Page 49 of A Duke's Temptation Poetess
“Did you also inherit her library? Does it still exist?”
“It does. I took it as my own, and I have added my own favourite books to it throughout the years.”
“Including Venus St. Clair?”
Colin chuckled. “Yes. And many other subjects besides. I think it is best for a gentleman to be well-versed in many aspects of his life. One is, of course, in carnal pleasures. As much as we may not wish to discuss them, they nevertheless exist and have since the dawn of time. I seek to understand that aspect of human nature, among others.”
“So you believe that reading such poems provides insight into the nature of man?” Lady Clarissa asked. “I have never heard of anyone framing that scandalous author in such a manner.”
“You have now.”
“Indeed. Is that how you explain your interest to your many lovers?”
“What do you know of my lovers?”
“Only what I have heard,” Lady Clarissa replied, “but given your interest in Venus St. Clair, I find it difficult to believe that you have never once indulged in the pleasures of the flesh.”
“This is hardly an appropriate subject for a young lady,” Colin said.
Lady Clarissa’s blush deepened, but her eyes held within them a delightful spark of resolve. “And Venus St. Clair is hardly proper reading material for a young lady, and yet you have recommended that I obtain a volume of that terrible author’s poetry.”
“So I did.”
“And now you will pay your penance for it,” Lady Clarissa replied. “You shall have all my questions.”
Colin shook his head. This situation was nearly comically strange, but Lady Clarissa spoke with such genuine curiosity that he could not find it within himself to laugh at her interest.
“I have indulged on occasions,” Colin said, “but I am not nearly so wicked as the rumours about me imply. I regret to inform you that I am actually quite a good man.”
“I see.”
“I have desires,” Colin said carefully, “just as any man does. However, my father was a rake, and I have spent my entire life trying not to be like him. I know what the rumours are, but I am not all that they say I am.”
“I believe you, and I do not think that you are your father. You are—well—you are only a man. It is to be expected that you will have needs and feel strong sensations,” Lady Clarissa said, her brow furrowed as she considered her words. “And I am—I am sure that it is unpleasant for you being the subject of such rumours. I am sorry that you have been.”
Colin felt a sudden rush of fondness towards the young lady at his side. Until she spoke those words, it had not occurred to him just how much he needed to hear those words.
“Thank you.”
Lady Clarissa smiled and offered him a light shrug of her shoulders. “Being a spinster, I know something about vicious rumours.”
“You are not a spinster.”
“I am,” she replied. “This past Season was my chance to become a wife, and I did not. I can see no other solution than to accept my fate, and I am fine with that. Besides, it will be easier to devote myself to my poetry if I am an unmarried woman.”
That was likely true. It was difficult to find men who appreciated female poets, and among the men of the ton, they were even scarcer. They had reached the Pump Room, and Watford turned his head towards Colin. “What do you think?”
“About?” Colin asked.
“Miss Spencer and I were just considering whether we ought to visit the King’s Bath.”
Colin drew in a sharp breath, all too aware of Lady Clarissa beside him. “That would be rather improper,” Colin said.
Being in such an intimate situation with Lady Clarissa would be nothing short of torturous. Colin swallowed at the thought and hoped that no one noticed that his face had grown hot and his every muscle had tightened.
“It is not as if anyone willknow,” Watford said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Besides, we will not do anything untoward.”
“And Clarissa did say that she hoped to experience the wonders of Bath’s waters,” Miss Spencer said. “Is that not so? In one of your letters.”
