“I don’t see why not,” Mrs. Rutley replied. “And take your time. Once you’ve found what you’d like, we can leave. Unless you would prefer to remain?”
Giving one last survey of the room, she replied, “I wouldn’t mind remaining a while longer.” After all, now that Sir Aaron was no longer in attendance, she could continue her requests for donations.
After receiving directions to the library, Louisa made her way down the corridor to a candlelit room filled with dark-stained oak shelves on every wall but one. Two windows sat in that wall, a sideboard between them. Deep leather chairs had been placed in various spots around the room, a side table with an oil lamp beside each, allowing readers a variety of choices to enjoy their books.
Being in such a masculine sanctuary gave her a thrill. It was as if she had entered a sacred place closed off to her at any other time.
A single candle sat on the sideboard, allowing just enough light to see by. She lifted it and moved along the bookcases, peering at the various titles until she came to a particular shelf. There, she perused the tomes until one caught her eye.The Wealth of Nationsby Adam Smith.
Setting down the candle, she removed the book and flipped through the pages. Yes, this was exactly what she needed.
“What is this?” a deep baritone demanded, causing her heart to stall. She turned as the wretched knight stormed toward her and pulled the book from her hand. “Have you any idea how angry Lord Walcott would be if you were to steal from him?”
“Steal?” Louisa asked, snatching back the book. “I’ll have you know he permitted me to be here. How dare you accuse me of thievery!”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Oh, you’re far more than a thief, Miss Louisa. I’ve seen you toying with the various gentlemen in attendance this evening, using your flirtatious ways to coax coins from their pockets! Why are you working so hard to sabotage my plans? You know I’m searching out investors for my club, and you’re stealing them from me!”
Louisa stared at him in utter shock. His arrogance knew no bounds! Other women might endure such maltreatment, but she certainly would not.
“First of all, we are not acquainted well enough for you to address me in such a familiar manner. I am Miss Dunston to you. Second, I’ve stolen nothing.” She poked a finger into his chest, which was a mistake, for she met a solid mass that made her legs wobble. “And I was not flirting. I was merely speaking with them.”
A sudden image of Mr. Scarsdale came to mind, but she dismissed it. That hadnotbeen flirting!
“And how dare you accuse me of churlish behavior,” she said with an indignant raise of her chin. “You promised to call on Lady Hannah if she influenced her father.” Sir Aaron’s gaping mouth had Louisa smiling in victory. Narrowing her eyes, she whispered, “Oh, yes,nobleknight. I heard it myself. And I saw how you smiled at her so don’t bother denying it.”
“I deny nothing. But can you honestly say you would not have done the same to me?”
Blood pounded in Louisa’s temples. “You can only you pray I would do so!” she countered.
“Ha! And what about your pouty lips? Your feminine wiles? Admit it! You use both to draw the attention of men.”
He stepped closer, their bodies only an arm’s length apart. The pounding in her heart became stronger and her throat parched. Yet she managed to whisper, “And what about the way you wear your smile like a trophy?”
“Oh, ho! What say you about how your eyes call to me? Not to mention how you fingered your hair at the theater.” His voice had dropped to a near whisper, a caress on her spine. “Have you any idea what that did to me?”
Louisa had never been one for fainting, but she was certain she would do so now. He had stepped close, their bodies a mere few inches apart.
His masculine fragrance of orange and sandalwood overwhelmed her senses. His broad chest was tempting her to touch him.
Yet through it all, she found the strength to speak. “Well, you should search out a better tailor,” she retorted. “Your coats need to be better fitted. I see how you use your well-formed arms to tempt women. And you’re well aware of what they do to me!”
He reached for the book in her hand, and she made no attempt to keep him from taking it and placing it on the shelf beside them. Nor did she offer any resistance when he placed his hands on her arms. In fact, she welcomed his touch.
“You’re a beautiful woman, there is no doubt about that. But your unwillingness to remain silent must be rectified.”
Jutting her chin, Louisa looked into his piercing blue eyes. “No man will ever silence me,” she breathed. “No matter how handsome he may be.”
He tightened his grip on her arm. It was not enough to cause pain, but it sent a thrilling shiver down her spine.
“No woman, no matter how tempting she may be,” his eyes raked over her, “will ever command me.”
Then to her shock, he pulled her against him. The touch of their bodies ignited a fire inside her she had never experienced before. Shame should have filled her. But instead, desire did.
“You beast!” she said without conviction. “Release me, or I’ll scream!”
“If you do, I’ll silence you with this, for I’ll never let you go.” Before she could react, he pressed his lips to hers.
Louisa had often dreamed of her first kiss. It would happen while standing beneath a tree with a flower in her hand. Her suitor would be a respectable gentleman, and his kiss would be soft and sensual, just enough to stave off her desire for him.