Once they were on the main level again and away from the revelry, she tilted her head at him as they walked. “Right, then. How do you know everyone’s arse so well?”
He laughed, then kept laughing.
She stared. His laughter was at her expense, but hisjoie de vivreprecluded resentment. The leonine mane, not quite blonde, not quite brown, inched closer to her curious fingers as he put a hand to his stomach and bent forward. A delicious shiver ran through her at the idea of being mauled by this particular king of the cats.
“Ah, that would be quite the story, would it not?” He stopped walking to control his laughter, dragging her to a halt with him. Between snickers, he said, “I don’t, actually. I know their habits and their scents.”
Huh. She supposed that made sense.But really, all of them?“All of them?”
“Enough to narrow it down. ’Tis why I make a full pass. I know some perfumes, who smokes, who blacks their boots daily, who drinks what. I also have a very good memory, so clothing can give it away—height, coat length, fabric of a gown.”
She considered it, and another question occurred. “How did you know me? I don’t wear a strong scent or smoke, and my gown is nothing special.”
“Aaahhh.” His smile seemed smug. “I could say process of elimination, but ’tisn’t true. I am afraid that is one secret I am unwilling to share, my lady.” He started their stroll again, ignoring the portraits hung along the gallery. “’Tis your turn. Tell me why you did not like the game. Too risqué?”
“I don’t know how well you know my cousin, but one cannot live with Beth and not be open to activities rather beyond the pale by society’s standards. I suppose I was more taken aback at the bawdiness in such a large group, but never mind. While I do not see the appeal, I do not condemn others for enjoying themselves. Beth insists I am missing out, but it must be different for everyone.”
Evan gestured to a bench and sat next to her after she’d arranged her skirts. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, all that touching. And…” She blushed. Why did she make that comment about missing out? Only at such a wild party could it even come up in conversation.
“You do not see the appeal of touching someone’s bum? Or even of being touched?”
“My lord—Evan. This conversation is hardly proper.” She ignored the spurt of heat low in her belly at the thought of touching Evan’s tight buttocks. Trying to recall if she’d ever seen or felt her husband’s bottom, she frowned.
He laughed again. “Nor was the game, but here we are. At my house party, which has never been called proper.” He peered at her. “Now, answer the question, please.”
“You know I am a widow, do you not?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t feel as though I am missing any knowledge then, contrary to my cousin’s comments.”Except maybe the feel of a man’s arse?
“Hmm. Tell me about your husband.”
“Thomas was a dear man. He took good care of me.”
Evan’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve heard the term damning with faint praise?”
She frowned. “I loved my husband, sir.”
“I don’t doubt it. But was it a grand passion?”
“That is hardly your concern.” Would it belie her answer if she asked him to define a grand passion? Did she want to know?
If it included her gaze being irresistibly drawn to his visage, warmth trickling through her like hot tea when he touched her, and sparks of fire at the idea of running her hands through his hair, then she’d experienced a grand passion. However, it had not been directed at her husband. Instead, ’twas much more recent and included the past few minutes. She needed to remember that she could not afford rumors, and where the Earl of Cheltenham went, rumors followed.
“Ah, but we’ve established I’m not proper, nor is this party. Come now, it can be our secret.”
“I stand by my earlier statement.” Although, mayhap behind closed doors, some improper behavior from him could prove stimulating.
“So, no, then.” His gaze flicked to her lips.
She licked them, wondering how his would feel. Heat seared through her at the thought. She had never yearned for her husband’s kiss, but she was hungry for Evan’s.
“No wonder Beth says you are missing out.” His mouth turned up on one side in a half-smile. “You’ve come to the right place. I shall have to consider games for tomorrow.” He wiggled his brows.
“Please, do not bother yourself on my behalf.” She caught herself before she leaned toward him and contradicted her words.Lud, he is fascinating as well as exquisite. While I am curious about tomorrow’s games, I cannot afford the risk to my reputation or my business.
