yet, not all that.”
“Then mind your behavior. And if you can’t, I’ll thrash you until you can. Gentlemen have far more freedom than ladies, and therefore greater responsibility to exercise it wisely. Being young and stupid does not excuse you from the consequences of your actions.”
Justin scowled, but wiped it away as Wes raised one brow in warning. “Yes, Uncle.”
Wes put one hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “We’ve all been young and stupid, every man one of us,” he said in a kinder tone. “It’s one thing if you fancy the girl and can see yourself married to her. If you can’t . . . you shouldn’t be kissing her. Even if you don’t get caught by her outraged papa, you give her cruel and misleading ideas about your intentions. You’re a cheat and a rogue if you let a girl fall in love with you just so you can steal a few kisses and embraces.”
Now thoroughly sobered, Justin nodded. “I understand. I never thought of it that way, but . . . yes, I see.”
“Good man.” Wes clapped his shoulder. “I don’t think you’d like a lady to lead you on, only to refuse you once you were wild for her.”
“Not at all.” Justin appeared appalled by the thought.
“Then don’t do it yourself.” Wes let himself out and returned to his own room. Thank God Kingstag was large enough that he and Justin didn’t need to share rooms. He needed some peace to think.
The first realization he came to was that he would need to take his own advice, regarding Viola. He did not want her to draw any wrong conclusions from his actions. The second realization, following close on the first, was that he did fancy her, more than usual. He liked talking to her. She was sensible and clever and beautiful, and she made him laugh. Wes had no time for idiots or people who were frivolous, and he couldn’t recall the last woman he’d looked forward to seeing the way he did Viola.
So what were his intentions?
He pondered the matter as he prepared for bed, and hadn’t reached any definite answer by the time he fell asleep. The only thing he knew for certain was that his interest in her was neither shallow nor fleeting. And he yearned to kiss her again.
Chapter 9
The next day Viola decided to carry on as if nothing had happened and hope for the best. She’d lain awake until late at night, wondering if she would be called into the dowager’s rooms to explain herself, but a summons never came.
Alexandra seemed to have decided the same thing. Every time Viola caught sight of her, she was behaving as she should—well away from Lord Newton. The young viscount, for his part, seemed cowed and quiet as well, and spent most of his time with the other gentlemen.
“Good morning, ma’am.” Lord Winterton appeared before her. “May I join you?”
“Good morning, sir. Of course.” She had covered a table with evergreen branches and was plaiting them into garlands, an activity that would allow her to monitor the play rehearsal and everyone in it.
Lord Winterton pulled up a chair opposite her. It gave her a splendid view of him, and his lovely mouth that had kissed her so tenderly and magnificently last night. Had that really happened? Covertly she studied him as he poked at the mountain of evergreens on her table. She’d had enough brought in to make a garland that would stretch from here to London and back.
Then he looked up and caught her watching him, and a faint smile touched his lips. Viola flushed warm all over her body. Oh yes, it had really happened. The Earl of Winterton had held her close and kissed her until she could hardly breathe.
He leaned forward. “Viola,” he whispered.
Blushing, she also leaned forward. “Yes?”
“I missed you at breakfast,” he said, almost inaudibly. “I never realized how much I looked forward to seeing you every morning until you weren’t there.”
She couldn’t stop herself from smiling. “I had work to do.” She motioned at the greenery.
“And then? Will you be free to walk out with me and see the sky again? I believe the snow is finally ending.”
Viola glanced at the tall windows. The sky was brighter today, but snow still fell. “Perhaps, but I must keep an eye on rehearsal.”
“Of course.” He picked up a branch and twirled it. “How does one make a garland?”
Her eyes widened in astonishment. “You want to make garlands?”
“I want to