Page 11 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
Beryl had never met a gentleman who took such liberties, and he deserved to be slapped. She was flabbergasted when his lips collided with hers. A rush of excitement quickly had replaced her surprise as his lips crushed hers. His tongue had sent shivers of desire racing through her when it traced her lips. She felt a heady sensation that she had never experienced. His moist, firm mouth demanded a response, and she gave it. Why did he taste so good? The feel of his hand through her hair was so … sensual. Beryl’s breath quickened even as she relived the assault on her senses.
Beryl had not thought much about being kissed. She presumed her first kiss would be her intended, the gentleman who would claim her hand. How could she have behaved so inexcusably reckless? If her governess, Miss Marsh, could see her now, she would be discomfited. Miss Marsh always said the rules were there for a reason. One of Miss Marsh’s famous rules was not to permit any great intimacies withanygentleman. Yet, Beryl had twice been alone with the viscount. What was even more appalling was that he assumed she wanted to be kissed. She had allowed him to kiss her, and she kissed him back. Thefact that the kiss stirred something within her was beside the point. He was forward and she encouraged him.
She remembered the feeling of his breath caressing her skin when he swooped in for the second kiss. He exuded danger and she was no fool. Beryl knew he wanted much more than a kiss, yet he made it very clear that he had no plans to marry. Surely, he did not expect her to ruin her reputation by becoming his mistress. Her prospects may be dismal, but she would not countenance an affair.
The libertine!
Beryl enjoyed their conversation, and at the time she was prepared to forget his first misstep. The viscount had to act the fool and ruin it by kissing her. After all, kissing was much more presumptuous than spying. Was it not? Beryl would hardly be able to forget about the viscount. It was her first kiss, and she enjoyed it, but she would not return to the lake. She could not afford to be compromised. Since the viscount frequented the lake, she would find somewhere else to go.
She pushed the viscount from her thoughts. The only thing that should demand her attention now was the upcoming season and how to use this opportunity to her advantage and find the perfect husband!
Ellsworth town house, London
One week later
Beryl had spentthe last few days preparing for the trip to London. Her cousin had sent word ahead, and the servants had been busy preparing the town house in anticipation of their arrival. Beryl had only gone riding on a few occasions. She wasrelieved not to encounter the viscount even though he haunted her thoughts. Especially in her dreams, she often recalled the softness of his lips and the way he tasted. She tried ardently not to think of the viscount once she was wake, but she did.
How infuriating.
Now she was in town with her cousins, and Beryl hoped she did not encounter the viscount. Given that he was not seeking a wife, perhaps he would be absent from the season. When they arrived in London only a couple days ago, invitations were waiting, and her cousins could not be happier.
They huddled together, discussing the various events, and they pretended Beryl was not in residence. She took advantage of the festive mood and asked Lady Ellsworth if her dear friend, Lady Flora Ely, could visit her. Flora was married and well-connected, so Lady Ellsworth had no cause for concern. She agreed, and Beryl looked forward to spending time with Flora, who genuinely cared for her welfare. She had not seen Flora since she left Cornwall, and there was so much to catch up on.
Her cousins had gone for a carriage ride in Hyde Park. Beryl was reading a book in the drawing room when the butler announced that Flora had arrived. He ushered Flora into the room, and Beryl stood to greet her.
“Oh, Flora, it is so lovely to see you.” Beryl hugged Flora.
Flora gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Beryl, I could hardly wait.”
They sat on the sofa close to the window where they could look out into the garden. The sunshine made the flowers even prettier.
Flora reached for her hand. “Beryl, I missed you so much. How have you been?”
“Flora, you have no idea how much I missed you.” Beryl was sure to lower her tone. “I did not know what to expect as I didnot know my cousins very well. Truth be told, Flora, I am not happy, and I wish that I could be home at Penrose Hall.”
“Beryl, I am so sorry. I wish that you never had to leave.” Flora’s voice was filled with empathy.
Beryl’s eyes shimmered with tears, but she blinked them away furiously. “It still hurts when I remember how the new heir of Penrose Hall was smug and condescending in his letter. He acted as if it was I who was trespassing in his home when he was the stranger who had taken over what should rightly be my inheritance.”
Flora squeezed her hand comfortingly. “It is so unjust. The things that we women must bear. Sometimes, I fear it is too much. Whatever is the matter at Chalfont House? Please, tell me.”
Beryl sighed heavily. “I do not feel the love of my cousins, and I am constantly reminded of what a burden I am. I am not treated much better than a servant. I am grateful that they took me in, but I just wish things were different.”
Flora sighed. “You had quite a lot to adjust to with your father passing away, Beryl. You barely had time to grieve.”
Beryl shook her head as she expressed her regret. “Sadly, I did not marry, so I am at the mercy of my cousins.”
“How awful. At least you are in London, and we will be able to see each other.”
“I will enjoy that, Flora.” Beryl had always shared her secrets with Flora and knew they were safe with her. “There is something else that I need to tell you.”
Flora knitted her brow. “That sounds rather ominous. I hope that you are not ill.”
“It is nothing of the sort.” Beryl paused and regarded Flora carefully before she spoke. “I met a gentleman.”
Flora leaned forward. “You did what? Where? When? Do not keep me in suspense, Beryl.”
Beryl relayed the tale up until the viscount kissed her. Flora could not hide her shock, but Beryl reassured her that she had managed to avoid the viscount after their first encounter.
