as she evaded his grasp and made for the bedchamber. “I’m getting dressed now.”

“Yes, you did mention that,” he called after her, matching her laughter.

When she reached the boarding house, it was still raining steadily. A part of her had wished the weather would clear. She wasn’t altogether comfortable with the idea of a dinner party at Margaret’s house. Yet at the same time she knew if she was going to become part of Theodore’s world, she needed to meet his friends. So much had happened in the past few days, both pleasurable and elucidating, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the pace of things.

She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, recalling how they’d made love through the night. She’d never felt closer to someone, as if he understood her without words, in a far more important manner than their physical relationship.

She sighed, basking in the blissful feeling until the reality of her situation invaded once again. Unless things were resolved with the Duke of Leinster, she would never be free to love Theodore the way he deserved. She hadn’t returned to Ipswich since she’d left two years ago. Perhaps it was time. But what would that accomplish? If she suddenly appeared, the magistrate would enforce the court order and take her into custody.

A light knock interrupted her thoughts and she was happy to abandon them. She unhooked the latch and opened the door to see Sofia on the other side. Her friend rushed in with a knowing smile on her face.

---