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“That was my goal,” he said with a self-deprecating chuckle.
She almost asked the earl if her modest wealth was his only inducement in offering for her but held her counsel. His answer would hardly matter, for she had no wish to remarry, especially to a man she did not love, or one who failed to rouse her senses to passion. “I do hope we may remain friends, my lord.”
He smiled, and surprisingly lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her mouth. Lucinda stilled, but did not push him away, nor did she part her lips to allow a deeper exploration.
“I cannot help the feeling that had I asked you a few days ago your answer might have been different,” he murmured, lifting his head, his gaze searching hers.
Lucinda who always believed in being honest in her communications replied, “I would never have said yes to marriage…but perhaps to an affair.”
He sucked in a breath. “You would be my lover?”
“Perhaps a few days ago…but not now,” she softly said.
His gaze sharpened even further. “Something happened at Lady Cashmere’s party and…” Colin paused, awareness dawning in his eyes. “Bloody hell. Now I understand his reaction.”
“Whose reaction?”
“Chisholm…when I told him I would offer for you…I could tell he did not like it.”
Instantly, her body flushed with heat, and she jerked back a step from the earl. Noting her reaction, he stiffly bowed, and bid her good day. Even after the door closed behind him, Lucinda remained rooted to the spot, wondering what exactly Alexander’s reaction and feelings had been at the thought she might marry Raymore.
* * *
Derbyshire,
Hawthorne Hall
Alexander laughedwhen his sister tossed the cricket bat on the ground and started cheering like a hellion as she raced across the lawns in making her runs. His youngest brother, Oscar, chased after the ball she had whacked away, his legs pumping fiercely.
“I hardly think Hannah’s outrageous conduct is something to bring forth amusement,” his mother said frostily. “I despair that she will ever find a husband like this.”
Alexander sobered and cast the countess a sideway glance. She reposed on a lawn chair, a large umbrella shading her from the sun, her lips flattened in disapproval. He raked a hand through his dark hair, making a sound of derision. “Hannah is only thirteen, mother, far from the age when she needs to think about marrying,” he said drily. “And if she chooses not to marry, I will not force her.”
Her silver eyes flashed. “You and your outrageous views on marriage. All young ladiesshouldmarry, and my daughter is no different from any other lady in theton. I despair any gentleman of consequence would think her suitable. She plays and speaks her mind with no sense of delicacy.”
“If her character is not appealing to a gentleman as it is, he is the bacon brain fool and my sister deserves better,” he said, knowing it was provoking his mother’s spirit.
“Alexander do not provoke our mother,” William drawled, walking over with his two-year-old daughter lovingly cradled in his arms.
“Please forgive my interruption, my lord,” Carson, his butler said. “We have a few unanticipated guests. One Lady Darby and Miss Rosamond Williams. It seems their carriage had a slight mishap with the wheel, and Hawthorne Hall was the closest residence they could appeal to for help. They might need to rest with us overnight while the coachman has it tended to.”
“Lady Darby you say?”
Something in his voice had his mother glancing sharply at him, before she exchanged a glance with his brother. Alexander swallowed his groan.
“Yes, my lord.”
A surprising thing that those words should evoke such emotion—a peculiar sort of gladness, and relief. Then he recalled she had not planned to call, only an accident had brought her to his doorstep. Raymore had intended to propose as soon as he reached town, so the lady was now affianced. “Very well. Please extend them our courtesies and assign them suitable rooms. I will be in shortly to meet our guests.”
His butler bobbed his head and hastened away. Alexander stood there, wondering at the way his damn heart pounded. He had not expected to see her again and was not sure what to make of this chance meeting.
“You know her,” his brother said, staring at him with an arched brow.
“We had occasion to converse at Lady Cashmere’s house party.”
William must have seen something in Alexander’s face for his brother’s smile turned sly.Do not start, he mouthed to him.
It was too late, for his mother said, “Is she a lady you are interested in?”
