An Unbending Lady for the Desperate Earl by Emma Linfield

Author:Emma Linfield
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

“I could fit four of my chambers in here.” Victoria flung her arms open like a giddy child, as she whirled across the floor of her new, albeit temporary, residence on the first floor of Christian’s townhouse. She had selected the bedchamber that most closely resembled that of the missing ladies’ chambers, in relation to location. Sure enough, she had a grand view of the gardens below, which were impeccably manicured.

“That’s because you appear to desire to live in what can only be described as an attic,” Christian retorted from the doorway.

She grinned at him and he turned his face away. Although, she noted him struggling not to grin in response, for he was still somewhat incensed by the nature of her plan to use herself as bait.

“I go where my independence is permitted.” She twirled across the open floor again, enjoying the moment. Even in her bedchamber at her mother’s terrace, she couldn’t do this.

“Do you never feel lonely?” He turned back; his brow furrowed.

She shrugged. “I am too busy to feel loneliness.”

“That is fortunate for you,” he mumbled, his words catching her attention.

“Do you feel lonely, Christian?”

“Sometimes.” He hung his head, worrying Victoria.

Did I speak out of turn? “Did you feel lonely in Cornwall?”

He gave a dry laugh. “Never.”

“Well, you have me here now. I will not allow you a moment’s peace, and then you will pray for solitude once more.” She walked over to him and put her hand on his arm, eager to touch him again. She had longed to do so, ever since he had put his palm upon her shoulder. Indeed, though she knew she should be doing everything within her power to suppress the gathering emotions inside her, she couldn’t. Her every fiber wanted to be near him, and though this plan presented a multitude of risks, it meant she had a viable excuse to be exceedingly close to him.

He laughed again, more genuine this time. “I do not think that would be possible.” His expression shifted to one of intensity. “You have brought joy into my life, Victoria. That sounds outlandish, given the circumstances of our meeting, but it is the truth. I would be lost without you.”

The breath left Victoria’s lungs.

“I fear we must find your bride quickly,” she managed to say, after a moment’s pause, “before we all take leave of our senses.”

He doesn’t mean what you think he means, she told herself firmly. He could not love you, even if he wanted to. He could not marry you, even if he wanted to. To begin, you are not capable of love nor marriage. And, even if you were, he is an Earl and you are… a grubby urchin from the streets, who would rather chase criminals through the slurry of a riverbank than attend a ball.

“What do you mean?” he breathed.

“We come from different worlds, Christian. I cannot allow myself to be tricked into thinking that I belong here, by sinking too deeply into this character we have created,” she explained awkwardly.

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