Page 13 of Real Earls Break the Rules

“Yes.”

Her brow creased. How long had he been thinking of this? “You’ve planned this all in advance, haven’t you?”

“I would be remiss if I had not.”

She scowled at his arrogance “You were so sure I would agree to paint you?”

The corner of his lips pulled into a grin. “I was hopeful.”

She didn’t know what to make of him. He was arrogant one moment and charming the next. “Show me then. Before anyone notices my absence.”

Despite the risks, excitement hummed through Amelia’s veins. The wicked part of her was thrilled at the scandalous agreement. She’d known she could be tempted by sin, but now she understood how easily she could be enticed to thrust caution and reason aside.

Her father, the infamous forger, had been bribed by money. The income he’d earned from his first forgery had been enough to tempt him into permanent immoral behavior.

She was no different. She was tempted, not by money, but by a different form of payment—private lessons from a master painter. She still couldn’t believe her good fortune. Samuel Stirling’s artwork graced the ballrooms of royalty. Many artists would sell their souls to spend an afternoon with him.

Vale escorted her from the portrait gallery, up the grand staircase, and halted outside her bedchamber door. He glanced both ways to ensure they were alone and lowered his voice. “There is a hidden door in the paneling of your room that leads to a passageway. You must take a candle with you because it’s dim. If you follow the passage, it will lead you directly to my private study.”

“Does each guest chamber have a secret door?” she asked.

“No. Yours is the only one with access to the passage.”

No wonder Vale had insisted she occupy this room alone. He’d known he could convince her to accept his offer. He was attractive and unscrupulous enough to tempt any woman.

He had stepped close to her, and although they weren’t touching, she was highly conscious of the solidity and size of him. If she turned from the door, she’d be pressed against him.

Footsteps sounded on the landing down the hall. Amelia sucked in a breath. “Someone’s coming.”

“I will show you another time when it’s safe. Meanwhile, make a list of the supplies you will need and hand it to my butler.” He turned to leave.

“Wait!” she whispered as loudly as she dare. “My paints and brushes—”

“All will be delivered. Leave it to me.”

…

That evening, dinner was an exercise in frustration.

Amelia was seated between Lord Vale’s sisters, Caroline and Helen. Vale occupied the head of the table and the dowager was seated to his right. The rest of the house party guests were expected to arrive later in the week, including the marquess, Lady Helen’s betrothed, and the Duke of Townsend’s family.

Amelia stole glimpses at Vale. He looked exceptionally handsome with a royal blue jacket, a cream-colored brocade waistcoat, and a snowy cravat. She should have had her fill of excitement after selling her sole forgery years ago. The threat of discovery and imprisonment should have been enough stimulation and danger to last a lady a lifetime. But she must not be an ordinary woman. She was brimming with anticipation to begin painting him.

Vale motioned for dinner service to commence and half a dozen footmen began serving the meal. The food was plentiful and delicious, the wine smooth and expensive.

Lady Helen sipped her wine and set down her glass. “Amelia has graciously gifted me one of her beautiful landscape paintings.”

The dowager looked at Amelia. “I didn’t know you painted.”

Amelia swallowed a spoonful of her first course, a delicious turtle soup. “I enjoy painting as a pastime, my lady.”

She fought the urge to squirm in her seat beneath the dowager’s shrewd eyes. Eliza had mentioned that Lord Vale’s grandmother was a formidable woman, and from her stiff posture and shrewd stare, Amelia could understand why.

“The painting isn’t finished yet, and it’s already a masterpiece in my opinion,” Helen said.

“Truly?” Vale said, drawing attention to him at the head of the table. “I’d like to see it when it’s finished.”

His lazy smile caused the air to leave her lungs. She set down her spoon. A footman immediately stepped forward to take her bowl.