Page 41 of Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses
Gina stared at Somerdale, kneeling before her in Rexton’s front parlor, holding her hand, looking up at her imploringly. He’d arrived a half hour earlier to speak with Rexton in the library, and then he’d asked to speak with her alone. She’d had an inkling regarding what was coming. Still it was a shock.
“You are aware of the rumors circulating that I was spied at the Nightingale Club three nights ago.”
“I am.”
“And you are aware of the purpose behind the club’s existence? Of what transpires within those walls?”
“I am, but Lord Andrew assures me nothing untoward happened between you, that you remain a virgin.”
Andrew had spoken with him, disclosed those intimate details? He had gone to a man of whom he was obviously jealous and sought to convince him, on her behalf, that she was worthy of his hand in marriage. Why would he do that? “He did, did he?”
“Indeed. He was quite adamant regarding your untouched status. He waxed on quite poetically regarding your attributes and your suitability for becoming my countess.”
“What exactly did he say?”
He furrowed his brow as though remembering were a difficult task. “That you are intelligent, witty, quick to learn, a delightful conversationalist, fascinating company—things I had, of course, discerned for myself. He said I would be the most fortunate man in all of England if you would agree to become my wife.”
Blinking back the tears stinging her eyes, she could hardly fathom that Andrew had made such flattering claims regarding her. Was it possible he cared for her as much as she did him?
“And so here I am, willing to overlook the scandal that will surely keep all others from your door.”
“How very generous of you, my lord.” She hadn’t seen Andrew since Tillie and Rexton had returned from Kingsbrook Park, but it wasn’t the scandal keeping him away. She realized that with every fiber of her being. He stayed away because he hoped in doing so, she would acquire the marriage she had told him she desired. He was thinking of her, striving to ensure another led her to the altar.
“You are deserving of such generosity.”
“According to Lord Andrew.”
“Yes, well... according to my own observations as well. Still, I should like to wait a month before we make the announcement. Simply as a precaution.” He cleared his throat. “So I am not made to look a fool.”
Although she fully understood his caution, it still didn’t sit well with her. She withdrew her hand from his. “You mean you wish to ensure I am not with child.”
“Precisely.”
“So you don’t believe him.”
He shoved himself to his feet. “I do, but still I see no harm in delaying the announcement.”
The harm was that during those thirty days she would live with the scandal, the stares, and the speculations. Having him at her side without any formal declaration of an agreement between them would do little to quiet the gossips. As a matter of fact, it might only serve to increase the volume of their whispers.
But her face gave none of those thoughts away. If she’d learned anything at all during her time with Andrew, it was the value of a good bluff. She rose calmly and elegantly from the sofa. One step brought her nearer to him. Two allowed her to place her hand on his chest. “Forget all of Lord Andrew’s compliments regarding me. Why doyouwant to marry me?”
His gaze dipped to her splayed fingers over his waistcoat. “Because I believe we are well suited.”
She inched closer. “Do you desire me?”
“Do you doubt it?”
Yes, as a matter of fact she did. “Kiss me.”
He glanced around as though searching for their audience.
“We are quite alone,” she pointed out unnecessarily. Even the door was closed. Leaning toward him, she whispered, “Take possession of my lips. Do with them as you will.”
His eyes widening, he fairly leaped beyond her reach. “You are quite brazen, Miss Hammersley. It would be entirely inappropriate for me to take advantage when there is yet no official understanding between us.”
Where was the passion, the hunger, the yearning? Theneedto taste, to touch, to possess? She marched forward; he staggered back. “You find me so easy to resist?”
“I am a gentleman, Miss Hammersley.”
