A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders #2) - Darcy Burke Page 0,16

a few prestigious invitations to Society events over the next fortnight, she knew the time when she would come face-to-face with her father was nigh. And then she could stop spying on him from Rockbourne’s garden.

Except that would mean she would stop going to Rockbourne’s garden. She’d decided she rather liked going there. More accurately, she liked going to see Rockbourne.

But tonight was to see her father. Or so she told herself as she stole through the gate into the garden.

She hurried along the crushed gravel path that bisected the beds in the middle and made her way to the tree. First, she glanced toward the house, as she’d done since the first night she’d come. She had to make sure no one from Rockbourne’s house saw her.

Standing on the balcony, his gaze trained directly on her, was Rockbourne. As on the other night, he wasn’t wearing a coat. Unlike then, he still wore his cravat. Pity, she’d rather enjoyed ogling that narrow triangle of his chest.

With a giddy rush, Beatrix hastened to the trellis and quickly climbed up to the balcony. He met her at the railing, offering his hand to help her over.

“How gallant,” she said, grinning as she put her fingers in his. She stepped on the railing, and he put his other hand on her waist as he helped her onto the balcony. Instinctively, she grasped his shoulder.

He didn’t immediately release her. They stood close together, their hands clasped, his palm against her hip, her fingertips on his collarbone.

“It’s almost a waltz,” she said softly.

He moved his hand to her back and swept her around as if they were in fact waltzing.

“I haven’t yet waltzed. But I know how.” Selina had hired a woman to give Beatrix dancing and comportment lessons after they’d arrived in London.

He released her then, and she ignored the wave of disappointment. “You’re very good.”

She laughed—as much at his statement as to cover her reaction. “And you’re an excellent liar.”

“That’s actually true.” Before she could ask him what he meant, he gestured to the narrow door leading inside. “Would you care to come in for a glass of madeira? Or whatever you prefer.”

Beatrix wished she wasn’t wearing the suit of men’s clothing. She wanted him to see her in one of the gowns they’d had made for her Season, especially the one she would wear to Selina’s engagement ball. Rafe had insisted on paying for her and Selina to be lavishly outfitted for the occasion.

“Madeira would be lovely, thank you.” She preceded him into a sitting room. Decorated in bright yellow and rose, it had a distinctly feminine atmosphere. She noted there were three other doors, presumably leading to interior rooms. Two were ajar, while the third, to her right, was closed.

“That was her room,” Rockbourne said, handing Beatrix a glass of madeira.

She’d been so focused on studying her surroundings that she hadn’t paid attention to him pouring the drinks. “Thank you.”

Their fingers touched, but she was still wearing gloves. Probably best if she left them on. She sipped the wine. “Mmm, delicious. Do you mind if I take off my hat?” She didn’t need to ask, she realized.

“Not at all.”

She removed the black hat and set it on a small writing desk situated next to the door.

In the center of the room, there was a small settee, really only wide enough for two people, and two chairs. Beatrix perched on one of the chairs and took another sip of wine. She glanced toward the closed door, which was to her right.

“You didn’t share a bedchamber?” As soon as the question left her mouth, she wished she could take it back. Besides, what did it even mean? Plenty of married couples of his class didn’t share a bedchamber. Or so she’d heard. “I beg your pardon. That was most improper.”

“You’re in the sitting room adjoining my bedchamber after climbing a trellis dressed in men’s clothing. Nothing about this is proper. I can’t say I mind.” He peered at her over his glass of wine as he sat on the settee across from her. He seemed to take it up entirely. Perhaps it wasn’t really large enough for two people. Unless one wanted to sit very close to the other person with whom they were sharing it. Beatrix wouldn’t have minded that at all if Rockbourne was the person.

“So you did share a bedchamber?” she asked, since they’d agreed propriety wasn’t necessary.

He shook his head. “Mine is there.” He inclined his head to