Page 37 of The Gentleman's Seduction
“Perhaps. I admit, I do love a darkly handsome man with a brooding face who brandishes a cane.”
He rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m far from darkly handsome.” He pointed to the golden hair that shone in the bright winter light.
“Agreed. More of a fallen angel, perhaps.”
“Angel? Bah!” he harrumphed good-naturedly.
“What is a devil but a fallen angel?” Livvy countered. “But I’m serious. I think you should have a cane. Look at this one.” She chose a dark cherrywood one. The handle had a curved elk horn on it. The antler had been carved to bear a noble wolf’s head.
“Well now, that is a fine one.” Martin studied the cane and then Livvy. She hoped he would buy it. It would indeed fit her private Gothic fantasies all too well.
“All right. How much?” he asked the shopkeeper.
“Twenty shillings.”
“Here you are.” Martin paid the man and took the cane, using it to balance as he and Livvy crossed a slick patch of ice as they continued down the row of shops, until it was time to go home.
Darkness was creeping over the edge of the buildings by the time they arrived back at the townhouse.
“Why don’t you rest a bit? We have a few hours before dinner.”
“I think I will, thank you.” She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him soundly on the lips before she dashed away. It felt all too easy to be with him, and tonight she would keep her promise. She would go to his room and…
She blushed even thinking about it.
But a promise is a promise,and she wanted to fulfill this one very much.
12
Martin took his time dressing for dinner. He couldn’t shake the flutter of nerves he felt as Byrd finished folding his cravat.
“Everything all right, sir?” his valet inquired.
“Yes, of course, why do you ask?”
“Well…you’re fidgeting.” Byrd chuckled. “Most unusual for you, sir.”
“I…” Martin swallowed, embarrassed at being so transparent. “I admit I’m a little nervous.”
“Perhaps you are falling for Miss Hartwell?” Byrd asked as he finished with the cravat and stepped back to check his work.
Martin nearly growled. He didn’tlovethe daughter of the man he’d sworn to hate. He could admit he liked her, was attracted to her, but falling in love?
“It’s not love, it’s an infatuation at best, but it does seem to have me in knots.” He studied his appearance critically in the mirror. His bottle-green waistcoat with silver threading made the silk shimmer, and his buckskin trousers looked very smart. Would Livvy approve? She had called him a fallen angel. Did that mean she found him appealing, or simply a presentable devil? He knew he was favorable in looks, but to have a lady say it to him was a different matter.
“You look fine,” Byrd assured him. “Your source ofinfatuationwill approve too,” the valet added with a smug little smile.
It hadn’t escaped Martin’s notice that his staff had already taken to Livvy. He liked her too. She was witty, intelligent, and quite amusing, among other things.
“I won’t need you after dinner, understood? The evening is yours.” The valet nodded, understanding but knowing better than to pry.
He didn’t bother with an outer coat tonight and headed down to dinner. Livvy was already there, standing by the fire, rubbing her hands. She wore the red silk gown he’d bought her, the one with the deliciously low-cut bodice. Black netting studded with tiny crystals layered over her skirts, letting the provocative red peek through the wide panel at the front of her gown. It wasn’t an overly elaborate dress, but it had the desired effect on him. All he could do was picture sliding his hands up beneath the red silk, watching the firelight glint off the hundreds of crystals sewn into the black netting of her skirts.
He tamped down the flood of heat that ran through his body. It would not be at all attractive or comfortable to sit through three courses while his shaft was erect.
Steady, old boy,he silently commanded himself.
“You look lovely,” he said as he joined Livvy by the fireplace.
