The Bachelor Earl - Darcy Burke Page 0,15

boys needed a father, his daughter needed a mother.” She shrugged. “It was good enough, and he did give me my third son, whom I adore.” Her eyes lit with joy. “But I wouldn’t do that again, not after knowing how much better it is to be in love with your husband.”

Mrs. Grey brushed at one of the light brown curls against her temple. “You loved your first husband, then?”

“More than anything,” Lady Clinton said softly, her lips curling into a faint smile. “If I could have that again, I’d do it a third—and a fourth—time. But I don’t know if anyone can be that fortunate. Once is astonishing. Twice is…nearly impossible.”

Genie’s chest constricted. She felt precisely the same way. She’d loved Jerome so much. And he’d loved her. His experience had been the reverse of Lady Clinton. His first marriage had been arranged and bereft of affection. When he’d married again, he’d made certain he loved his bride.

“I know what you mean,” Genie said, giving her a look of support. “I’m not sure it’s possible either.”

“Well, I would just like to fall in love,” Lettie said with a laugh. “I cared for my husband, but there was no grand emotion.” She turned to Mrs. Grey. “What about you?”

“I did love him.” Mrs. Grey’s voice was quiet. “I don’t think he felt the same. At least not for me. His mistress may have had a different experience.”

Lady Clinton reached over and clasped Mrs. Grey’s hand. “Men can be awful. My husband had a mistress too, but I didn’t care. In fact, I’d been contemplating my own liaison before he died.” She gave them all a sly smile, and it lightened the mood once more.

Except Genie still felt as if she’d swallowed lead. She didn’t want to mislead Edmund.

She stood abruptly. “Please excuse me, I’m going to retire for the evening. See you all tomorrow.” She smiled then went to bid a quick good-night to her cousin before hastening from the drawing room. She didn’t want to be there when the men arrived.

As she made her way to her chamber, the kisses she and Edmund had shared earlier were at the forefront of her mind. She’d thought of little else since that afternoon. At dinner, they’d been seated on the same side of the table, though a few chairs apart, so she hadn’t been able to see him. That was probably for the best, as she didn’t think she could have kept herself from looking at him all evening.

She forced herself to consider whether she would marry again. Maybe? Especially if there were children for her to mother. Edmund didn’t have any because he’d never been married.

Why was she thinking of marriage to him? He hadn’t mentioned it. He’d only indicated that he wanted to kiss her again. Perhaps he was only interested in a liaison while they were here.

Would that be…bad?

Genie didn’t have an answer. Hopefully, tomorrow she would. As Lady Clinton had said, the party was almost half over.

She was running out of time.

Chapter 6

When Edmund arrived in the drawing room after dinner the night before and found that Genie had already retired, he worried he’d ruined things. Except, she’d initiated that first kiss and had been a willing participant in the others.

Thankfully, he’d seen her at breakfast, and she’d been her usual charming self. No, not usual. She’d been a touch enigmatic. Or, perhaps it was that Edmund was looking for behavior and attitude that didn’t exist. Because he wanted to see his longing—his desire—reflected back.

They’d played parlor games earlier and were now going to set off for a walk to the River Swift since the weather had dried. As they gathered just behind the house, the guests collected in groups. A couple of pairings seemed somewhat certain. Mrs. Fitzwarren and Sir Godwin, as well as Mrs. Sheldon and Lord Audlington, appeared to have formed attachments. Whether they would be permanent remained to be seen.

Edmund kept his eye on the door, waiting for Genie to appear. He was so focused that he failed to see Mrs. Makepeace approach him. “I’m so pleased the weather cleared so we could get outside,” she said.

“Indeed.” He gave her a smile while still trying to keep his attention somewhat on the door.

“I’m looking forward to the dancing competition later. Just when I think Lady Cosford can’t possibly come up with a new activity, she does.”

At last, Genie came outside. However, she was immediately followed by Sterling, and it was clear they’d met