Lady Rosabella's Ruse - By Ann Lethbridge Page 0,29
and uncomfortable filled the back of her throat. Tears? Over a man like Stanford? Never. She was worried about her predicament. About her sisters.
And whatever it took, she would get them out of this mess.
Stanford straightened at her approach. He flicked a blossom with a dismissive finger. ‘Pretty enough, but not nearly exotic enough for you.’
A thrill raced through her blood. Unwanted heat, because she knew it meant nothing. He was amusing himself with a drab widow. For now, she’d play his game. She held his gaze and smiled boldly. ‘Flattery, my lord?’
He blinked as if startled, but recovered swiftly, flashing her that suave smile. ‘Never.’
She grinned at him. ‘Save it for Lady Keswick. She loves that kind of thing.’
‘And you don’t?’
The velvet was back in his voice. The soft teasing that drove something inside her into a wild flutter. Calm. She must remain in control, not let him get too close, while letting him think she might succumb to his charm.
And hoping she didn’t.
She cast him an admonishing look and started walking. ‘What woman does not like a compliment or two, my lord?’ she responded airily. ‘Or man for that matter. When it is sincerely given.’
He fell in by her side, leading the dog. ‘Are you saying I am insincere, Mrs Travenor?’
‘With you, I think it is hard to tell.’
His brow furrowed. ‘So you think I am sincere some of the time, or never at all?’
She laughed. ‘I think you reveal very little of your real thoughts, to be honest.’
His expression was arrested, sharp. ‘Nor do you, I think.’
She inclined her head in acknowledgement. ‘We all have things we prefer to keep private.’
‘I suppose you are wondering what I will do about last night?’
His directness startled a gasp from her lips. She shot him a quick glance. ‘I suppose I am.’
They reached the other side of the clearing and entered the cool of the woods.
‘I’m no telltale, Mrs Travenor. You found nothing. You took nothing. You assured me your search is over. So why don’t we forget all about it and enjoy what appears to be shaping up as a perfect summer’s day?’
Her stomach dipped to her shoes. She felt nauseous. He’d said exactly what she wanted him to say and she felt sickened by yet more falsehood.
They emerged on the lawn at the back of the house. She stopped and turned to face him, forcing herself to smile. ‘Thank you.’
Dark eyes gleamed wickedly. ‘Gratitude is a good place to start, Mrs Travenor.’ His mouth curved in a sensual smile.
Staring at that mouth, she swallowed, unable to move. He was warning her he wasn’t done with her. Reminding her that she only had to lean forwards a little to experience all those wonderful sensations in his arms.
She turned her head away, seeking to break his spell, but nothing shielded her from his heat, or the scent of his sandalwood cologne, a deep sensual musky scent that teased at her senses. She backed up, stumbling over Digger, who growled. ‘Then we can be friends?’
A soft laugh greeted her words. ‘It’s not friendship I want, my dear Rose. But it will do for now.’
Her heart rattled back to life. It seemed they’d reached some sort of understanding. He would chase and she would run. Oh, how she wished she could stand still.
By two in the afternoon, all the guests, including a rather wan-looking Lady Smythe, gathered in the drawing room looking for something to do. There would be no escape for Rosa today.
‘It is such a lovely day, why not ride out to some local beauty spot?’ Mrs Mallow suggested.
‘Why not a picnic?’ Fitzwilliam said, his round face beaming. ‘On the shore.’
The sea was a bare two miles away. ‘I love the sea,’ Mrs Phillips enthused.
‘There are no bathing machines there, old girl,’ her husband said.
‘A walk on the beach would be pleasant,’ Mrs De Lacy said. ‘After a day indoors.’ She turned to Lady Smythe. ‘That is, if you feel well enough?’
Lady Smythe smiled. ‘I thought I was going to have one of my sick headaches, but the powders Lady Keswick sent along did the trick. I am feeling much more the thing.’
‘Then it is agreed,’ Lady Keswick said, beaming. ‘A picnic on the shore it is. Rose, please ask Cook to put up some baskets. Have two carriages prepared. The ladies can drive, the men can ride. A sea breeze will do us all good.’