Page 50 of The Trouble with Tigers
“The point isn’t what happened between us last night. It’s what”—her body bloomed with heat—“didn’t. My lord, I wouldn’t wish you to sacrifice yourself on the altar of marriage when no one besides us need ever know about our kiss. And, arguably of greater importance, there remains the fact I have certain requirements for a husband you simply do not meet.”
His brows shot up.
“You needn’t look so incredulous.”
“Do I?”
“Indeed.”
“Sorry. Still. Morbid curiosity compels me to ask you precisely which requirements I don’t fulfill?”
You don’t love me. You barely tolerate me.She drew a breath and searched her mind for something she could actually tell him. “You have no desire to settle down. To stay in one place.”
When he gazed at her with what looked like genuine bafflement she said, “Don’t play dumb, my lord. Are you or are you not planning a trip to the Americas at the conclusion of this pretense?”
“Yes.”
“Did you not return less than a month ago from Africa?”
“I did, but…” He spread his large hands wide. “I don’t see the problem. It’s common practice for married persons to spend great quantities of time in separate locales.”
“I don’t deny the truth of your statement. Regardless, I find such an arrangement repugnant.”
His crossed his arms over his chest, one hand lightly fingering his chin. “I see. You want permission to tag along.”
“I want nothing of the sort,” she snapped. She took a moment to school her emotions. “You aren’t listening. I want a home, and have no desire to shackle myself to someone who has no wish to set down roots.”
A slow grin spread over his face. “You’re hoping for a love match, or some other nonsensical romantic notion. Is that it?”
His supercilious tone ignited her ire, especially as a love match was precisely what she wanted. She drew herself up regally. “I want a partnership, not a long distance affair. And in your case—” She broke off and raked him head to toe with her haughtiest gaze.
He snorted. “This ought to be good.”
“Your habitual carousing leaves much to be desired, as well.”
He threw back his head and roared with laughter.
“Shouldn’t we see about leaving for Derby?” she gritted out, tapping her toe so hard little mud splatters had attached to her stockings. She didn’t care.
He held up a finger as he brought his mirth under control. When he finally sobered enough to speak, he said, “Lady Kitty, you leave me in a predicament. I want to do right by you but can’t force you to accept my proposal, short of making a public announcement of our…er…exchange last night.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she said on a gasp.
He stared at her, unblinking, all trace of humor gone from his face. “You’re certain, then?”
Gazing into the smoky blue depths of his eyes, Kitty had the sudden urge to throw all her sound reasoning to the wind and marry him yesterday. She broke eye contact and firmed her resolve. “Quite certain.”
“Well, then, Lady Christine Hastings. We’ll just have to make certain there are no repeat performances of last night’s event.”
She nodded. He was right, of course. But hearing him say so filled her with a dull ache she didn’t care to analyze.
They walked together into the house.
Zeke delivered her to the base of the staircase and took a step back. “We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.”
She nodded and started up the stairs, spine straight.
Zeke watched until she reached the landing, then stepped out the front doors to await the carriage.
