The Problem with Seduction - By Emma Locke Page 0,51
for Exeter. It was to be a long separation for us, and… Well, you know how that makes me.”
Nicholas’s nostrils flared. “He told you about the Grand Canal?”
Finally, a question she could answer truthfully. “He’s invested quite a bit of time and money into the project. I should think I would know about it.” When it was apparent Nicholas was dismayed by this, she dug the point of her knife a bit deeper. “Lord Constantine and I travel to Devon next week, as it happens. He’s eager to oversee the work restarting. The proper paperwork has been gathered and the project is ready to proceed.” That last part was true, too. She’d had her solicitor look in on it.
Nicholas went white. Then he mottled red. “Liar.”
She paused. She preferred the term “opportunist.” But it was no longer about setting herself up in the best way possible. Now it was about her child. “Why is it so hard to believe he’s confided in me? He appreciates my advice. Some people do.”
Nicholas touched Oliver’s white gown before she could stop him. Then he stepped away. His expression was bleak. “You’ve won this round, Elizabeth. But I’m not giving up.”
He hesitated, then turned on his heel and walked away. But that last look he gave her… He was a man being denied his right to see his son, and it was crushing him.
She banished the thought as soon as she had it.
Chapter Ten
ELIZABETH RUBBED HER PALMS, now damp with perspiration, across the front of her skirts. She’d done naught but pace the nursery since handing Oliver over to Mrs. Dalton. What was she to do now? She and Lord Constantine had rubbed well together the other night, but well enough that he would take her with him to Devon? They weren’t lovers. He’d confided in her, but he wasn’t ready to rely on her. Just remembering his indignant expression when she’d offered to pay his brother’s IOUs made her wince. He might not take kindly to her inserting herself his affairs, even if only for show.
She clasped her hands together. Now that she’d bluffed her way through Nicholas’s attempt to frighten her, she couldn’t risk not making the trip. He’d know. He had eyes and ears all over, or mayhap he was simply good at ferreting out answers.
Either way, if she and Con failed to depart for the country, Nicholas would use it against her.
She could make this happen. It was as simple as planting the idea and letting it grow. But how did she accomplish that, when she anticipated him being resolved against her involvement?
Her mind sifted through ways she might make a quick jaunt with her to Devon sound appealing to him. She could promise him sex, but he wasn’t quite ready to be tempted by it. Besides, they’d yet to consummate their arrangement in London, making her townhouse seem just as illicit as any hideaway in the country.
No, the promise of a tryst wouldn’t be enough. There must be another way. She continued to wear down her carpets, pausing every few minutes to peek into the crib at her sleeping son. She was still shaken by her encounter with Nicholas and her thoughts were a jumble, so much so that she couldn’t even fathom where to begin concocting a story that would end with Con taking her to Devon.
She stopped suddenly in the middle of the carpet. What about honesty? She could try telling him her quandary and trust he’d want to help her.
The idea was so foreign, she almost dismissed it.
Thinking on it more, however, she couldn’t discredit the notion that honesty could very well be the less complicated route in this case. Fatigue was overtaking her. Her creativity was depleted. Why not lay it out for him and see if he rose to this occasion, as he’d risen to the last?
When Oliver went down for his nap, she sent for a pen and a sheet of vellum.
My Lord Constantine,
I have had an unpleasant encounter with our mutual friend whilst on a walk in the park. I regret to inform you that he did not act the gentleman at all, but boorishly attempted to terrify me and asked rude questions about our association. My nerves were set upon and I fear I failed to act the lady. I would appreciate your counsel on this matter.
Your dutiful servant,
Elizabeth Spencer
When the note went off on its way, she went to work on the next step: combing through a stack of old