Page 111 of The Viscount's Seduction
“Won’t you be seated?” She went to a narrow chair within view of that open door and waited for him to choose the more comfortable armchair. Instead, he pulled another chair from the round table and placed it near her.
Anxiety locked her knees together and an ache started in the back of her neck. “It is kind of you to visit,” she lied. “Bakeley and I hope you have received the invitation to our ball tomorrow night and are planning to celebrate with us.”
He smiled that oily smile that had preceded his first hint of an offer so many months ago. It took all her strength of will to keep her fists unfurled.
“Ah, so your husband is the generous sort and does not mind.”
Her breath caught. Bakeley minded plenty, but his plans, she did not know, and that spiked a bit of anger.
And just how was she to respond?
He reached across and touched her hand. “You did not tell him.” That smile grew more sinister. “Well, it shall be our secret.”
She pulled her hand away, rose, and moved behind the chair. “I have no secrets from my husband.”
Well, except for the man who was, even now, working away on the ballroom floor.
A thought flashed to run and gethim, but she quickly tossed it away. Shaldon would only arrest him, before she could truly speak with him on her own.
“But Bakeley understands you are my only living relative.”
He was on his feet again, moving closer, frowning. “What have you told him, Sirena?” He put a hand on her arm, his grip too tight.
Footsteps sounded in the hall. He dropped her arm and moved away.
I told him everything, she wanted to shout. Yet the truth might keep him away, and it might be essential for Hollister to attend the ball. If only she knew the plans.
“Do not worry,” she said. “My husband is a sensible man.”
The footsteps were drawing closer. “Notsosensible. He marriedyou,” he whispered.
“Lord Glenmorrow.” The voice boomed across the room and her heart lifted. Bakeley entered, all stone-faced courtesy, and behind him was the Earl of Shaldon himself.
The gentlemen exchanged stiff greetings, and Bakeley made a show of kissing her warmly on the cheek. The way his dark eyes glittered, he was riled, yet she doubted Hollister could see it.
She smiled at the new arrivals. “Father, Bakeley, I am honored that you have come in time to meet my cousin.”
Bakeley notedthe tension in her. How could he not—it rolled off her in great waves. The ass had insulted her, or threatened her somehow.
Thank God, they’d made it in time. When Lloyd saw the visitor’s card, he’d sent a footman running to get Bakeley who’d just picked up his father. Bakeley wanted to drive a fist into Hollister’s smirking mouth, or put a sharp crease in his arse with the toe of his boot.
He leaned in to drop a kiss on her other cheek. “The footman said Perry deserted you.”And what were you doing alone with this man?He led her to a settee and plopped next to her.
“Perry’s gone to check a delivery. There’s much to-do in setting up a ball, husband.” She curved her lips up again in that approximation of a smile and he squeezed her hand, battling the rage that was threatening to choke him.
His father laid his cane upon a table—within reach of his hand—and settled into a large armchair. “Sit, Glenmorrow. Tell us, will we see you at this ball? My daughters tell me all the best are coming.”
“I will be honored to attend, my lord.”
“Though I don’t recall that you and I have met before, I knew your brother.”
“His death was a great loss.” Hollister dipped his head sorrowfully.
A great loss to him, since he is dead.Bakeley felt Sirena’s hand jump under his grip and he relaxed his hold.
Father’s eyes tightened. “So you’re Glenmorrow now, and yet I hear you’re entering the Commons.”
“Indeed. Happy to serve king and country.”
