Page 34 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
Beryl opened the drawing room door, and her heart raced when she saw Theodore. She was sure her cheeks were stained a bright red, for at the forefront of her thoughts was the wanton way she had behaved and the heat he evoked. Their gazes collided and there was an enigmatic look in his eyes she could not interpret. Did he know that she thought about him when she lay alone in bed last night? Did he know that she had a shiver of anticipation whenever he entered the room and a quiver of desire when his eyes fell upon her. These were feelings that no other man elicited. The intensity of it excited yet frightened her.
Beryl took a deep breath and tried to calm herself while she willed the butterflies in her stomach to go away. Theodore was freshly shaven, accentuating his strong jaw. She quickly lookedaway because she did not want to hold his gaze for longer than was appropriate.
“There you are, Lady Beryl. I gather you have already met my uncle.” It was more of a statement than a question.
“We met this afternoon, Lord Bowden,” Beryl said with a smile.
“Would you like to have a glass of wine?” Lord Merton asked.
“Thank you,” Beryl replied.
He poured her a glass while she glanced at Theodore. His eyes were dark and fiery, and they seemed to glow and pierce. Beryl swallowed. He towered over his uncle by a full eight inches. He held a glass of what she believed was bourbon with hands that were beautiful, long-fingered, and strong. Why had she not noticed those hands before? Was it because last night his fingers …
“Here you are, Lady Beryl.” Lord Merton said as he handed her the wine.
“Thank you,” Beryl said and immediately took a sip.
“My nephew has just been telling me how fortuitous it was that you met. He was not looking for a governess the last time I saw him,” Lord Merton announced.
Beryl had not been uncomfortable around Lord Merton, for he seemed pleasant enough. However, for some unexplained reason, she now felt a bit nervous.
“It was fortuitous indeed,” Beryl said.
“Although it has not been long, I can already see a change in the children. Lady Beryl has been a positive influence, and this is no doubt due to her kindness, patience, creativity, and empathy,” Theodore said.
Beryl snapped her gaze to the viscount. She had not been expecting the compliment. Her entire body felt warm. “I am grateful for your kind words, Lord Bowden.”
Lord Merton arched a brow. “And this is your first position as a governess, Lady Beryl?”
“It is.”
“You are to be commended for doing such a splendid job.”
The butler knocked on the drawing room door and announced that dinner was served. Theodore led the way to the dining room, and Beryl and his uncle followed. They took their seats and began their meal.
Lord Merton gazed at Theodore with focus. “I suppose now that you have a governess, you will soon be off to your travels.”
“Not at this present time, Uncle,” Theodore said.
Lord Merton gave a deep, gratifying sigh. “Splendid! You know how I feel about you being around. The children need you. The estate needs you.”
“So you have made clear, Uncle, several times, I might add,” Theodore said drily, his expression unreadable.
“That was not the only thing that we discussed. When will you be returning to London? If my memory serves me correctly, you were going to socialize with ladies of thehaut ton.”
Bewilderment filled Beryl. Did Theodore make a commitment to his uncle that he would seek a wife? She needed to understand. She searched his face, and it appeared that he wanted to be anywhere but at this dining table. Theodore downed his drink, and a shadow crossed his face.
“Your memory serves you well, but I decided to prioritize being here when the children were introduced to Lady Beryl and having all the arrangements to make.”
“And from what you said of Lady Beryl earlier, you have achieved that.”
“There are other things that demand my attention more than a wife,” the viscount snapped.
Beryl quickly sipped her wine and wished she’d had dinner with the children instead. She was certain Theodore would prefer it if she was not a party to this conversation.
“The steward and I have been having frequent meetings with the farmers’ cooperative to discuss the diversification of our crops,” Theodore said, diverting the conversation.
Lord Merton’s hands stilled, and his eyes sparkled and gleamed. “You do not know how pleased I am to hear you say that.”
