Page 49 of A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal
There, she fidgeted nervously, folding her hands into her lap, and then unfolding them, and then laying one on each armrest, only to return them to her lap again. She did the same with her legs… crossing, uncrossing, tucking them to one side, crossing them, uncrossing them, and crossing them again. It was as though, despite all of her experience with entertaining gentlemen, she no longer had any idea what to do with her limbs.
Collect yourself, for goodness’ sake! It’s not as if he is a stranger, or someone to fear. Calm. Down.
Her head twisted around as the drawing room door opened, and Liam was abruptly ushered in by a scowling Mrs. Moston. Evidently, the housekeeper did not approve of Nora having an audience, alone, with a gentleman while clad in nothing but her nightgown and her housecoat. In that moment, Nora wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, for Mrs. Moston knew exactly what Nora did to make her income.
“Nora…” Liam stood just within the room, as Mrs. Moston pointedly left the door ajar. “Goodness, it is a relief to see that you are well. Having had no word from you, I did not know if your fever had worsened, or your injury had… suppurated.” He wrinkled his nose. “Apologies, that was an appalling turn of phrase.”
She noticed the slight note of disgruntlement in his voice when he mentioned not having any word from her, though she knew he had been informed of her situation. It made her laugh softly, for he had clearly not been satisfied by Mrs. Moston’s daily report.
She gestured for him to come and sit opposite. “I did not know you were so medically inclined, Liam.”
“I am not, which is likely why I could not think of a more appropriate word.” He shifted awkwardly in the armchair, the silence of the room peppered by amusing squeaks and strains of the leather as he tried to get comfortable. “It is terribly warm in here, is it not? Is that for the sake of your fever?”
Nora smiled. “I imagine so. Everyone has been fussing over me as though I were a child. If you think this is fiercely hot, you should step into my bedchamber—it’s like a furnace in there.”
“Um… I… I am sure it is all for your benefit.” His eyes bulged slightly, though it took a moment for Nora to realize what she had said.
The poor fellow must be terrified that I intend to eat him alive.
She observed him in his shock, having forgotten just how handsome he was. Even when visibly upset, he had fine, strong features and a warmth in his brown eyes. And those lips… those lips that had responded to hers after a nervous, sweet hesitation. But she could not think of those now, not if she wished to send him away with a cold farewell.
Hoping to put him at ease, Nora sank back into the armchair. “Mrs. Moston tells me that you’ve been visiting every day. I apologize that I haven’t been able to speak to you, but she’s practically kept me a prisoner in my own home. There was almost a riot, not long ago, when I came down the stairs unaided.”
“No matter,” he said, unable to meet her gaze. “You have finally agreed to see me, and that is what is important. Did I say it was a relief to find you in better health?”
Nora grinned. “You did, or something similar.”
“Good… yes, that is good.” He tapped his fingertips on the armrest, his forehead creasing in consternation. “I… um… saw your latest story in the scandal sheets this morning.”
“Ah, have all the gentlemen of London gone into hiding?” Nora canted her head. “Are you here as their mutual messenger, to tell me to cease and desist before they hang me at the Tower?”
Liam’s eyes widened in alarm. “Me? Heavens, no! Did I not already tell you that I approve of what you are doing? I cannot recall if I did.”
“I’m teasing, Liam,” she said gently. “I apologize. It’s a terrible habit of mine.”
“Oh…” his shoulders relaxed a touch, “actually, that is the reason I came to visit with you today. I admire your gumption in striking at Lord Westleigh, and believe I understand why you chose him for your latest story. However, I do not think it is prudent for you to remain here in London, for the time being. Attacking Lord Westleigh is sure to put you in danger.”
Nora folded her arms across her chest. “He would not dare to retaliate. That would be an admission of his guilt.”
“True, but he does not have to seek revenge upon you himself. He has a great deal of wealth and influence, from what I have heard. He could easily hire someone to hurt you and your family, if he has not already done so.” Liam gave her a pointed look, and she knew exactly what he was referring to. “I am afraidyouare the one who might need to go into hiding.”
Nora arched an eyebrow. “You said you approved, and yet it sounds like you are asking me to refrain from publishing any more of my stories.”
“Not at all!” he insisted. “Please, do continue to send your stories to the scandal sheets, but do it from afar.”
Nora gave a sarcastic laugh. “Ah, yes, I should just pack up everything and go to my estate in the country, where no one will find me.” She paused, “I can’t leave, Liam. I have nowhere else to go, and I can’t fritter the small fortune that I do have on rents in another part of the country. Instead, I intend to barricade myself and my family into this house, if necessity calls for it.”
“What if there was an alternative?” Liam leaned forward in his chair, highlighting the broadness of his shoulders.
Nora held his gaze. “Such as?”
“My Uncle has just invited me to a ball at my country estate. I realize that sounds peculiar, but it is a tradition he created in my absence,” Liam explained. “What if you and your family were to join me? No one from London would be there, and the northern nobility rarely venture so far south, so there would be relatively little chance of anyone finding out where you are.”
Is he… inviting me to come and reside at his Manor?
Nora blinked at him, utterly baffled by the request. It certainly put a rather large dent in her intention to push him away. And yet, there was sense in what he was saying. Shewouldbe in danger if she remained in London, and though she did not care what happened to her, she knew that the person who wanted her dead might strike at her sister, or her mother first, as a means of breaking Nora.
“Did you forget that someone knew I left this house and set out toward that publisher?” Nora found her voice again. “What if they were to do the same thing—only, this time, I would have my dear Sister and Mother with me?”
