Page 24 of How to Tempt an Earl

An image of Grace rose to his mind. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes. When she’d first walked into the Raven Club, she’d looked at him with ill-concealed judgment, a haughty distain that he’d been on the receiving end of before, and it had provoked him. But her response when he’d pulled her into his arms and kissed her had told another story. Her pupils had dilated, and the pulse at her throat had throbbed in excitement. For those few moments, her body had molded to his, had yielded in sweet surrender.

Had surprised even him.

Disgust at his lack of control roiled inside him. The lessons she could provide were his best hope of helping his sisters, and all he could think about was that one kiss.

The door opened and his mother stepped inside. Ian rose.

“Ardmore informed me you were here.” She looked to her daughters. “Girls, your French tutor has arrived.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. Oliva made a face. “Mother, we’d rather stay with Ian.”

“Go.”

“Mother’s right. We have matters to discuss.” Ian kissed his sisters’ cheeks and they departed.

The countess glided into the room. “I was surprised to learn you were here.”

“I wanted to visit Olivia and Ellie. I’ll leave.”

“No. Please stay.”

Ian nodded.

“I’m attending Lady Sheldon’s dinner party tonight. I am going with a friend, Lady Taddlesworth, who is also acting as a chaperone for the girls. It would please me to have you escort us.”

“Olivia and Ellie dislike her.”

“She can be harsh in her opinions, but she is highly respected, a paragon of Society, and a friend of the patronesses of Almack’s. A good word from her will ensure Ellie a coveted voucher.”

“You don’t need her. You are capable.”

“No. I haven’t been myself since your brother’s death. I want to go to Bath.”

“Why? Are you ill?”

“I suffer no physical ailments but rather a melancholy. I want to visit my sister, your aunt, Lady James. I need to be sure the girls will be looked after. If you escort Lady Taddlesworth and me to tonight’s ball, it will be another step toward ensuring Ellie’s future.”

“No.”

Her spine stiffened another inch. “Why?”

“I haven’t attended a dinner party in quite some time, remember?” How much to tell? “I must refresh my manners. In fact, I have engaged someone to assist me in this.”

His mother sat forward in her seat, her gaze glinting with interest. “Someone is aiding you?”

He eyed her warily. “Informally.”

“Have you sought out Lord Winton? He is a longtime family friend.”

“I cannot say.”

An image of Grace returned to his him. Lovely and pure. Far from the elderly Lord Winton. She had agreed to tutor him. No, he had blackmailed her into agreeing, but she’d agreed nonetheless. He was determined to keep his distance, no matter how tempting he found her. It was the least he could do, not for his mother, but for his sisters. He’d escort Ellie to her debut and dance with her at her ball, and no one would have a reason to whisper.

Then he’d return to his club.

His mother regarded him, seeming uncertain what to make of these turn of events, but then she nodded. “If Lord Winton is helping you, please give him my regards.”

He made to rise and she placed a hand on his arm. “One more item. Your brother resided here. I wish you to as well.”