“Not in my family.” The man was an encroaching mushroom as well as being a scoundrel. “I suppose I shall have to stop such a misalliance from occurring.” His next thought made him grin. “I shall be a hero, just like in one of those novels my mother likes to read.”
Andrew rolled his eyes. “Only in your own mind.” His tone turned solemn. “You’re right, though. If he was in any way an eligible parti he’d not be forced to resort to such a scheme.” They reached the front steps of their hotel. “You appear to be very interested in the dark-haired lady.”
“Mrs. Villaret. She’s the widow I told you about.”
Andrew glanced at him skeptically. “Are you quite sure? She seemed rather . . . green, I suppose, to be a widow.”
No, Will was sure his friend was mistaken. “What do you mean by that?”
“Not only did she look too young, it is also the way she reacted to you.” Andrew shook his head. “It just feels wrong.”
“Maybe she wasn’t married long.” That would explain her lack of experience, but there was no need to guess about her status. No ring, poorly garbed, and after all, Andrew hadn’t touched her. She hadn’t responded to Will like an innocent. Though, naturally, he didn’t make a habit of kissing young unmarried women. Had he ever kissed one? It didn’t matter; he was not about to change his ways now. It was clear to him that Mrs. Villaret was as interested in him as he was in her.
“What language did you say the clerk spoke?”
“Stubble it. I know enough German to understandfrau.” Will gave himself a shake. Andrew could not be right.
A sleepy porter opened the door to the hotel.
“Have it your way. When it comes to females, you always do.” Andrew made his way toward their apartment. “But you’d better be careful, oryou’llfind yourself caught in the parson’s mousetrap.”
No chance of that happening. Will had been stalked by the best of the matchmaking mamas and their devious daughters.
“By the way,” Andrew continued, “Howden has a meeting with Shipley at the Green Parrot tomorrow at one o’clock. You should be there.”
What Will really wanted to do was find out where his widow lived. “What are you going to be doing?”
“I shall dig about in Shipley’s business interests.” Andrew yawned. “Any information I can find is bound to be helpful.”
“Very well.” It was only luncheon after all. Will would have the rest of the day to look for Mrs. Villaret. He’d need to be discreet. His groin tightened in anticipation. It must be all the weeks at sea. He couldn’t remember ever wanting a woman as badly as he wanted her. He’d better bed her soon.
Chapter 5
Once inside the Whitecliffs’ garden, Eugénie and Cicely made their way to her rooms.
Eugénie’s lips still felt swollen from Mr. Munford’s kisses. She didn’t understand why she was so drawn to the man, and it terrified her to think what might happen if she spent any time with him. He was a devil, and he didn’t even bother to hide it.
“This was such an exciting night.” Cicely bubbled with exhilaration as she took out two glasses and poured chilled white wine into them, handing one to Eugénie. “To think I actually met the man I was looking for.” Cicely untied her cloak. “What took you and Mr. Munford so long to catch up?”
Eugénie touched her lips for the second time that evening, and wondered if her friend would be able to see a difference. “He kissed me.”
Her cloak half off, Cicely froze. “He did what?”
“He kissed me,” Eugénie repeated, almost unable to believe it herself. Actually, he’d done much more than that. Her whole body had been alive with sensations she’d never had before. She sank onto a small wooden chair in front of the breakfast table, taking a sip of wine to steady her nerves. “I don’t know how it happened.”
Cicely finished removing her cloak. “Well, it can’t happen again. If word gets out you’ll be ruined. Even if he is well born, which we are not at all sure of, he certainly did not behave as a gentleman should.” She paused, rubbing her forehead. “I should never have left you alone with him.”
“No one has ever tried to kiss me before.” Unable to remain sitting, Eugénie rose and placed her wrap on the sofa. “I mean, some men have given me looks, but they would never have acted upon them.”
“Eugénie.” Cicely took Eugénie’s hands. “Your father was always there to scare them away.”
She drew her brows together much as her mother did when she was concerned, and suddenly she didn’t want to hear what her friend would say.
“Look at me.” Cicely waited until Eugénie did as she asked. “You cannot be with him alone again. He doesn’t know you and how innocent you are. My goodness, he doesn’t even know your name.”
“Oui,oui, I know.” Eugénie gave herself an inner shake. She’d never even imagined a kiss could be so wonderful. Still, her friend was correct. She could not allow him to do what he had done tonight. “The good thing is that I’ll probably not meet him again.”
“You will.” Cicely closed her eyes for a moment, and gave an imperceptible shake of her head. “Don’t forget I asked Papa to check into his friend. At least I now know his name is Mr. Grayson. That will make it easier for Papa. I shall ask Mama to plan a dinner and small soirée suitable for your mother to attend. I’ve no doubt Mr. Munford will accompany his friend, and even if he doesn’t, he will want to at least present himself to your mother.”
