Page 45 of The Lady’s Sweet Revenge

Chapter Sixteen

Harlow hoped she’d done an adequate job of hiding her disappointment when she opened her door to find Lady Breckenridge rather than her son.

After they’d gone their separate ways, Harlow had grown weary and returned to her room to ready for dinner. But when the time came to descend the stairs, she couldn’t do it.

She didn’t want to sit with them at dinner, making polite conversation and spewing more lies. Lies she feared the woman might see through if Harlow was not on guard the entire meal.

She could only feign their innocence for so long when what she was really thinking was how she might pull Reese into a dark room and kiss him again. No, it was better if she hid away and took her meal in her room where it was safe.

“We missed you at dinner, my dear. Are you well? The earl stated you’ve had megrims quite often since you arrived.”

Harlow smiled at the way the woman made it sound as if she’d arrived in a carriage instead of spat out on the shore by the sea.

“That is true. After being hit on the head, it has bothered me. But it is not as bad as it once was. Originally I could hardly stand the light.”

The woman nodded.

“It was lucky my son was at home to aid in your recovery.”

“Yes,” Harlow said carefully wondering if it was a trap. This was the very reason why she hadn’t gone down to dinner.

“I don’t recall you being betrothed.”

“Pardon?”

“You turned down my son’s offer. I can only think you would do so if you were already engaged.”

“No, my lady. I am not engaged. It is just that I know Re—Lord Breckenridge does not wish to marry.”

The woman’s brow rose at Harlow’s near slip before she let out an unladylike sound and waved. “The lad is stubborn is all. He doesn’t know what he wants.”

Harlow winced at this and shook her head.

“No. He’s a man. And while he made an offer to be honorable, it was clear he wishes to marry only when he is free to do so. Not out of duty or obligation. And, I would say, I agree. I’ve turned away many suitors already. Men who wanted my dowry without a thought for me.”

“It is a luxury many do not have to be choosy.” She raised her blonde eyebrows at Harlow.

“I understand. And I realize now, that perhaps I relied on other opinions too often. Still, I will accept a man I can consider a friend and partner.”

“I see.” She let out a breath and turned for the door. “I’ll leave you to your rest. I hope your megrim subsides by morning. You and I will be spending a great deal of time together. I do hope you like embroidery.” Somehow the woman had made it sound like a threat.

After Harlow had assured Lady Breckenridge she was in good health and looked forward to seeing her in the morning, the woman patted Harlow’s hand and left the room. Harlow waited a moment before she peered out in the hall to see what room the woman had gone to. She saw the door at the far end of the hall close and returned to her own room.

Harlow changed for bed and then lay there looking up at the canopy above her for the next hour. For as tired as she’d been earlier, she didn’t feel the faintest hint of fatigue now.

She tossed to her other side as her mind whirled with thoughts of kissing Reese and the way he’d touched her. He’d shown her how to touch herself to bring about her own pleasure, but she knew it would be a poor substitute for the man she wanted in her arms.

She appreciated that he’d stopped them before anything had happened. She understood why he’d done as much. He’d been right, she’d not been thinking clearly. Her mind had been muddled with desire.

He’d trusted her to know her own mind, but wanted her to be sure. Now, here alone, with her body cooled—or at least not as heated—she found she still wanted him just as much as she had that afternoon.

Of course, if they’d proceeded earlier, they would have certainly been caught by his mother when she’d arrived.

Harlow knew having a chaperone would be important in sparing what was left of her reputation. It meant she would be able to return to London next year and be accepted in Society.

There, she might meet a man who would become her husband and the father to her children. But that seemed so long from now. And she’d waited so long already, she didn’t want to wait anymore.

Reese had awakened feelings in her she wanted to explore. Things having his mother here had put an end to before Harlow was ready.