Page 17 of The Lady Tempts an Heir
Finally, the children were all dressed, and the maid and a woman who appeared to be the cook came in a few moments later carrying trays of apple slices, toasted bread, and cheese. He stayed to help, enjoying his time with her. It made him think of the reason for his visit. Would she agree to a pretend betrothal?
He couldn’t answer that any more than he could stop himself from imagining what might happen if the facade of a relationship faded away, if she really did become his wife and the mother of his children. Perish the thought. Two weeks ago he had been assured of his status as a bachelor for at least several more years, and now he was ready to make her his wife. Perhapsreadywas an exaggeration, but it didn’t strike him as an unpleasant thought.
The next half hour was busy as the children ate and were rounded up for yet another story—this time Helena read one to them—before putting them to bed for their naps. Hestepped into the corridor as she went around the room tucking them in one by one.
After a moment she stepped out, closing the door softly behind her. “Thank you again for your help,” she whispered, walking toward the stairs.
“I enjoyed it.”
“Yes, I thought you did. You have children in your life?”
Holding his hand out to indicate that she should proceed him down the narrow staircase, he said, “A close friend has young boys. I’ve become something of an adopted uncle.”
“You’ll do well with your own children someday.”
He gave a soft laugh. “I hope so. I’m looking forward to the challenge one day, which brings me to the reason for my visit.”
She paused on the stairs, her voice only half-teasing as she asked, “You’re here because you’re in need of an orphan?”
“Not precisely, no. Would there be somewhere we could talk... privately?” Now that the time to ask her was here, he felt his tie getting uncomfortably tight, and a prickle of sweat broke out on the back of his neck. He’d had years to overcome his nerves in business negotiations, but this was something different.
Her brow rose in curiosity. “My office.” Turning, she led him down the stairs, and he followed, breathing in her scent like someone who had been starved for sex for too long. Even as he thought it, he knew his fascination was with her and not sex. Notonlysex.
A few moments later she was closing the door, gesturing to the chair before her desk. Her office was small, but uncluttered and polished like her. Everything had its place and its use: a chest of drawers held a tea set on top of it, and he was certain the drawers held important papers; a stand in the corner held her coat; a small stove was there for warmth; and a low row of built-in cabinetry sat below the double windows no doubt containing more papers. The walls held bucolic and brightly colored works of art,lending the room a sunny atmosphere that reminded him of her home. It was a comfortable place that made one feel cozy and at home just by stepping inside it.
He waited politely for her to circle around and take her own seat before sitting. His throat was dry again, and he had to swallow several times before finding his voice. “I won’t quibble. I’ve already taken up far too much of your time.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Mr. Crenshaw. You were actually very helpful. Please don’t worry yourself, but I am intrigued.” The smile she gave him seemed genuine. He couldn’t help but stare at the imperfection of her two front teeth on top; they were slightly longer and out of alignment with the others, but the flaw only made her more real, more appealing somehow. “The last time we spoke like this your parents were forcing your sister to wed, and we were plotting to go find her and save her reputation. I’m confident that whatever it is this time cannot be that terrible.”
His stomach dropped at the reminder of the low opinion she must have of his family. His parents. What right did he have to ask her for this massive favor?
Something of his thoughts must have shown on his face, because she said, “Oh no.”
He took in a breath, her sweet scent touching him again, making the nerves in his stomach dance. Best to get this over with so they could both go about their day as if this morning had never happened. “I find myself in need of a temporary fiancée, and I hoped you would agree to the task.”
Chapter 6
I dare not show you where I am vulnerable, lest... you should transfix me at once.
Charlotte Brontë
Helena stared at the man across the desk from her. His deep brown eyes looked as earnest as ever with the slightest tinge of misery, and her heart ached a little at the sight while a thousand butterfly wings flickered in her stomach. His request had caught her completely by surprise. In fact, she was certain that she had misheard. When she was taken aback, she reverted to the training of her youth, to be proper in all ways, even in the most improper of circumstances.
“Are you asking me to marry you, Mr. Crenshaw?” Her voice was as even and tempered as if she had asked about the weather, while her heart pounded in her chest.
He wasn’t asking her to marry him. Of course he wasn’t. He had saidtemporary, which by its very nature seemed to mean the engagement would not reach its usual end, so why did it feel as if he were serious and this were real?
“More specifically, to become engaged, but only for a little while.”
“I-I don’t... I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Her body felt heated, and she had to struggle to stay seated and not get up and pace about the room.
“No, I suppose I haven’t explained it. Let me start from the beginning.” He sat back, his long legs stretching out before him.
She noted the way the fine wool of his trousers pressed against his thighs, something she hadn’t been able to unsee after that dinner and Lady Blaylock’s perusal. What did he do to get the thigh muscles of a laborer? Did he labor in his factories? She thought of an engraving she had once seen of theFarnese Hercules. Would his legs resemble those of the statue, all hard sinew and intriguing indentations where muscle met muscle? Forcing herself to look back up at his face, she realized his lips were moving and he was talking and she had missed the beginning.
“Leopards cannot change their spots, and neither can my father.”
“Your father?” Yes, this request had to be because of his father. To clarify, she asked, “He wants you married?”
