Page 24 of Desperately Seeking Seduction

“I imagine that happens often,” she bit out tartly.

“Less often than you might think,” he promised with an instant smile. “You were ready to do anything for me even back at that inn, remember,” he reminded her.

She shrugged, refusing to rise to the bait of defending her decisions. She’d be gone as soon as he let down his guard and he would never see her again. It was clear she could no longer work for him, and she certainly would not stay to marry him.

Winston approached the bed slowly to pick up an apricot. She bit into it and nearly swooned from the taste. It had been a long time. She’d not the money to waste on expensive indulgences like this. The fruit was ripe and full of deliciousness, and she wiped the back of her hand across her mouth to catch the drips.

Stratford chuckled softly. “You ape the ways of men very convincingly. My brother did that very same thing at luncheon today. You should have seen the aunts scowl at him for such a display of bad manners at the table.”

Was there any point in denying the truth. “I’ve had a long time to practice.”

Stratford gobbled up a slice of ham and then nodded. “Tell me about that.”

“Not much to tell. A man gets along much better with the world than a woman.”

“Ah, yes, I suppose that is true.”

Winston picked up the knife to slice some cheese and put it down close to herself. If Stratford got too close again, she was not unwilling to defend her virtue. She ate well and then got up from the bed, keeping hold of the knife. “If you’ll excuse me, I am expected downstairs in the servants’ hall.”

“No,” Stratford replied immediately. “I am not about to be distracted by your sterling work ethic.”

She swiveled to stare at him. “I beg your pardon.”

Stratford had also risen up onto his knees. “You are not leaving this chamber tonight.”

She raised the knife. “You cannot hold me prisoner.”

“There’s no need to fear my intentions, Win.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“I can see that. But it has not escaped my notice that you are rather unique. You’re an extremely competent valet, for one. But you are also a dressed as a young fellow, disguising a woman’s body. That could draw the wrong type of attention out there. There are men who like the look of handsome young men, too. And you are alone in the world when you do not have to be.”

“I’ve done all right protecting myself so far,” she promised.

He raised one brow. “Have you?”

She squirmed. “There might have been a few situations that could have turned dangerous. But I am nimble and quick to make the right choices.”

“I have given the matter a great deal of thought during the time we were apart and have come to one conclusion. You must stay.” Stratford gestured to the room. “This is an extremely large house and full of servants and guests. There is no reason anyone should suspect you if you continue to act as you have been and avoid striking up friendships with other servants.”

“That isn’t a problem for me,” she promised.

“As much as it goes against the grain, you will continue in your role as my valet until the guests have gone on their merry way. And then we will discuss what happens next.”

“Cuthbert comes to resume his duties, and I leave, of course,” she reminded him.

“If that is your wish by then, so be it.” He grinned suddenly and sat down again. “There could always be a position for you among the maids here.”

Winston wrinkled her nose. “Are you suggesting I wear a dress again?”

“Have you ever worn one…or been kissed before, for that matter?” He laughed as her face warmed with the heat of a blush. “I’m merely pointing out an alternative you might not have considered. I assume you have all the usual feminine attributes hidden under those clothes.”

She scowled at the way he was regarding her, trying to see if she had breasts no doubt. He had a decidedly wolfish look about him now as his gaze traveled across her chest and then dipped lower. It was an expression she was instantly distrustful of. “You’ll never find out.”

“A pity. I quite enjoyed kissing you.” Stratford pursed his lips and picked up the bottle of wine. He uncorked it and poured two glasses. “Now this is a far better drop for a gentleman than that poison you offered me from that little flask of yours.”

She held his gaze a long time. Despite all the warnings in her head, she had enjoyed Stratford kissing her. However, she would not dare tell him that. “Are you going to be trouble for me?”