Page 17 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
“Would you like a glass of wine?” Theodore asked.
Moreland’s gaze flickered between the wine glass and Theodore’s face. “There is a story here, Bowden. I know you did not have a glass of wine waiting for the off chance that I would find you.” Moreland smirked. “Let’s hear it.”
Theodore chuckled. He met Moreland at a famous decadent party. On the surface, thehaut tonwas prudish, but he belonged to a set that knew how to enjoy life. They were of the sameclass, and although they did not discuss it openly, they indulged in behavior those with the stiff upper lip would certainly frown upon.
“I have been jilted,” Theodore said sheepishly.
Moreland chuckled and accepted the wine. “You? Jilted? This should be interesting. Pray, tell.”
Theodore took a sip of his wine. He would tell Moreland about her, but not too much. “I recently met a young lady, and she piqued my interest. We danced, and I went off to fetch the wine, and when I returned, she was gone. I have scanned the room, but it appears she left.”
Moreland bit his cheek and scrutinized Theodore’s face. “Is that it? I know you, Bowden. I sense there is more to the story, and you have given me the abridged version, so out with it.”
Theodore smiled. “I should have known there was no likelihood of pulling a fast one.” He took another sip of his wine, and Moreland waited expectantly. “A few weeks ago, I met a young lady when she was out for a horseback ride in the morning. I must say, we did not get off to a good start. I acted like a bit of a lout. When I saw her the next time, I apologized, but then I behaved like an even bigger lout.”
Moreland’s wine glass was halfway to his lips, and he paused. “What the devil did you do?”
“I felt the overpowering need to kiss her, and I did,” Theodore said.
“And? Do not keep me in suspense.” Moreland urged.
“I suppose I shocked her because she slapped me,” Theodore said sheepishly.
Moreland gave him a sideway glance of utter disbelief before his mouth quirked with humor.
Theodore sighed. “I am pleased to see that at least I am keeping you entertained.”
Moreland chuckled. “Surely, this is the first time a lady slapped you and for kissing at that. After all, your conquests are usually eager to be kissed.”
“I put it down to her relative inexperience. Even though she slapped me, I could tell that she enjoyed the kiss.” Theodore’s thoughts flashed back to her soft lips and her taste when she opened her mouth to him for the first time. Exquisite.
“You know that I have my rules, Moreland. I am not looking for a wife; anyone who comes to my bed is told, and they must come willingly,” Theodore said.
“I gather the lady seeks a husband,” Moreland replied. “It is the only thing that makes sense.”
“Precisely.” Theodore was sure Moreland understood how he felt about being trapped in a marriage. He, too, was single and endeavored to avoid a similar fate.
Moreland’s eyes widened. “Hang on. And you are telling me that this lady was here tonight, and you recognized her?”
“Yes. I did,” Theodore replied.
Moreland raised a brow. “How uncanny? Did she recognize you?”
Theodore waved a hand. “Of course not. She has avoided our meeting place ever since we kissed. I have no doubt she would have refused to dance or even speak to me.”
Moreland was hesitant when he spoke, but he was studying Theodore like a hawk. “Well, as per your rules, why do you even want to pay her any more attention? She wants a husband and you want a dalliance. As you well know, these are at odds.”
“You are stating the obvious, Moreland.” Theodore sipped his wine.
“Yet, you have not answered my question.” Moreland chuckled. “Why?”
“For one, she is exceptionally beautiful,” Theodore said, although he knew this was not the reason.
Moreland pinned him with a hard stare. “I know you have met beauties across the continent. Many are all too willing to share your bed.”
Theodore thought of the first time he saw her in the lake. To think she accused him of being inappropriate when her activities would not be considered appropriate by the society into which she wished to marry. It took gumption to square up to him. “She is bold, direct and honest.”
Moreland flashed a wicked grin. “Bold, I can understand. The slap tells me that.”
