Page 81 of An Affair with a Notorious Heiress
“And you want to claim it tonight?”
“I’d claim it this very moment with an enthusiastic kiss if I didn’t think you’d go off in a huff afterward.”
Her smile returned, her laughter tinkled around him. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Only where you’re concerned.” He slowed his step, allowing more distance between them and the strolling couple. “Rather than coming to me tonight, give me tomorrow.”
The smile disappeared completely, her brow furrowed. “Tomorrow?”
“During the day. I want to take you somewhere. Just the two of us.”
She shook her head. “We can’t be seen going about without Gina.”
“No one of any consequence, of the Marlborough House Set, will see us.”
Seeming uncertain, she slid her arm away from his so they were no longer touching. He didn’t like the separation. Perhaps she was right, perhaps some time apart would do them both good, but he knew they were rapidly approaching the mark where they would forever be apart. Somerdale’s wooing of Gina could quicken its arrival.
“Are we going to see the carousel again? Is it finished?”
“No. I want to share something else with you.”
Appearing uncomfortable, she moved her parasol to the other shoulder, back again. “Our arrangement was for the nights only.”
“What are you afraid of, Tillie?” That he might come to mean something to her, that she wouldn’t want to part ways at the end of the Season? He already knew he didn’t. One night with her was all it had taken. It hadn’t happened the first night he’d bedded her, but the one before, when he’d first caught sight of her smile.
“I just don’t think it’s wise for us to do things beyond the parameters of our arrangement.”
“You’ll enjoy it.”
She shook her head. “You say that with such confidence, as though you know me.”
“I was correct about the carousel, wasn’t I?”
The corner of her mouth tilted up slightly and he knew he had her. Only she shook her head. “No. Please don’t ask again.”
Frustration hit him. She was afraid of something—or at the very least hesitant. He wondered if it had anything to do with Downie, with the way the man had disappointed her. He might have asked if it weren’t for the fact that Gina and Somerdale were walking toward them.
Smiling, they seemed very much at ease with each other, standing close but not scandalously so. Gina seemed quite enthralled by whatever Somerdale was espousing. Although glad to see her enjoying the attention, Rexton couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps he might be on the cusp of finally making progress, if their need for him might end sooner than he wanted. He should have insisted their time together would last as long as Tillie was in the country—and would recommence anytime she returned for a visit.
They took his carriage back to the residence where Somerdale immediately took his leave.
Gina smiled at Rexton. “Will you be joining us for tea now, my lord?”
“No, but I will escort you to the door.”
“I rather like Lord Somerdale,” Gina said as they walked up the path.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Rexton said, although the words were false. He wanted the girl happy but not when it meant shortening his time with Tillie.
“Having an inheritance is certainly a double-edged sword,” Gina mused. “I wonder how the lady is to ever know if a man truly wants her instead of her money.”
“A man would be a fool not to want you more than he wanted your money.”
She gave him a bright smile. “You’re kind to say so but I would say the same is true of Tillie and look how things worked out for her.”
“My past is a cautionary tale,” Tillie said, “and I shall use the experience to keenly observe Lord Somerdale and anyone else who comes to call. No reason for you to settle on the first gent to call.”
“I like him well enough.”
