Page 23 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
“It was my pleasure, Miss Hammersley. I do hope our paths will cross again.”
“As do I, my lord.”
He nodded toward Tillie. “Lady Landsdowne.”
Then he was gone, but she could see speculation in Rexton’s gaze as though he were contemplating his brother’s words, suspected something was afoot. He returned his attention to them. “I’m in no rush to weather the crowds. Perhaps we should give them a chance to thin out.”
“That would be lovely,” Gina said. “I rather felt as though I were trapped in a coffin when we were making our way here.”
He waved his hand over the chairs. “Make yourselves comfortable.”
“I’d rather stand,” Tillie said. Standing gave her a bit of distance from him. “But ceremony be damned. You needn’t remain on your feet.”
“I welcome the opportunity to stretch a bit.”
And she had the unsettling feeling he knew exactly why she wasn’t placing her bottom on the cushion: because she didn’t want to be so near him that she could inhale his fragrance.
“Did you enjoy the play, my lord?” Gina asked.
Had she not noted his comment earlier when he’d referenced detesting plays? Truly, she needed to speak with her sister about paying more attention to what was said. She couldn’t be responsible for translating all of Rexton’s musings or identifying their purpose.
“I enjoyed the pleasure that wreathed your face as you watched the performances,” he said smoothly.
His words seemed sincere, which left Tillie feeling like an utter nincompoop for believing for even a moment she’d been able to sense him watching her. Why would he have any interest in a woman with her reputation? He came from one of the most powerful and well-respected families in Great Britain. He, himself, was free of scandal. His behavior was touted as an example for the younger lords to follow.
Having her in his presence probably turned his stomach. He tolerated her because he had a care for her sister. She was silly to believe it was anything else.
That he hadn’t exhibited any unkind tendencies toward Tillie was evidence that she should welcome him as a suitable suitor for her sister. And yet Gina seemed far too innocent for a man of his experience. He might not have been caught in any scandals but she doubted he was completely without sin.
“Perhaps we can come again,” Gina said.
He laughed softly, as though amused.
“Gina,” Tillie chastised. “One does not invite oneself on an outing with a gentleman.”
“Then how will he know I’m interested? He might be too shy to ask otherwise.”
“I doubt his Lordship possesses a shy bone in his entire body.”
“Been paying a good deal of attention to my body, Lady Landsdowne?” he asked in a soft purr that would have been inappropriate under any circumstances but particularly so in the presence of her virginal sister. “Think you know all aspects of me, do you?”
A whirlwind of heated air seemed to consume her. She’d once been in the desert. She’d felt cooler then. “When you speak, please consider my sister’s innocence.”
“I’m not that innocent,” Gina declared.
Tillie snapped her head around to give her sister a warning look. Men applauded women who were unknowing in the ways of men and fornication. A shame really. Although understandable. While she had the experience, she couldn’t quite bring herself to sit Gina down and have a frank discussion with her regarding what would occur on her wedding night. “You’re more innocent than you probably think.”
“I know about men’s bodies. I’ve seen statues.”
“They are hardly the same.”
“I don’t know. When I first met Lord Rexton, I rather envisioned him posing for Michelangelo. That he could have served as the inspiration for David. Didn’t you?”
“No! Absolutely not!” She was horrified Gina had spouted such nonsense, more horrified that she had indeed had the exact fleeting thought that Gina had voiced. “Young ladies do not say such things.”
It didn’t help matters that Rexton was chuckling. “That would make me rather ancient, Little One.”
She was struck with the realization he had a pet name, an endearment for Gina. Horrible sister that she was, Tillie felt it like a stab in her chest.
