Page 66 of The Rogue's Last Scandal
She pursed her lips tightly. “Do not forget, it was the veil and the weeds that tempted them to attack. They will not think it is me in this clothing. They did not yesterday when we returned from the solicitor’s office.”
He turned back to the window. The busy street teemed with carriages and riders, and the pavements were filled with walkers. He comforted himself with the knowledge that the hotel was nearby, and that, if his father knew of Llewellyn’s lodgings, he probably had men in place there.
“When we arrive, you must let me do the talking,” she said.
“Must I?”
A fellow stood on the street, parting the waves of pedestrians who walked around him, watching their carriage. When a woman and her maid approached the man, he smiled.
Charley’s breath eased.
“I know Captain Llewellyn.”
Heat colored her words. He’d spiked that Spanish temper. Too bad.
“He is an old friend who dined with us many a time. I’ve known him all my life.” Her breath hitched and her eyes had gone shiny. “He reached us in Veracruz before my father, when I was ill with the fever.” She took another ragged breath. “Mama...that is, my mother, and Consuela...Reina’s m-mother...when I recovered, they were gone.”
Hold her.He battled down his heart—letting her succumb to weepy grief would do them no good. “I see. And I’m sorry, but that means nothing now.”
Her head shot up, her eyes burning.
“Iam not trusting you and Reina to this fellow, if that’s what you’re planning.”
She inhaled sharply. “You are not my master.”
“No, but I am your fiancé. Or...are you planning to throw me over for Llewellyn?”
Her face contorted in a way that told him she had no romantic interest in the other man.
You jealous fool.Gracie was certain to run if he tried to hold her too close.
“Of course not. He’s as old as my father, and he already has a wife. Andourengagement was, as you know, a ruse, to get Mr. McCollum to talk.”
“So our engagement began. It doesn’t have to end that way. I care for you, Gracie.”
Deep rose flooded her cheeks and she looked away.
She didn’t believe he could care for her, or she wouldn’t acknowledge the idea.
His spirits rose. He’d seen this reaction in stubborn women he’d courted for the Crown—too proud to capitulate immediately, too smitten to keep away.
Those women had been unmarriageable—he always made sure of that—and he knew how to make the chase a cat and mouse game, exciting for both parties. Except for the once of course, when the game had turned deadly.
And this time, he reminded himself, was no game. He was not playing with Gracie. She washis, she just didn’t know it.
“You don’t wish to share our good news with Captain Llewellyn?” he asked.
“You are good at pretending, Mr. Everly. You know I do not wish to marry. I know you do not wish to marry.” Her gaze skittered to him and moved quickly away.
The girl was a terrible liar. “My kisses didn’t convince you?”
Her color darkened to a bright crimson seeping under her neck cloth. How far did the color flow? Over her creamy shoulders? Down to her breasts? Further? He wondered what she would look like naked when they progressed that far. And they would.
“I am sure those kisses have convinced many women and will convince many more. I have no illusions about you.”
“You’re dodging.” They would have to hold the conversation about kissing—and the kissing itself—until later. They’d turned the corner onto Brook Street. “In any event, you wish to get your money. I wish to help you do that. I must either keep you alive until you are of age, or marry you.”
“Why? Why would you do that for me?”
