Page 17 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
“All of that only signifies that I’m a gentleman.”
Much to Rexton’s irritation, his friend arched a dark brow. “And you smell of lavender and orchids. You either took her flowers or you were close enough for her scent to latch onto you.”
“You’re deuced irritating, you know that?” He swung. Jamie ducked.
Then his longtime friend had the audacity to laugh. “So I have the right of it?”
“You’re wasted as a constable. You should be an inspector at Scotland Yard.”
“Have to earn my way up the ranks.”
“Your father could put in a word for you.”
“I want to do it on my own.”
“I have to admire that.” His gloved fist made contact with Jamie’s ribs, sending him two steps backward.
“You took me off guard with a compliment,” Jamie said. “So tell me about her. Why isn’t she giving in to your charms?”
“I haven’t directed them at her. She and I wouldn’t suit. She’s a woman of scandal.”
“That won’t do for a future duke.”
“It’s more than that. Scandal can touch the innocent.” He landed a blow to Jamie’s shoulder, jumped to the side as Jamie retaliated. “I don’t want my children to have to learn to fight.”
“For good reason. They might be as bad at it as you.”
He smiled at that. He wasn’t as skilled as Jamie but then he wasn’t spending his nights dealing with thugs. “So make me stop thinking about her.”
Jamie accepted the challenge with glee.
Chapter 4
Sitting on the bench at her dressing table, staring at her reflection in the mirror, Tillie was not particularly pleased with herself, with how much she was anticipating the outing to the theater. It had been so very long since she’d attended a play. As she was in the role of chaperone, she’d considered dressing modestly but her vanity got the better of her. It would be her first foray into the public realm at an evening event, and she intended to make a splash, to hold her head high, and to weather whatever censure might be tossed her way.
The rap on her door caused her heart to hitch because she knew what the hollow echo portended. Taking a deep breath, she gathered up her lacy shawl and stood. With a final glance at her reflection to ensure she was as put together as possible, she walked out.
Annie stood in the hallway. “Miss Gina wanted me to alert you that his Lordship has arrived. She’s already gone down to greet him.”
Of course, she had. Gina had absolutely no patience, which hinted that she might fall quickly in love. Life had yet to season her, and Tillie was desperately afraid her sister was in for heartache down the road.
After taking six steps down the stairs, she nearly tumbled down the remainder when she caught sight of Rexton, standing in the foyer in his finery, smiling broadly at her sister as though they’d just shared an intimate joke. In his evening attire, his black swallowtail jacket and waistcoat, his pristine white neck cloth knotted perfectly, his top hat in hand, he was devastatingly gorgeous. How could Gina not fall for him when he had the ability to stir to life portions of Tillie she’d long thought dead?
He made her wish he was waiting on her, that she was not consigned to scandal and chaperoning, that she had not made choices in her youth that now relegated her to dark corners where the unacceptable could be ignored. She had no doubt she would receive many cuts direct tonight, could only hope that Gina being seen on the marquess’s arm was going to serve as an effective buffer against any damage Tillie might cause.
Then his gaze swung up and landed on her like a physical presence, a heated caress that traveled along her cheek, her throat, her bared shoulders. Never before had she felt such a powerful force, and she was grateful a myriad of steps separated them. If she were any nearer to him, she might combust into flames.
As she gathered herself together and began descending the steps, his gaze never wavered. Rather he watched her, and she was left with the distinct impression he was considering charging up the stairs, taking her into his arms, and carrying her off to bed. Or maybe that scenario was merely her own wild, chaotic desires. What in God’s name was wrong with her to have such unwelcoming and entirely inappropriate thoughts? This man was interested in her sister. That she, herself, was unequivocally and against her will drawn to him was unconscionable. Perhaps she should claim a megrim and let Annie accompany the couple.
But this morning the rogue had given her cause to doubt the maid’s ability to keep him in hand. She would not see her sister compromised. Tillie’s attention would not wane, and she would ensure Gina’s reputation remained pristine.
“Tillie, don’t you look lovely!” Gina said with such enthusiasm and kindness that Tillie deeply regretted every sensual contemplation she’d had as she traversed the stairs. “Doesn’t she, my lord?”
“She does indeed.” He still didn’t look away from her, and she rather wished he would.
“Look, Tillie. His Lordship brought me a flower bracelet. Isn’t it gorgeous? I’ve never seen anything like it.” Gina was holding out her arm. An orchid was secured to her wrist with a black velvet ribbon.
Touched by the small kindness, she smiled at her sister. “It’s very unusual and very kind of his Lordship.”
