Page 12 of Sinfully Daring

“Then what do you mean by that?”

Hargreaves shrugged. “We should have a care, that’s all. Perhaps we should only speak when in company with other people. It is only sensible. Your reputation is too important, my lady. I would not damage it for the world.”

“I’m a duke’s daughter with a large dowry. It would need to be shocking indeed for any actual damage to be done,” she said irritably, her expression dark.

“A liaison with a married man would be shocking indeed.”

Rosamund jolted, startled by his words and unable to halt the blush that surged over her. It began at her toes and seemed to swallow her up… which was silly, obviously. She had no intention of having a liaison with anyone, certainly not a married man.

“I beg your pardon, my lady. That was an unforgiveable thing to say. I’ve frightened you,” he added, his expression wretched with remorse.

“What?” Rosamund replied, distracted by her reaction to his shocking words. She turned to look up at him, caught at once in the warmth and affection she saw in his eyes. Gingerbread and spice, she thought at once, and wondered if his skin would smell deliciously spicy too. She stiffened, horrified she had even considered such a thing. Forcing her attention back to the conversation she nodded.

“Oh. Oh, yes. That is sensible. To only speak in company, and no—not frightened. I could never be afraid of you,” she added, her voice faint as she stared up at him.

His gaze fell to her mouth before he looked away.

“It’s for the best,” he said, his tone adamant.

Rosamund did not feel she could disagree. Perhaps, after all, one glass of champagne had been too much.

1st July 1842, Beverwyck, London

“Finally,” Aunt Hester said, casting her embroidery aside the moment the door opened, and Barnaby stepped through. With wry amusement, he acknowledged his company was not what the old woman was so eager for. “I thought I would take root, waiting for you two to show your faces today.”

“Forgive us for neglecting you, my lady,” Louis César said smoothly, crossing the room to where Lady Balderston sat and taking the hand she held out to him. He bowed over it and even pressed a kiss to her knuckles, the devil. To Barnaby’s astonishment, colour rose in his aunt’s cheeks. Good Lord, she was blushing!

“Hmph. Think you can get around me with that pretty face of yours, do you?” Aunt Hester blustered as Louis released her hand.

Louis’ eyes twinkled at her and Barnaby watched in amusement as she let out a sigh. “Well, you’re not wrong. Diabolical, that’s what I call it.”

“You would not be the first to say so,” Louis said, his tone dry. “But I cannot help myself. I seek only to please you.”

The lady snorted. “If you’d have said that to me ten years ago, you might have found yourself in a deal of trouble, young man. Lucky for you, I’m not so quick as I once was.”

Louis laughed, the first genuine laugh Barnaby had heard from him since they’d left Fort William. Whilst it pleased him to see his friend’s spirits lighten, it was still disconcerting to see his formidable aunt turn girlish before his eyes.

“Louis, stop flirting with my aunt. It’s unnerving.”

“Barnaby, hush. There are certain things a lady of my age can still enjoy, and making outrageous remarks to handsome men young enough to be our sons is one of them. Don’t spoil it.”

“Fine,” Barnaby grumbled. “Is there any tea?”

“Of course there’s tea. It will be here presently,” she said, tsking at him. “Now sit down, you’re giving me a crick in my neck. No, monsieur, you will sit there, where I can keep an eye on you.” She patted the seat closest to her.

They obeyed her, for there was no point in doing anything else, and once the tea had arrived, waited for her to pour.

“How is Bedwin?” Barnaby asked, taking his cup from her. “As terrifying as ever?”

“Not a bit of it. He’s perfectly charming, just as his uncle was, and the duchess is such a sweet creature. Beverwyck is a glorious place to stay, and she’s made me feel perfectly at home.”

“She is a remarkable woman,” Louis offered with a smile as Aunt Hester held out his tea.

“She is,” Aunt Hester replied, fixing him with a steely gaze. “And one who laments your refusal to become a part of the family, I might add. How many of her dinner invitations have you accepted this year, might I ask?”

Barnaby watched with interest as Louis frowned and looked a little uncomfortable. “She is too kind, but just because my brother has married into the family does not mean—”

“Stuff!” Aunt Hester announced before Louis could say another word. “I never saw a fellow more in need of a family, and here is one opening its arms to you, and what do you do? Turn tail and run away.”