Page 35 of Avoiding the Merry Viscount
All attempts to get his cock to settle went by the wayside. Elias grinned to himself that Lydia had needed to see him again so soon. He supposed he couldn’t wait to see her again as well, especially if the other guests hadn’t returned downstairs quite yet.
Hurrying, he donned his coats again, not bothering to ring for Flint to assist. If he had his way, his appearance would be quite mussed from their little rendezvous.
Elias departed his chamber and hurried down to the small alcove where they had placed the last kissing ball. It was a darkened spot, but he could see a figure already there waiting for him. He approached.
“I sure am glad to see you, Beautiful,” he said, pulling the figure to him.
“Elias,” someone with a familiar voice said from behind him. Lydia.
He turned to see her standing there wide eyed, watching the scene unfold. He jerked his head back to the other figure, and the gaudy perfume consumed his senses. “What in the hell do you think you are doing?” he said to Lady Billings.
“Better that she knows the truth about us now, don’t you think?” Lady Billings asked, running her hand down his chest and making his blood run cold. “It’s not as if you would ever remain faithful to the little doe-eyed thing, even if you ever had some bacon-brained thought of marrying her.”
Lydia hurried away.
“I’ll deal with you later,” Elias ground out at Lady Billings before taking off after Lydia. “Lydia, wait,” he called after her. She had gotten a head start on him, but he caught up to her before she reached the stairs. He was thankful that while there were several servants whopoked their heads out to see what the commotion was, there wasn’t another guest in sight.
Elias grabbed her arm and pulled her into the closest room.
“That wasn’t what it looked like,” he blurted. He clasped both of her hands, but she pulled them away.
“Oh, so I didn’t just hear you referring to the very woman you’ve been intimate with in the past with the same pet name you use for me? Even though you promised me that things were done between you.”
He reached for her again, but she stepped back. “I thought it was you waiting for me.”
She laughed. “And you expect me to believe that?” Lydia drew a deep breath and tears formed in the corners of her eyes. “So is ‘Beautiful’ what you call all the women? Is it easier than remembering our names? Or perhaps so you don’t slip up and call us by the wrong name.”
“Lydia, I swear to you. I have never referred to another woman in that way. And I believed it was you who was waiting for me. I only want you, and I intend to marry you. I just wished to speak with your father and mine first so I could declare my intentions.”
“I don’t doubt you intended to offer for me, my lord. But I require a faithful husband. I believe I am at least owed that measure of respect, and you have already proven that won’t be you.”
He reached forward and clasped her chin, holding it so he could stare into her eyes. She didn’t move to get away from him, but the tears that had formed rolled down her cheeks and it made his heart sink into the pit of his stomach at how much pain the whole ordeal had caused her.
“I thought I was meeting you,” he said slowly. “I would never be unfaithful to you. You must believe me. I want to marry you, have children with you, and live a contented, happy life together. That is all that I want. Please.”
“So are you saying you love me?” she asked, her tone softeningslightly but with a hesitant edge to it.
He drew a deep breath. Elias knew the matter would come up, but the timing was less than ideal, nor did he have a plan for how to broach the matter of love with her.
“I have a strong affection for you, and I care for you a great deal. But I cannot love you,” he replied, and his heart immediately sank further as he watched her flinch as if he had slapped her.
Elias knew he’d messed up and chosen his words poorly. He wasn’t prepared for the conversation and had bungled everything. “Allow me to explain.”
“There is no need,” she said, moving toward the door.
He hurried after her. “Please, Lydia.”
“It’s Miss Cary, my lord, and I need you to leave me be. I need to think, and I shall let you know if I wish to hear anything further from you.”
“Please,” he said again, fighting back a wave of emotion.
“Let me pass,” she commanded, hardening to him so harshly that he wasn’t certain she would ever allow him in her presence again.
He moved to the side and let her depart. Every fiber in his being wanted to force her to listen, to kiss her senseless and remind her that just because he couldn’t say the words she wanted to hear didn’t mean he didn’t care more for her than anyone else in the entire world.
Elias went to the sideboard, thankful that it had been stocked with a decanter of brandy. He gave himself a healthy pour and downed it.
“Elias,” Diana said, bursting into the room. “There you are.”
