ink. He refrained from mentioning that he had plenty of each already at hand. The faint scent of lemons that always followed her wrapped around him. He shifted again as his body responded. Did she soak lemons in her washing water or did the scent cling from her morning tea? She settled in the chair across from him.
“We need to make a list,” she said.
“A list?”
“Yes, I have considered this with great care and have decided that we should each list what we want from this marriage. Does that not sound sensible?” She leaned forward revealing the tops of her pale breasts. He was relieved her morning gown was relatively high cut, only the faintest hint of shadow was visible between them.
He lifted his glance, considered, then spoke. “I am not sure I find that necessary. I am content with our marriage in its present fashion.”
“Are you really? I find that surprising.”
What was so surprising? He was giving her what she wanted. If he asked, the conversation would undoubtedly follow some meandering side road and he’d never find out what this was really about. He’d keep it simple. “Nonetheless, it is the truth.”
“Hmmmm.” She caught her lower lip between her teeth and bit softly. Then her tongue came out and licked at the small indent. “Still, I think it is best. It will lead to less confusion.”
“I didn’t know there was confusion.”
“You will not win by playing word games. Yes, I am confused.”
“I didn’t realize I was playing a game.”
“You are doing it again.” She bit her lip again.
If she licked it with her tongue he was going to die here and now. He was doing the right thing. Did she need to torture him for it? She leaned back in her chair. A curl pulled loose from her coiffure and settled over one pink cheek. It shimmered like gold upon white velvet. He was growing poetic again. Maybe he could think of some excuse and flee to the club.
“Do not even think about it. I asked you at breakfast if you had any plans for the day and you said you needed to catch up on some important correspondence. You did not mention a need to go to the club or dine with friends.” Had she become a mind reader, too? “You have plenty of time to help me.”
“But, do I want to?” He couldn’t resist playing with her.
“Yes, you do.” She pulled herself straight in her seat and sat as stiff as any governess. “I debated all night on whether to tell you this. It is something I never thought to share, but I have decided that honesty truly is the best policy. We should share all our secrets.”
He swallowed hard. Share all his secrets. Never. There wasn’t a soul alive who knew all his secrets. Why would he start with her? Yes, she had a good mind, how else could she continue to argue against him? She was thoughtful and seemed trustworthy – still, she was a woman and so could only be honorable to a more restrained degree. He’d learned that lesson well. No, it would never do to tell her his secrets. He refrained from comment.
She stared at him with steady blue eyes. “Nothing to say. Well, I planned to go first anyway. I wanted to tell you that this marriage is all your fault. I am blameless it its entirety.”
“Well yes, I knew that. I may not be quite sure why you chose me to turn to, but it was certainly my hand that forced matters from that point on. Even Lady Smythe-Burke could have been overcome if I had put my mind to it.”
“No, I do not think you quite understand. The situation would never have arisen at all if it were not for you.”
“Forgive me, but you are right, I am confused. I do not see how I contributed to your believing you were pregnant. Which was, by the way, your mistake and not mine. That, I had no part in.”
She had the grace to blush. He still wasn’t sure where this was going, but it was certainly entertaining. Oh God, the blush was seeping down her face, her neck, disappearing beneath her gown. Just how far did it go? He had this sudden image of peeling back the delicate fabric and pursuing this inquiry, tracing the rosy glow to its natural conclusion. Had the room just gone up in temperature? He leaned back in his chair carefully drawing his coat over