twenty-seven
KEITH WINCED AS Violante cleaned the wound on his arm with carbolic acid. The liquid smelled bitter and stung worse, but the cut wasn’t deep. He wasn’t sure how he’d injured himself, but in the bloody chaos that had ensued after the duel, he’d understood very little of what had been going on. His only solace was that George had been taken away by the police, and the count had withdrawn his accusations against Violante and offered her an apology. Ha! Who was the fool now?
He suppressed a shout as Violante applied more disinfectant to the wound. “You were right. I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have challenged the count.”
“Actually, I think it’s better this way.” She put a bandage around his arm. She was so close he could see the tips of her eyelashes overlapping. “The count knows about his wife’s betrayal and that Sir Nigel can’t be trusted. The truth is out. Sir Nigel’s plan backfired horribly for him, but it benefitted us.”
“The count knows we aren’t married.” He caressed her cheek.
“Yes, well, we’ve always known the risks of our ruse, and in a way, I think we deserve the count’s wrath although I’m responsible for that. You were right about not wanting to deceive him. We lied to him for our own gain. Also, I’m sorry for thecountess. I could have never imagined that Sir Nigel was a shark. She hasn’t stopped crying since the incident.”
“But we don’t have to lie anymore.” He took her chin and stared into her magnificent violet eyes.
“I’m looking forward to leaving this place and starting afresh. But I’m sorry for your project.”
He’d think about his failure later, but at that moment, he was eager to discuss something else. “Will you marry me? For real? No more lies and ruses. Just you and me. No marriage of inconvenience, only a long, happy life.”
She laughed and threw her arms around him. “Oh, goodness, yes. We could go away right now and buy a special license.”
He kissed her lips, sharing her laughter. “Absolutely not. No shortcuts. I want a full wedding with the flowers, guests, food, and wine. I want to do things properly now.”
She sat on his lap. “Then we’re engaged to be married, and I’ll soon be Mrs. Keith Ryan.”
“Lady Violante Ryan, Viscountess Ashford.” He kissed her again, deeply this time, pouring all his passion into the kiss.
She scattered kisses on his neck, and the absurd tension of the day lifted from his chest just like that. “We should pack. The count is going to throw us out if we stay here.” She caressed his hair. “Are you disappointed about the deal?”
He held her closer, taking the opportunity to slide a hand under her skirts and stroke her lovely legs. “Yes and no. As you said, I deserve the count’s scorn. I shouldn’t have lied to him. I missed the opportunity to help many children and those people who might lose their homes. That bothers me the most. But he’s proven to be a fool, and I’m still upset about the way he treated you.”
“I don’t care about the count or his moral standards. Besides, he’s suffering ten times over about his disastrous marriage. He’s hurt. I’d rather leave as soon as possible.”
“Your wish is my command.”
As they finished getting ready and packing their belongings, Keith couldn’t keep his hands off her. He slipped his hands under her skirts or shirt whenever she was distracted. Yes, leaving was the best idea, so he would be alone with her.
“Keith, stop it.” She laughed, swatting his hand away from her firm breast.
“Hey, I nearly died today to defend you.” He put his hand on her breast and fondled it.
“The decision to challenge the count was all yours.” Yet, she didn’t remove his hand.
“I think I deserve a proper tumble after today.” He pinched her nipple through the shirt, and she laughed.
The knock on the door tore a curse out of him. He reluctantly let Violante’s enticing breast go. “Come in.”
Paul inched the door open. “I’m sorry to interrupt.” He was wearing his travelling coat and hat. “I’m leaving, and I wanted to apologise to Violante.” He removed his hat. “Thank you for forgiving me.”
She frowned. “Who said I forgive you?” Her tone was light though.
Paul grinned. “I’ll make amends by helping Keith with his project as much as I can.”
“Fair enough. You’re forgiven.”
They carried the bags downstairs. The house was eerily quiet. Not a sound came from the garden either.
“Where’s everyone?” Violante whispered.
“Why are you whispering?” Paul asked.
