Page 73 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

Get a hold of yourself, man! Where did that foolish thought come from? As he looked down into his wife’s lovely, animated face, he was determined to be happy for her while keeping his own emotions under control.

Chapter Twenty-One

‘My nerves are wound as tight as clock springs,’ Nora said.

‘Practice will help. I have a few helpful tips,’ Ralston said.

They were together in her science room. He sat facing her as if he were one of the members of the London Scientific Society. She stood in front of him, her notes in hand. Just thinking of her upcoming presentation made her palms sweat and the notes damp.

‘Start from the beginning,’ he said.

Nora took a breath. ‘My presentation today is on seashells, specifically how the mollusks who inhabit them can repair a damaged shell over time.’ She let out a puff of air and pinched the bridge of her nose with a thumb and forefinger. ‘I fear I’ll stutter in my nervousness. Or worse, bore them to tears.’

He leaned forward in his chair, his long legs crossing at his booted feet. ‘Public speaking, especially presenting something that is of utmost importance to you is challenging. Before I rise to present a bill or argue its merits in the House of Lords, I become anxious, as well. I believe most do.’

‘You are successful. How do you overcome it?’ She couldn’t imagine him nervous. He seemed confident and sure in his cause. She imagined men listened when the Earl of Ralston stood to speak. Even those who opposed his bill must pay attention.

He studied her face with his enigmatic gaze before speaking. ‘First, you should know that you are one of the smartest people I know, and I have no doubt you will be successful.’

Her heart turned over in her chest. Did he know how powerful his words were? Or how meaningful? Before she could respond, he continued.

‘Make sure to look each of them in the eyes, rather than looking down at your notes,’ he said. ‘It’s a challenge, I know, but important. And remember, the Society invited you to speak, and they are genuinely interested in your work.’

She bit her bottom lip and curled the edges of her notes as she pondered his words. ‘They did invite me.’

‘I practice beforehand. Just like we are doing today. Sometimes I even rehearse my entire speech in front of a cheval glass.’

‘I never thought to do that.’ She looked at him in a different light. Perhaps his confidence came from preparation. She recalled that he spent hours in his study working hard.

‘You can also practice out loud when you are walking or riding in the park. Although, people may look at you strangely,’ he said, his lips curling in a smile.

She giggled. ‘I suppose they might. What else?’

‘Make sure you speak slowly, confidently, and not rushed,’

‘I shall try.’ She tended to speak swiftly when she was nervous or discussing her work. Her sisters had rolled their eyes when she talked about shells.

‘Others,’ he continued, ‘imagine their audience in their underclothes.’

She gave him a look of disbelief. ‘You’re jesting now!’

‘It’s true. The tactic never worked for me. However, if I were practicing before you, it would.’ He wagged his eyebrows.

‘You’re outrageous! Are you imaging me in my shift now?’ Her pulse leapt at his heated look.

His voice turned gruff. ‘I cannot lie.’

‘Would you like to then?’ She realized she wanted him, too. She was aware of the uneven rhythm of her breathing and a familiar shiver of awareness. She ached for his touch. Would it always be this way? Setting aside her notes, she met his eyes.

His gaze darkened with emotion. ‘Undress you? Yes, I’d like that very much.’ His answer was delivered with firm eagerness.

She turned and lifted her hair from her nape. ‘Then what are you waiting for, Devon?’

She was irresistible. Never one to waste an opportunity, especially when it came to his wife, he rose and pulled the pins from her hair. Thick auburn tresses spilled in his hands and cascaded down her back to land above her waist. He loved her hair. He lifted the silky strands to drape them over her shoulder. He then began to unfasten the tiny row of buttons on her gown. As an inch of creamy skin was revealed to his hungry gaze, he placed a hot kiss on the exposed flesh. She shivered. God, he’d never tire of touching her.

He made quick work of the remaining buttons, and she turned, clutching the gaping gown to her breasts. Her green eyes were bright with what he now recognized as desire. He briefly kissed her then stepped away. ‘I want to see you in the light of day.’

She released her hold on the gown and the silk dress slithered to pool at her feet.