Page 41 of The Tempting of a Devilish Lord

“You did not reply to my letters.”

Her gaze met his. “What could I say?”

“Yes, mostly.”

“Yes?”

“To me courting you?”

She shook her head, sending red curls bobbing about her face. The bright sunshine brought out little golden touches in her hair and lashes. Her fichu was as high and tight as ever, her posture stiff and formal. But, by God, did he want to kiss her.

“You do not want to court me.”

The response gave him hope. “But you do notnotwant me to court you?”

A crease marred her brow. “Pardon?”

“I want to court you,” he said firmly. “And you did not say you do not want me to court you.”

“Well, that is...that is not what I said.”

“No, but it is what you did not say.”

She let out an aggravated sound. “You are speaking in riddles!”

He gave a tilted grin. “You have that sort of effect on me, Lucy.”

She shook her head again. “Alex, I know all about you. About the lady you left behind in London. I do not for one minute believe you truly want to court a woman like me.” She lifted her shoulders. “In fact, I do not think you wish to court anyone.”

∞∞∞

LUCINDA SHOULD NOT like the slightly smug look on his face. Especially when they were in full view of everyone. She could not make individuals out at present but the closer they came to the cluster of buildings and boats, the more apprehensive she became.

She had a horrible suspicion her mother and Bernie were there and would see her in the boat with this most scandalous of rakes. Bernie had opted for a stroll with her mother and Lucinda had been grateful for a break from Bernie when Mary-Anne demanded they take their chance to finally row on the lake. Mama adored Bernie. He was respectable with no sordid history.

Unlike Alex.

“You are wrong, Lucy.”

She turned her attention to Alex and regretted it in a way. Rowing capably and powerfully, he might never have looked more handsome. Especially considering he wanted to court her. Or so he said. She could not let herself believe it.

“You know what you are, Alex, and you are not the sort of man to court a woman. Please do not toy with me.”

His expression grew serious as her voice cracked a little. “I play no games. I am deadly serious. I wish to court you.” He stopped rowing and shifted closer to her. “I did not leave that woman in the family way. I do not even know her, I swear it, and whilst you are not wrong about me, do you not think it possible that a man may wish to change?”

She shook her head. She had already risked scandal once and by some miracle Mrs. Jones had not spread word of her poor behavior. Now she had Bernie here with her and if Mary-Anne was correct, he had been speaking of proposing. She would have all the respectability she needed once she was married to him with no more fears of what her behavior might do to her family.

“I know you have been hurt previously.”

She narrowed her gaze. “What do you mean?”

“Mary-Anne told me of your near ruination.”

She sucked in a sharp gasp, feeling it stab at her lungs. “Mary-Anne was not even meant to know.”

“She’s a clever girl, of course she knows.”

“Well, she certainly should not have told you!”

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