Page 6 of A Scandal Before Christmas
Gripping the newel cap of the staircase, Lauren half turned. “What do you mean?”
“It is of no matter.”
“I don’t believe you,” Lauren said, her eyes searching his, but Theodore merely shook his head and cupped his palm over Lauren’s elbow, holding her in place.
With a crooked smile, he pointed above her head, drawing attention to greenery attached to the elaborately carved casing above the staircase. Lauren’s eyes widened as he pulled her closer. “Now, you will give me a truth. Would it be so terrible, Lauren? Being my wife?”
“Theo…”
“Give me a truth.” He gripped tighter, preventing her escape.
“I don’t know.” Lauren’s voice shook a little. “Had our fathers not been involved, I would have been very happy as your wife. Before. But now, I don’t know.”
Theodore grit his teeth at the display of her stubborn nature. “If you cannot answer honestly, then I’ll have a kiss instead.”
Lauren tensed, no doubt expecting a repeat of their passionate interlude in the library, but Theodore merely raised her hand to his lips. A soft kiss was pressed to the palm of her hand.
She stared at him in shock as he released her.
“Remember my words well, Lauren. A kiss, a truth, or a favor. At the very least, I’ll have one of the three.”
Chapter 4
Lauren rolled over, propping her arm under a pillow, and watched Anne bustle about the room. It was barely nine o’clock in the morning. Pity she could not sleep any later, especially after tossing and turning all night.
“The hot chocolate is ready, milady,” the maid said. “Will you want it by the fire, or shall I bring it to you in bed?”
“In bed,” Lauren replied, sitting up. “It’s too cold to get up just yet.”
“That it is,” Anne agreed with a laugh. She handed a delicate cup to Lauren, then continued readying the bath set up before the fire.
By the time Lauren finished her hot chocolate, the last bit of steaming water was added to the slipper tub. With a reluctant sigh, she threw back the coverlet and slid from the bed, her toes curling upon contact with the cold floor.
Anne took her nightrail, placing it neatly over a chair before helping her into the tub. Sinking into the steamy water with a sigh, Lauren grinned at her maid.
“I might stay here all day.”
“Not once that water begins to chill, milady. You’ll jump out fast as a cat when that happens. I’ll be back in a bit to help you dress and arrange your hair, but I’m off to check on Mr. Ollie. He’s still feeling poorly after riding on top of that coach, the stubborn thing.”
“Take your time, Anne. If Ollie is in need of anything, please let the housekeeper know. A few days of rest would certainly benefit him, and you as well.” Lauren tilted her head. “In fact, other than helping me with gowns that button up the back, I see no reason for you to attend me with such diligence.”
“Oh, milady. Arrange your own hair? Dress yourself, too? What sort of lady’s maid would I be if I allowed that?”
“The sort who deserves a day or two for herself. Truly, Anne, it will please me to give you that. Plus, you can look in on Ollie. I’m certain he will want you near.”
Anne appeared unconvinced but hopeful. “I don’t know, milady. Are you sure?”
Lauren smiled. “Of course. Go on now. Take your time and come back when you are ready.”
“Oh, Lady Lauren! You are too good to me.” A huge grin broke across Anne’s face. “Thank you.”
Anne exited in a flurry of skirts while Lauren chuckled and relaxed back against the edge of the tub.
In the silence of the room, with only the crackling of the fire to disturb the calm, Lauren contemplated the true motives behind her actions. Yes, she was being kind to her servants, but she also did not want any witnesses to whatever that devil, Lord Hawthorne, had planned.
The nerve of the man. Using something as commonplace as a bit of weed to prove her desire for him. It wasn’t fair he could command her responses so easily. She couldn’t forget he meant to trick her into marriage a second time.
And yet, how could she ignore the way her body ignited when Theo touched her?
