Page 65 of Nothing But a Rakehell
He started moving again. “So, you’ve scarcely had a chance at a social life, at all. No wonder you were nervous about the house party—and it’s no wonder you are reluctant to go to London.”
Suddenly, he was kneeling before her. He took both of her hands in his. “You have the heart of a lioness, Glory. And the will of one, too. And now you tackle dancing?” He squeezed her hand. “I’m proud to witness it. I would be proud to help. I am proud ofyou.”
Her heart soared. She wished she could see him clearly. Her hands gripped his. “If I’ve had any success here, it is largely due to you.”
“It that is true, then it has been my honor.” He moved his grip to her elbows. “You must carry on, Glory. You have been so brave. You cannot falter now. The tyrants in your life cannot be allowed to win. Wherever we encounter them, we must push back.”
Fervor lived in his statements, along with the ring of truth. “Is that what you are doing?” she asked. “Fighting tyranny?”
“Every single day.” His tone softened. “You see? We have more in common than we knew.”
“But you won’t speak of it, will you? No one knows about that particular night. Not even Tensford knows. I asked Hope not to tell him.”
“I said I would keep your secret and I will. I really do feel the need to help you in some way, though. When are your dancing lessons? Perhaps I could take part, act as your partner?”
Now she was glad the darkness hid her expression. She didn’t want to think about struggling and stumbling in her lessons while Keswick watched. “No, thank you. Miss Munroe and I are getting on well together and with Mr. Thorpe, our instructor. I wouldn’t want to upset the balance we’ve achieved.”
He sighed. “And you are sure you won’t allow me to help you tonight?”
She looked down. “I do appreciate the offer, but no.”
He sprang away again and walked to the water’s edge. Motionless and silent, he stared out over the water. Several minutes passed. Glory sat and waited, unsure what to do or say, and wondered if she had made a mistake in telling him.
“Miss Munroe was right.”
She started when he spoke, it came so unexpectedly and sounded so sharp and decisive.
“You do need all the arrows you can find for your quiver. You should collect every weapon you can find to help you fight for your best outcome.” He came back and knelt before her again. “I’m thinking of the bargain you proposed.”
Her breath caught.
“We’ve already vowed to continue our friendship. Now I’m considering what you asked of me.”
The air escaped her on a shaky breath and she began to fiddle with the edge of her sleeve.
“I think you were right. You should know what occurs between men and women. For one thing, I think it will give you a new confidence, to know what your body is capable of—to know the pleasure you can both give and receive.”
Her face was on fire—and the heat had begun a leisurely tour of the rest of her, too.
“Also, when you do begin to entertain suitors, you are going to need to be even more careful than most girls in your situation.” He leaned closer. “I cannot see you in a dynastic marriage, Glory. Not one made for theton’susual advancement in titles or bank balances. You’ve seen what a real marriage can be—you’ve lived inside happy walls with one. You deserve to find the same. I hope you will someday know a man who will both cherish and defend you, whenever the need arises. And I think it would be easier to choose, knowing how a man who cares for you can make you feel.”
He let go of her suddenly and sat back, running a hand through his hair. “Heaven help me, but all of that sounds like something a seducer would say, doesn’t it?”
She laughed a little. “It does, rather.” She reached for him. “I would be worried about it, perhaps, if I hadn’t been the one to ask first.”
“Thank God for that,” he said fervently. “I’ll agree to your bargain, if you still wish for it.”
She hesitated. She’d already tried to begin the process of rooting out her hopes for Keswick. If she agreed now, she’d have to stick to the letter of their pact—and not wish for a further developing bond. Could she do it?
“I’m not talking about giddy rebellion or the naughty excitement of breaking the rules,” he said. “Too many an inexperienced girl has been caught up in such feelings. I mean for you to know the touch of a man who respects and cares for you.”
She shivered with longing.
“You needn’t fear for your virtue, either. I would never risk your chance at making your own choices, in the future.”
No. Shecouldn’tdo this without wanting everything from him. But by all that was holy, she was a lady, an earl’s daughter. She had honor of her own, no matter what others thought. She could do this without ever letting him know how much more she ached to possess.
“Yes.” It came out a whisper, without a hint of the growing hunger inside of her.
