Page 20 of The Gentleman's Seduction
“They are my family. My parents, myself, and my twin, Helen.”
“Twin? You have a sister?”
He blushed a little, the height and color in his cheeks oddly charming. “Er… Yes. She lives near Bath.”
“Is she married?” Livvy knew she ought not pry, but she wanted to know more about him and his life.
“She is, to a man named Gareth Fairfax. They have two children, a little boy and a little girl.” He smiled as he pulled out a chair for her to sit. He then took his own seat, and a footman brought in a tray with two bowls of leek soup.
“Do you visit them often?” she asked before she tasted the soup. It was delicious. Normally she found leek soup a bit dull, but Martin’s chef had done something remarkable with it. Was that coriander she smelled?
“Not often enough. I find…” He paused and cleared his throat. “I tend to focus my time here in London, visiting the banks, watching my investments.”
“Sounds rather…productive.”
Mr. Banks smirked. “You mean dull.”
“Well, as stimulating as finances can be, it does sound like your experiences of living life are…limited?” She knew that probably upset him, but the truth was he had sounded bored saying it. He had a fortune, and he had a family, so he ought to be out in the world, living a life full of memories and adventures.
Martin chuckled. “Do they now? I think you’re right. I spent so many years attempting to ensure I had money and security, that I didn’t stop to ever actually enjoy myself.”
Livvy tilted her head, studying him. Was he being facetious?
Wade the footman came in, and the soup was cleared away. The servants next presented plates of goose, French beans, lobster, and a basket of pastries with a side dish of braised ham.
Martin sipped his wine, watching her as she tasted the goose. “If you had wealth and freedom, what would you do?”
“Me?” She was surprised he cared, but she daintily wiped her mouth with a napkin as he nodded for her to speak further. “Well, I suppose I would go to the opera, to the ballet, to plays. I would travel the world. I’ve always longed to see India.”
“That is quite a lot.”
She shrugged. “Life should be about experiences. If you stop and let yourself grow cold to the world around you, then you aren’t truly living.” She knew it was the wine that was freeing her tongue, but she couldn’t seem to stop. “My father has been badly off these last few years, and while I know there are many people worse off, I can’t help but feel sad not to have a chance to be out in the world among people. For years we have lived as poor as church mice, and my only escape has been through books. It’s why they are so important to me.” She finally stopped herself from continuing any further. “I’m sorry. I should not have spoken so…so—”
“Honestly?” Martin leaned back in his chair, his fingers stroking his chin as he studied her.
“Yes.Honestlyis a nice word for my prattling on.”
“You fascinate me,” he said, his voice silky and low.
“Fascinate?” she repeated, her heart beating fast suddenly. She quickly focused on her meal, hoping he would change the subject. “I think you are exaggerating.”
He leaned forward and finally began to eat his own food. “What is it about India that interests you?”
“I’ve read several books about it. The colors, the warmth and the exotic feel of it draws me. But also the culture. I want to see places that are very different from England. I want to taste curry upon my tongue and watch the natives ride elephants and the women dance with golden bangles on the hems of their gowns and around their wrists.” She blushed, and went silent to monopolizing their dinner discussion. They were silent a moment longer before he spoke, his tone suddenly eager.
“I could take you to India.”
Their eyes met, and her heart skipped a beat as something unspoken seemed to pass between them. A lighthearted hope mixed with a heated desire to please each other.
“I have a few friends stationed there, you see. An army captain I know has often reminded me that I owe him a visit. We could go if you like.” He seemed to realize he’d been too hopeful, and his expression shuttered a little, as though he tried to put some distance between them. Still, she wanted to know if he truly meant that.
“You would take me to India?” He couldn’t be serious. India was so far away, and they were… Well, she wasn’t sure how to define their relationship except to say that she was his companion. Possibly his mistress. Did men take their mistresses to India? She almost giggled, damn the wine.
“I’ve never been, but I too have heard of its allure, and your desire has renewed my own interest in visiting. After the winter passes, we can book passage.”
After the winter passes? He planned to keep her past the holidays?
“Finish your dinner.” His words, gently spoken, broke through her scattered thoughts. She quickly finished her meal, her hands trembling.
