Page 57 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
He kept his horse beside hers as though there was no shame in being seen with her. But then he’d acted that way from the beginning. She’d assumed because he wanted to impress on Gina he wouldn’t be rude to her sister; but now she understood his actions spoke of his kindness and his own willingness to buck Society’s conventions. She was beginning to think even having his family approach today had more to do with her than Gina.
The gents finally departed, and they began making their way home. None of them spoke, each lost in their own thoughts she supposed. Her mind traveled to what was to come. She suspected his did as well. She could feel his gaze coming to bear on her time and time again, as though he were measuring her worth. Or perhaps he was calculating how long it would take him to divest her of her clothing.
When they reached the stables, he dismounted, strode over to her, and wrapped his hands around her waist. Tonight they would be at her waist with no cloth between them. She placed her hands on his shoulders. Slowly, he lifted her up, brought her down. But when her feet were firmly set on the ground, he didn’t release her. Rather he held her gaze, seemed to be studying her, considering something.
“If I were a gentleman,” he finally said, “I would admit to cheating and forfeit the bet. For both our sakes, I’m damned glad I’m not. I’ll send a carriage ’round at half ten.”
“Eleven. Gina tends to stay up late. I want her abed before I leave, so she is unaware of my little outing.”
“As you wish.”
He released his hold on her, swung up onto his saddle, and was trotting away. She, too, was damned glad he was no gentleman.
Chapter 12
She wasn’t accustomed to having to sneak about her residence, but she didn’t want to awaken Gina, whose room was three down from her own. The possibility of being caught, however, added a tantalizing edge to the night, even though discovery was incredibly slight as all the servants were abed. When she’d arranged to be found kissing the footman, she’d been nervous, terrified that her plan wouldn’t work.
She wasn’t terrified tonight. She wasn’t even nervous. It was true the night might not go as she’d planned, as she hoped, might be naught but disappointment and leave her to face further unsatisfactory nights but the number was limited. She’d been wise enough to ensure their association ended on her terms. She could suffer through anything for a specified period of time. Her marriage to Downie had taught her that.
Slipping out the front door, she locked it behind her. The gleaming black carriage was unmarked as were the driver and footman, neither wearing livery, but rather dressed as vagrants with heavy black coats. Battered broad-brimmed hats shaded their faces from the glow emanating from the nearby lampposts. The footman opened the carriage door and handed her up. She was halfway through when another hand took hold and assisted her to the bench. The dark, earthy fragrance of the other passenger calmed her nerves as nothing else might.
“I didn’t think you’d come personally,” she said.
“I wasn’t about to leave your safe delivery to others.”
His rich, deep voice washed over her. It was ridiculous how much she enjoyed the smallest things about him. His fragrance, his voice, his presence. His care for her safety.
“I take it you managed to slip out with your sister unaware of your departure,” he said as the coach lurched into motion.
“She’s a sound sleeper once she drifts off. I do need to be back before she awakens.”
“I’ll have you back hours before anyone stirs.”
It wasn’t going to be a very long night then. She’d expected to be in his company until near dawn. Shoving back the disappointment, she looked out the window, or wanted to. Curtains obstructed her view. Such a clandestine adventure. She wouldn’t have thought to draw the curtains. She supposed she should be grateful he had more experience at these sorts of situations than she did. But she was hard-pressed to see it in a favorable light, to know she was one of many.
“You seem to be quite skilled at carrying on an illicit encounter,” she said. “I suppose you’ve brought a good number of women to your residence.”
“You’ll be the first.”
His answer surprised her. She tried to read the truth of his words in his face but he was lost to the shadows. She could barely make out his form, which was a bit of a disappointment. She did so enjoy looking at him. “I’m honored.”
“You should be.”
“Why no one before me?” She wasn’t quite certain what she wanted him to say. That she was special. That she was different. That she mattered.
“It complicates things. I generally take my pleasures at the Nightingale. The women visit the establishment for one reason, and I’m happy to accommodate.”
“The masks are a bit of a bother, though, aren’t they? Have you ever discovered yourself with a woman you didn’t fancy—once the mask was removed?”
“I have. Although it wasn’t so much I didn’t fancy her but rather I knew the taking of her would leave us both with regrets and a good measure of guilt.”
“Since the ladies make the selections, I’m certain she was disappointed.”
“No doubt, but revenge is a two-edged sword. It cuts both ways. And her selection of me was based on her wanting to hurt someone else.”
So he had some lines he wouldn’t cross, even in the pursuit of pleasure. She liked knowing that facet to his character. “Does it make you feel cheap? Standing there, waiting to be chosen?”
“Unlike the ladies, the gentlemen pay a hefty purse for membership. So, no, I do not feel at all cheap.”
