She heard him stride away and sighed to herself, thinking about his arms holding her as he carried her upstairs.
His teasing could have been taken as the affectionate teasing of a child, yet she sensed he felt more, much more.
However, what she wanted from him was more. She felt an all-consuming love for him, and she wanted him to feel the same.
She wanted him to be devastated by his love for her. She wanted him brought to his knees with adoration. She wanted …
Oh, heaven help her, she wanted him, all of him, his kisses, his touching, his naked body next to hers, and those words, those enchanting words, the ones she was fairly certain he had never uttered to any other woman.
When she had told Donna how she felt about the earl, what sinful things she had been dreaming, Donna had shrugged and told her it was natural and she shouldn’t worry about it. But she did, because it wasn’t just fantasy; it was genuine desire working her and driving her forward to one place: bed—regardless of the consequences.
And her motives weren’t pure. She was honest enough to admit to herself that she wondered if she could make him fall in love with her if she were desirable and irresistible in his bed.
Her body ignited into burning flames as these thoughts played out. She was young, she was beginning to need a man, and he was the man her heart had chosen.
She wished he had kissed her. Why hadn’t he kissed her when they were alone in his bedroom? Why hadn’t he tried to make love to her? Why? Because he doesn’t really want you, came the unwanted answer.
The other night you were probably just convenient, nothing more. After all, that is what he is, isn’t it? A libertine, or so they have called him.
~ Sixteen ~
THE LITTLE PARTY at Searington had enjoyed a light dinner together, although Robby had complained throughout before solving his problem by doubling up on dessert. They then repaired to the library, where an inviting fire made Bess sigh contentedly and sink onto the comfortable sofa to stare into the flames. She had quite a bit to think about.
Thomas had been allowed a game of Ducks and Drakes until, exhausted, everyone had cried uncle and Maddy came to the rescue, telling him he had had quite a long day and ’twas time for bed. She bade everyone good night and left them to enjoy their after-dinner drinks.
Robby was sipping his brandy when he turned suddenly and told the earl, “Didn’t want to say this in front of the boy, but I tell you what, John—I have quite decided that someone needs bloodletting!”
All eyes opened wide as they regarded him, and the earl with a half smile said, “Indeed, I quite agree. The problem is we need to be certain first who that someone is.”
“I think we all know who that someone is, but I understand you are speaking about proof,” Bess added. She was clothed in a velvet wrapper over her nightdress, as after her bath she had found it too painful to pull her evening dress on and had excused herself at dinner. She was quite comfortable and not ill at ease, as she also had a cream-colored knit shawl wrapped around her shoulders. In spite of these warm clothes and the fire at her elbow she felt a shiver scurry through her. “I am, however, at a loss as to how we may obtain any proof and finish the devil off.”
“What a bloodthirsty lot I have.” The earl chuckled. “Aye, proof will be tricky, but doona think we won’t have it, and soon.” He eyed Bess thoughtfully and said, “Ye will jot off a note to Mary Russell and tell her as we discussed that we have the boy safe and sound but suffering the ills of his experience. Let it be known that we have had m’personal doctor visiting me from London see to him, and he says the boy canna have visitors.” He looked at Robby. “Ye will make certain no one enters this house while I am away.”
Robby pulled himself up, and Bess was surprised at the sternness of his expression. “You can put a wager on it and be safe in the winning.”
Bess returned her attention to the earl. “Away? You are going away now? I didn’t realize you would be going so soon. How long will you be gone?”
He smiled at her sweetly. “Only for the day, but I don’t expect to be back until nightfall tomorrow.” He lowered his voice and asked in an odd tone, “Will ye miss me, lass?”
She nodded, and said simply, “Yes, yes I will.”
He eyed her and frowned. “Och, lass, what is wrong with me? Ye look fatigued, and ’tis time ye turned in. Ye’ll need yer strength to heal.”
She was looking forward to this, for she was sure he meant to carry her back upstairs, as he had come to her room earlier and insisted on carrying her down the stairs, saying he wasn’t taking any chances she might be too weak and fall.
Bess sighed and started to get up, but he put out a hand as he rushed to her side and spoke only to her, “Whist, m’bonnie lass. I canna let ye climb the stairs yet—ye must know that?”
She smiled sweetly at him, and he scooped her up as though she were a feather weight. As she called out good night, she caught Donna’s eyes rolling as well as the startled expression in Robby’s face.
She laughed silently as she wondered what they must be thinking, but if she thought she was going to get the passionate kiss she had been hoping for, she was wrong—so wrong.
He placed her on her bed in a sitting position and murmured, “Sleep well, lass.”
She didn’t answer but gave him what she thought was a sensual and inviting look. However, he merely laughed and touched her nose, backed away a step, and then started off.
She frowned as she watched his back, and then he turned, his blue eyes filled with something that gave her hope. He said, “Robby is right, ye know. There will be bloodletting for this work, mark me on it.”
And then he was gone. Bess sighed to herself, and though she thought she would never sleep, she fell right off and into a deep sleep.