Page 39 of Courting the Earl
She winced at his words. “Thank you for discussing this matter with me and for understanding.” Her gaze softened as she continued. “I enjoyed our time together very much. Thank you for showing me what might have been if things were different.”
He began to reach for her, but she’d already turned and left the room. He stared at her departing figure, his soul bereft. Eleanor didn’t want him.
Chapter 23
Geoffrey couldn’t say why he set out for Holbrook’s town house instead of returning to his own. Damn it all, the man had actually become a friend. He considered going to speak to his brother-in-law, but he knew Cranston already had enough on his mind and he didn’t want to bother him further. Especially not when he and Abigail were trying to enjoy this time together, along with Gemma, as a family before Abigail’s confinement.
They’d already imposed on his sister once today. Abigail had been only too happy to help him along with what she’d hoped would be a lasting relationship with Eleanor. He couldn’t go there now without her wanting to hear how that was proceeding, and he didn’t want to disappoint her. Not today when his own feelings were still raw.
When he arrived at Holbrook’s, the man’s butler asked him to wait in the drawing room, telling him that the viscount was expected home soon. He was pleased to find there was a sidebar stocked with liquor and helped himself to a drink. He’d just downed the brandy in one shot and was pouring another, determined to savor the second glass, when he heard the front door open and close.
He turned, glass in hand, and watched as his friend stepped into the room.
Holbrook raised a brow. “Were we supposed to meet today?”
Geoffrey shook his head and raised his glass. “I’m celebrating my freedom and wanted to share the news.”
Holbrook settled into an armchair. “You brought Stanley up to scratch.” He let out a low whistle. “I’m impressed.”
Geoffrey sat in the other chair. He held on to the glass but didn’t drink from it. He wasn’t planning to become intoxicated, but he did want to numb some of his disappointment.
“There was very little effort needed on my part. Once he saw Lydia and realized Appleby was intent on a match between her and me, Stanley took it upon himself to make Lydia fall in love with him.” He took a swallow of the brandy and then placed it onto the side table with exaggerated care. “I wish the two of them every happiness.”
Holbrook’s eyes narrowed on him. “Then why am I sensing an air of melancholia about you? It’s almost suffocating. I thought you’d be happier. Don’t tell me you fell in love with the girl and now your heart is broken.”
Geoffrey’s mouth twisted at the very notion. “She’s pleasant enough, but she’s not the one for me.”
“But her cousin is.”
Geoffrey glared at Holbrook. “You see far too much.”
Holbrook lifted one shoulder. “I’m observant. I assume you’re here because you wish to speak to me about the other Miss Pearson.”
It was a good thing he’d already put down the brandy. If he were still holding the glass, he would have tossed back the contents. “I’ve only just returned from calling on Appleby, who informed me that the betrothal would be broken.”
“And?” Holbrook said when he paused.
“Apparently there’s some property tied up between our two families, and Appleby insists that I marry Eleanor. He sold the property to my father with the intention that it would remain in the family. If I won’t be marrying his daughter, he wants me to marry his niece.”
Holbrook whistled. “You can’t turn around without having women thrown at you.”
Geoffrey scowled. “I’m glad you find my life so amusing.”
Holbrook leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed. Geoffrey could feel the weight of the man’s stare on him.
He was beginning to have second thoughts about coming here. He reached for the glass of brandy and finished the drink. But he wouldn’t pour another.
Holbrook finally spoke. “I thought you liked the elder Miss Pearson?”
Liked was far too mild a word for what he felt for Eleanor. He longed to possess her in every way. After the afternoon they’d spent together, he’d thought his lust would’ve dimmed somewhat. But that hadn’t happened. He’d been planning their next tryst as he said his goodbyes that afternoon, imagining all the things he wanted to do to her now that he no longer had to worry about her maidenhead.
“We are friends.” He settled back in the chair and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Friends?” Holbrook raised one brow.
Geoffrey scowled. “I like her well enough and wanted to deepen that acquaintance now that she is free from any guilt she might feel about betraying her cousin. But I refuse to be led around by puppet strings and forced to do my father’s bidding.”
“Your father wanted you to marry Miss Lydia Pearson.”
