Page 41 of Tempting Her Viscount

“No, thank you.”

Nettie let out a disappointed sigh. “’Tis been a long time since this old body has known the touch of a man. I had hoped you’d spare a detail at least.”

Celia wasn’t swayed by Nettie’s act, though she did relent because she found she wanted to share her joy with someone.

“Fine. I will say this; it is going quite nicely so far. And yes, I’m eager to catch him in the mornings for a kiss or two before my brother arrives. So, you’re correct that I seem to wake earlier and earlier. There is time for a nap later. After…” Celia felt her lips pull up into a mischievous grin.

Nettie smiled. “Has he offered for you?”

“Yes.” Celia couldn’t hide her frown.

“But you set him right?”

“I did. But I didn’t realize he would truly want to marry. Who would suspect the naughty Scottish rake to be the one who wants to settle down in marriage while the prim widow wants to have many adventurous liaisons with multiple lovers?”

“An adventure is a fine thing, so long as you know when it’s time to settle down yourself. Men tend to want the young ones. You’ll need to marry before you come of an age that you don’t get the offers of adventures any longer.”

Celia hadn’t considered such a thing. Mainly because she saw other things standing in her way. “To be honest, I’m not so sure I’ll be able to claim any man as it is.”

“Why not? You’re in your prime.”

Celia pointed to the side of her face where the birthmark marred her otherwise clear skin.

“Don’t you dare think that silly mark makes you any less alluring to men. Stand tall and know that any of them would feel lucky to be chosen to share your desires.”

Celia nodded but looked away from her reflection until Nettie took her chin and pulled her round again. “Look at you, love. You’re perfect. Now go down and steal a few kisses from your gentleman. I’ll be certain to visit the kitchens when breakfast is over. I’ll only enter your rooms when called until you tell me otherwise.”

“You are wonderful, Nettie.”

“So are you. Don’t forget it.”

As planned, Celia was waiting outside the breakfast room when Kit entered. She grabbed him and kissed him hard, pulling away just enough to see his smile.

That smile had lifted her spirits each morning since she’d moved in with her brother. But now it held a hint of promise as well.

“I need to go riding with Gray after breakfast today,” he told her.

“Why?” She did her best not to pout, but only just succeeded.

“Because he’s bound to get suspicious if I don’t. I’ve missed our rides every morning since we’ve been ill. I can’t keep using a sore throat as an excuse when he’s completely improved.”

Celia crossed her arms. “What about tomorrow morning?”

“What about his afternoon? You could come to my home. Tell him you were invited for tea.” He kissed her. “I’ll be sure to have some so we won’t be lying.”

“Will we drink it in bed?”

He kissed her neck. “My naughty minx. That is a splendid idea.”

They managed to make their plans for the afternoon and get in their seats at the table by the time Gray came in. He still had a rough look about him, as he did in the mornings, but he didn’t smell of drink and didn’t wince when she greeted him enthusiastically.

“Good morning to you, sister. I hope you slept well?”

“Yes. Very well.”

“Kit. How was the ball? Any plans to get leg shackled yet?”

“No. I’m just reacquainting myself with society. I haven’t started the hunt in earnest.”

She coughed and focused on the roll on her plate. Was he not starting his hunt for a bride because of her? She didn’t want to keep him from finding what he wanted. Kit deserved every happiness and she’d not be so selfish as to keep him with her just because he made her heart pound.

She needed to do better by him.

Tonight, she would assist him with his search so he would be closer to finding the life he wanted. He deserved as much. He’d waited long enough for a family of his own.

She didn’t say much through the rest of the meal and didn’t dare look in Kit’s direction. He didn’t speak to her directly either.

It seemed it was hours later when Kit suggested he and Gray go for a ride. Gray looked a bit skeptical but was quick to agree.

Finally, she could flee to her room and start planning for their afternoon assignation.