Chapter Seventeen
Astonished Lady Asquithhad requested his party join hers, Adrian headed across the lawn with Emily walking slightly ahead and Caroline by his side. His plan was working. And quickly, too. Unfortunately, with an unanticipated effect.
An effect demonstrated in a dream Adrian recalled from the prior night.
He and Miss Wainwright were back in the box at the opera—alone. He’d taken her hand in an innocent handshake, but then she’d drawn close, and he’d cupped the back of her long neck, tilted her head and brushed her lips with his. Her skin had been warm with wanting, her lips soft and pliant. When he withdrew, Miss Wainwright had transformed into the Blackbird. How did he know, having never seen the woman?
Because she, too, had grabbed his shirt and demanded more.
In that dream moment, they’d been magically transported back to the Lyon’s Den, where he’d obliged, savoring the encore of every unspeakable act.
How was he going to look the Miss Wainwright in the eye?
“Odd, don’t you think?” Caroline spoke in low tones so that they would not be overheard.
“Lady Asquith issuing us an invitation to join her party? Not unusual at all. Lady Asquith is merely being polite. Emily invited the Wainwright girls to join her lessons, she’s simply returning the favor.”
Caroline hummed thoughtfully. “In my experience, Lady Asquith rarely does anything without calculation. Not, you understand, in a malicious way. But in the way of kindly older women. You must have made a good impression.”
“Me?” With eyebrows raised, Adrian pointed to himself.
“I took calls this morning. More than one person gleefully reported that you were seen shaking hands with one of the Wainwright twins.”
He flattened the hand already over his heart. “Quelle horror.”
“Adrian, be serious. What are you up to? Miss Wainwright is young, impressionable, and innocent.”
Hearing the echo of his own thoughts, he frowned. “Do you think I would harm her?”
“Of course not. But—”
“Trust me,” he interrupted. “Miss Wainwright is more than capable of giving a set down, should one be required.”
Caroline’s brows drew together.
“Oh, don’t look at me that way. She only agreed to spend time with me.”
“Youaskedher to spend time with you?”
“I am well aware of Lady Asquith’s influence. All I intend, at present, is to ensure that the countess develops a positive opinion of Emily.”
Why had he added the ‘at present’? “Miss Wainwright agreed to help, thus the handshake,” he quickly continued, hoping Caroline wouldn’t notice the slip.
“Adrian, you can’t mean to court her just to get into Lady Asquith’s good graces.”
“And why not? How could there be any harm? We both know exactly what the other expects.”
Caroline did not look convinced. “Please take care.”
“I always do.” He caught his hands behind his back, ignoring the toll her warning had rung.
By the time he and Caroline had reached the blanket, the two youngest Miss Wainwrights had rejoined the three eldest. Greetings and introductions were exchanged, and a second chair produced for Caroline. Then Millicent, Annette, and Lenora, accompanied by an eager Emily, returned to the edge of the lake to entertain an amassing group of children.
He leaned against the tree, content to surreptitiously scrutinize Miss Wainwright as the ladies conversed. Why had his imagination confused the young lady with the Blackbird?
They were similar in that they both had engaged his wit. And, like the Blackbird, Miss Wainwright had been intelligent and engaging. The Blackbird had sparked a potent desire specific to her person. Distressingly, Adrian also found Miss Wainwright uniquely desirable.
Miss Wainwright was the opposite of demure. She was headstrong and sure of what she wanted. If her lovemaking proved as passionate as her conversation, a man would never grow weary of her intimacies.
