The Bachelor Earl - Darcy Burke Page 0,18
than she’d anticipated. Again, she hesitated.
You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now!
She lifted her hand to knock on the door. What if his valet answered?
Freezing in horror, she almost turned. But the insistent throb between her legs kept her still. All during dinner and the outrageously entertaining dance competition, she’d watched him—and he’d watched her. It had seemed there was an unspoken communication, a mutual desire swelling between them.
What if she was wrong?
Knock. On. The. Door.
Genie rapped her knuckles briskly against the wood before she could talk herself out of it. Then she squeezed her eyes shut and prayed it was him—and only him—who answered the door. Oh God, what if he had another guest?
She began to pivot just as the door opened. Whipping her head toward the room, she saw that it was, in fact, just Edmund.
Surprise flashed in his gaze, and he opened the door wider. “Thank goodness it’s you. Come in.”
She didn’t move right away. He took her hand and gently tugged her inside, then closed the door behind her.
He gave her an apologetic smile. “I don’t think you want to be seen standing out there. In case anyone happens by.”
“No, I wouldn’t. Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m… I don’t know what to say. Or do. Or…anything.”
“Let’s start with good evening, shall we?” He squeezed her hand. “Good evening, Genie. I’m so pleased to see you. Surprised, but pleased.”
“Are you really? Surprised, I mean. I thought…” She exhaled. “I don’t know what I thought. My thoughts change with every moment.”
He took her other hand and looked into her eyes. “Why don’t we just sit and talk. Would you like brandy? Port? Madeira?”
“You have all those things here?”
“No, but I could get them.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll have whatever is convenient.”
He nodded once. “Would you like to sit by the hearth?” He gestured to where a small settee was situated in front of the low-burning fire.
“Yes, thank you.” Genie went to sit down, her legs wobbling nervously. She turned her head to see where he’d gone to pour the drinks. The bed, standing against the wall opposite the hearth, loomed large and intimidating.
This was a mistake.
No, it isn’t. Sit down!
Genie lowered herself to the settee and told herself she was being utterly foolish. She was as agitated as a new bride. Thinking back to her wedding night, she tried to recall if she’d been this nervous. No, she hadn’t.
Then why was she now? Was it because they weren’t married? Or perhaps this wasn’t nervousness but anticipation.
Edmund appeared in front of her. “Here. It’s brandy.” He handed her a glass, and she registered what she hadn’t in the fog of her discomposure. He wore his breeches and shirt, which was open and revealed dark hair on his chest—possibly more hair than was on top of his head, which she found absurdly amusing, likely due to her current state of apparent lunacy.
He sat down beside her on the settee and sipped his brandy. “To answer your query, yes, I am truly surprised to see you here.”
Genie took a drink to fortify her nerves—if that was even possible. “You made it clear you are interested in a liaison. I am not…uninterested.”
He laughed softly. “I might have hoped for more enthusiasm.”
She blushed. “I am enthusiastic. I am also nervous.” She took a longer drink of the brandy. “I thought this was a regular house party. When I learned it was being held to afford widows the opportunity to make a match or just have an assignation, I wanted to leave. But the weather interfered, and I could not. Then I met you.” Her gaze connected with his. “I didn’t expect…” She didn’t know what to say next.
“You didn’t expect to be attracted to me?” He sounded hopeful.
“Yes. I didn’t expect to be attracted to anyone.” She looked toward the fire. “I loved my husband deeply. I miss him terribly, and I expect I always will.”
There was silence for a long moment before he asked, “Do you question whether there is a place for anyone else in your future?”
She returned her gaze to his. “Yes. Precisely. I don’t expect to find another love.”
His smile was sad. “Well, that is rather discouraging—for you and for me.”
Oh dear. He’d hoped for…something, apparently. She reached over and put her hand on his.
“Why did you come here tonight?” he asked.
A tremor ran through her. She straightened, pushing her uncertainty aside. If she was honest with herself, she knew what she wanted. “Because since we kissed yesterday, I’ve