The Theory of Earls - Kathleen Ayers Page 0,18

of wicked things Tony wished to do to her, and each one involved her naked in a variety of positions.

He’d been shocked to see the object of his erotic fantasies taking tea with Amanda and the girls, though in hearing of Miss Lainscott’s budding friendship with Mrs. Anderson, her presence in the conservatory made perfect sense. Tony wondered if Miss Lainscott would have hunted him down if they hadn’t unexpectedly met today; he thought she would have.

Her dark eyes shone with urgency, hoping to convince him to help her. “A performance? Or something else? Does one of your mistresses require piano lessons?” A tiny smirk crossed her luscious mouth.

“Allow me to take you home. My carriage is much more comfortable than a hack. We can speak further on the way.” Poor Miss Lainscott. She was completely oblivious to his desire for her. If she had the slightest inkling, she wouldn’t dare get in the carriage with him.

“My lord, if my aunt —”

“She’ll never see you. I promise. I’ll drop you in the back by the mews. You can make your way through the gardens.”

Miss Lainscott frowned, considering his offer. “I don’t think—”

“Carstairs has been out of town.” Tony threw out the bit of knowledge like a carrot dangled before a mule. His friend had been fishing at the estate of Mr. Turnbull but was now returning to London. “I know which events he’ll be attending in the upcoming weeks.”

She looked between him and the carriage. “Fine. I would appreciate the ride home.”

Miss Lainscott took his hand and climbed into the carriage, sliding gracefully across the seat, her features delicate and pale against the black leather squabs.

Tony settled across from her. Before he’d gone up to the conservatory, he’d noticed the pile of invitations by the door. Lady Masterson was having a garden party and she was a friend of the family. Her invitation had sat atop the stack. His stepmother would likely ask Tony to escort her to the party. He hadn’t planned on attending but now he thought he would. Lady Masterson wouldn’t mind if Miss Lainscott was also brought along.

The woman in question regarded him from beneath her lashes, pretending shyness, which he found absurd under the circumstances. Her deep chocolate eyes sparked and burned with intelligence, more enticing to him than an entire room of courtesans.

“My lord? What would you ask of me in return?”

“It does involve playing the piano,” he finally said.

“Lessons?” she asked again. “Perhaps you need a refresher in technique? Or shall we play a duet?”

Tony kept his face bland. He was quite good on the piano, though not as talented as Miss Lainscott. “Not exactly. More of a private performance.”

Her brows knit together. “Private performance? Are you having guests and I’m to be the entertainment? In Her Grace’s conservatory? I suppose I could do such a thing but —”

“You misunderstand. I wish you to play for me. Only me. In a private room at Elysium.”

Her eyes widened. “Elysium? The gambling hell? Why would I do such a thing?”

“Because you’ll be clad only in your chemise and stockings.” He sat back, waiting for her reaction. “I don’t think my stepmother’s home is appropriate for such a performance, do you?”

“Oh,” she sputtered prettily. “I don’t think—” Her mouth was open in shock, small breasts pushing furiously against her bodice as she tried to take a deep breath.

His cock, which had been aching since he spotted her eating a scone with his stepmother, thickened painfully at the very thought of her in his rooms at Elysium.

A squeak escaped her before she sat back with a whoosh, slapping her small fists to the squabs. A giggle escaped her. “Lord Welles,” she said in a relieved voice. “You shouldn’t tease me about such a thing.” She wagged a finger at him. “You nearly had me with your ‘improper’ suggestion. I thought you were serious.”

Tony sat transfixed. He’d seen her smile and look politely amused. But he’d never seen her genuinely laugh. Or giggle like a schoolgirl. Unable to look away from the pale line of her throat, he had the urge to press his lips to the spot where her pulse beat and shock them both.

Miss Lainscott giggled again, this time pressing a gloved hand to her stomach in her amusement.

Apparently, Tony’s request to seduce her was incredibly humorous. Well, that was something he hadn’t experienced before. He’d never made such a request to a virgin of good breeding and based on her reaction, he wasn’t sure he’d

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