A Gentleman's Curse by Adele Clee

Author:Adele Clee
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2019-03-04T16:00:00+00:00

It was dusk by the time Lockhart woke and the carriage rattled through the wrought-iron gates and up the gravel drive towards Falaura Glen. He recalled the first time Dariell had mentioned the manor’s name, suggesting it might be a perfect place to hide, to lie low. It had sounded rather whimsical to his ears, a place where fairies congregated to learn magic spells and share centuries-old secrets.

Lockhart stole a glance at Claudia Darling sleeping soundly in the seat opposite.

The manor might not be a home for fairies, but there was something magical about its occupant. The lady had a charm that held him captive. Fascinated did not begin to describe his feelings. Beguiled and bewitched, maybe.

Hell, he hoped Dariell had kept his word and taken care of Emily Darling. One small accident would prevent Claudia from returning to town, would ruin Lockhart’s plans. It was selfish. But the thought of facing his family without his enchanting temptress at his side proved too painful to bear.

Deciding not to cloud his mind with problems beyond his control, he sat forward and placed his hand on Claudia’s knee. She did not flinch at his touch. Indeed, had he been a true rake and rogue he would have ventured a little higher, high enough to caress her soft thigh, high enough to stroke the sweet spot until she begged for more.

“Miss Darling.” He shook her gently lest he succumb to his darkest desires. “Claudia, wake up. We’ve arrived at Falaura Glen. We’re home.”

The lady’s lids fluttered open. It took her a moment to gather her bearings. “Home? Already? But I’ve only been asleep for five minutes.” She straightened, brushed her skirts and patted the sides of her hair.

Lockhart smiled. “You’ve slept for two hours.”

She nibbled her bottom lip, her eyes filled with apprehension. “Did I moan and mumble?”

“Delightfully so,” he lied.

A blush touched her cheeks. With a frustrated sigh, she leant forward and peered at the passing trees. “Are you coming up to the house? I thought you’d be eager to see Monsieur Dariell and inform him what you’ve learnt so far.”

And what would Lockhart tell his friend? That his family cared so little, they wanted rid of him for good? That the mystic’s wisdom proved accurate and Miss Darling was everything a man might hope for in a wife? That he struggled to see the line separating fantasy from reality?

“Does your sister not take supper at six? One would assume she’d dine with Dariell in your absence.”

“At six? Yes, of course.” She shook her head. “For some reason, it feels as though I’ve been away for years.”

Lockhart arched a brow. “Is my company so tedious?”

“On the contrary. You’re a pleasant companion.”

“Pleasant?” he scoffed. “You make me sound like an elderly aunt, one who comes to read to you and assist with needlework. One capable of recalling the ridiculous Latin names of every plant and shrub.”

Claudia chuckled. “You’re a charming companion,” she corrected.

“Madam, unless you wish to insult my masculinity, you must do better than that.

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