Page 10 of How to Tempt an Earl

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I am a lady. My virtue is not for sale.”

“I’ve never doubted you are a lady,” he drawled.

“Then go seek one of the countless women who must throw themselves into your arms seeking a bedmate.” She bit her lip as soon as she blurted out the words. She had as much as admitted he was sufficiently attractive to have women crawling into bed with him.

His lips curled into a smile. “Thank you, but a night in my bed, no matter how enticing that sounds, is not what I require of you.”

“It’s not?”

“Oh, don’t mistake me. I would do everything in my power to make it most pleasurable for you should you decide to accept my initial offer. But that is not what I want.”

“No?”

She almost sounded disappointed at his disinterest. Erotic images sprang to mind of him teaching her all types of sensual delights. He’d start by having her peel off her dowdy dress. No, he had to cease thinking of her that way. He needed her for more pressing reasons.

He shifted in his seat and forced his thoughts to return to his dilemma. “I find myself in a predicament. I need a tutor.”

Her delicate brows drew together. “You can’t possibly mean you want to learn Latin or French or the pianoforte?”

“That’s not what I have in mind.”

“Then what, for heaven’s sake?”

“I need to enter polite Society.”

Her blue eyes widened. “You mean you need me to teach you manners?”

“Not just fine manners but how to act like a gentleman of the ton.”

She gasped as if he’d requested her to perform magic. “But that’s impossible!”

He arched a dark eyebrow. “Are you refusing?”

“It’s just that…that…I don’t know if I’m capable.”

“You are Miss Grace Ashton, the daughter of Baron Newbury, a lady of proper upbringing and standing in Society. A member of the Orphaned Children’s Relief Society, correct?”

Her brows snapped downward. “You seem to know a considerable amount about my affairs.”

“It’s in my interest to know about anyone who steps foot in my club. All their secrets and their desires.”

A blush crept up her cheeks. “Yes, but someone else would be—”

“I can’t think of a better tutor.”

“Why? Why would you care to enter Society when you have,” her hand fluttered toward the window overlooking the casino floor, “all of this.”

“It’s simple. My brother died.”

She blinked, clearly taken aback at his statement. “I’m sorry for your loss, but—”

“His Christian name was Matthew. He was my father’s oldest son and the Earl of Castleton.”

Her features softened. “I heard of the tragic riding accident, of course, but I didn’t realize the earl was your brother. I’m truly sorry.”

For some reason, her genuine sympathy disturbed Ian. He didn’t want her pity. He didn’t want anyone to know his true feelings for his older brother.

“Do not pity me,” he said tersely. “I’m now the earl and possess all the property and prestige that goes along with the title.”