“You have not set up,” she murmured.
“This way,” he said, leading her to his bedchamber. Glancing behind him, Nicholas noted she hovered in the entrance of his chamber, staring at the dozens of candles lit in the room and the roaring fireplace.
Her eyes were widened, and he could see the pulse fluttering at her throat.
“Scared?”
A laugh slipped from her, and she wetted her lips. “I am incredibly nervous.”
That bit of honesty pulled a smile to his lips. “Why?”
“I am about to take my clothes off…before you, a gentleman.”
The oddest sensation tugged deep inside of him. “Normally I would do a portrait in the parlor when the sunlight pours into the room. Since we are doing this in the evenings, my bedchamber is the best place. It creates a more intimate scene, and the place is well lit. You’ll repose on the chaise longue by the fire. I’ve chosen different colored cushions for your comfort, and the vase of flowers to give the eroticism a lighter touch.”
A charged silence filled the air. “Eroticism?”
“You will be naked, unless you have changed your mind?”
She swallowed. “What if I have?”
“I will paint you however you wish.”
Lady Cressida smiled at that and stepped over the threshold of his chamber with a deep breath.
“It is not the bowels of hell,” he drawled.
“I am sure it is only one circle.” Her gaze swept the room before colliding with his.
Lust.
The unspoken words shimmered between them and the way his heart hammered was insupportable.
“You’ve read theDivine Comedy.”
Laughter lit in her eyes. “No. I speak from what I overheard.”
“I will offer you my copy for your reading pleasure.”
A light laugh tinkled from her. “I prefer romantic comedies and even gothic mysteries instead of an allegory on sin written by someone clearly caught in some unfathomable torment.”
Nicholas hid his smile at that pert reply, tucking away the knowledge of her reading preferences.
“I myself enjoy the occasional gothic mystery. One of my sisters has been trying to get me to readPride and Prejudice.”
“That is one of my favorite books to read,” she murmured, peeking up at him with incredibly long lashes.
“Perhaps I shall start it soon then.”
Another small silence fell, and he realized she was still caught in the throes of nerves. “Lady Cressida—”
“I am determined to see this through, Mr. Fairbanks…Nicholas.” Her chin jutted out and her mouth formed a stubborn line. “Where do I remove my clothes?”
Bloody hell. It was his turn to feel flustered. He had been so damn certain her delicate sensibilities would win out and she would retreat from her plans. “I’ve set up a screen for you over there.”
“Very well.”
She sauntered away, and he took the time to set up a large canvas on the easel. He preferred to stand while he painted. Nicholas set up another small table with his brushes, pencils, and oil paints and his palette for mixing colors. Several noises of rustling clothes came from behind the screen, and he found himself turning toward the sound, irresistibly drawn.