The Formidable Earl (Diamonds in the Rough #6) - Sophie Barnes Page 0,14
wardrobe and pulled the doors open. “You can put your clothes in here.”
“I only have a couple of dresses.”
He dropped his hands to his sides and gave her a sheepish glance. “We can order more. In fact, we probably should. As my ward you’ll need to look your best.”
“I do not wish to trouble you more than I already have.”
“Never mind that. If you are to be convincing then you’ll need to play your part.”
“Very well,” she agreed even though the idea of letting him buy clothes for her disagreed.
To hide her embarrassment, she went to glance out the window. She couldn’t see much in the dark, just a few trees silhouetted against the night sky. Perhaps the problem was her being here, in this bedchamber, with a man who wasn’t as unattractive as she would have wished. It heated her skin in a most uncomfortable way.
“It’s very convenient,” she added in an attempt to pretend she was more confident than she was with the whole situation, “you not having a mistress installed.”
“None of my mistresses ever lived here.”
“What?” She turned to him in surprise. Why else would a bachelor have an extra house in the City if not to house the woman he bedded?
“I had them installed in a suite of rooms I rented down near The Strand. This particular house was intended for my mother. She was meant to move in here after I married Lady Gabriella Radcliffe.” When Ida gave him a blank stare, he added, “She is now the Duchess of Huntley.”
“I see.”
“I very much doubt it.” He scrubbed one hand across his jaw and looked askance. “There’s a washstand over there. One of my maids stops by to clean once a week, so there should be fresh water in the jug from yesterday. Towels can be found in the dresser.” There was a pause before he inquired, “Is there anything else you require, besides servants?”
It was strange to see a man of his status be made uncomfortable. There was something oddly attractive about it – a chink in the armor that lent a degree of vulnerability to his otherwise confident demeanor.
“Nothing comes to mind,” Ida said. “And as far as the servants and chaperone are concerned, there’s really no need. I know how to cook, no one will know I’m here on my own since I shan’t be accepting callers, and the clothes I’ve brought with me are practical in nature. I do not need help getting dressed or…”
Undressed.
Her gaze flittered away from his on account of the sudden heat sweeping her skin. She studied the wall beyond his left shoulder.
“I really must insist.” The firm tone of his voice snapped her attention back to him.
“And I would rather you don’t.” When he gave her a stubborn look, she said, “I’ve only just agreed to trust you. If you fill this house with other people, the likelihood of my secrets being discovered before I am ready will only increase.”
“Miss Strong, it is my duty to—”
“My lord.” She spoke as tersely as she knew how. “I have lost my father. Two attempts have since been made on my life. Involving you in my problems is bad enough. I’ll be damned if I’ll risk anyone else’s safety.”
He puffed out a breath, muttered a curse, and glared at her as if she were the biggest nuisance he’d ever encountered. “All right.”
Ida forced back a smile. “Thank you, my lord.”
A hint of indecision followed, until he cleared his throat and said, “I’ll return tomorrow, Miss Strong. We’ll talk at greater length then.”
“You’re not staying?”
“No. I need to return home, but you mustn’t worry. The street was deserted when we arrived. I checked.”
She gave a small nod. It wasn’t the threat of an intruder that dampened her spirits but rather the prospect of losing the earl’s company. After four years in hiding, she’d enjoyed conversing with someone to whom she was closer in station. For although she was fond of Philipa and the rest of the women at Amourette’s, Ida had little in common with them, which made for a rather lonely existence.
She managed a smile. “All right.”
He hesitated briefly, then reached inside his pocket and withdrew a pistol. “Take this. Just in case.”
She stared at the weapon. “Do you always carry that with you?”
“When I know there’s a chance I won’t get home until after dark, yes.” When she said nothing further, he asked, “Do you know how to use it?”