MOORE, MARGARET by THE WASTREL

Author:THE WASTREL [WASTREL, THE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-02-01T12:42:01+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Clara did not stroll through the beautiful garden this time. Barely noticing the flowers in bloom, she marched about it like an agitated soldier who sees defeat coming.

She kept telling herself she shouldn’t be so upset that other guests were arriving. What did it matter if one was considered a great beauty and practically engaged to Paris Mulholland? Clara was intelligent enough to understand that a rich and handsome nobleman would have nothing to do with a poor woman.

Well, except perhaps for one thing.

She would not allow herself to be seduced. She wanted a husband and a home and children and a man who valued her and respected her.

She also knew that she had some cause to fear that Aunt Aurora and Uncle Byron would say something embarrassing, however, thanks to Lord Mulholland, that particular situation had so far been avoided. There was no need to suppose he couldn’t continue his subtle direction of the social conversation.

In fact, she should be glad of the additional company.

Surely their arrival would signal the end to any possibility of posing for Eros Discovered. Although Lord Mulholland didn’t have nearly as much to lose if discovered in a compromising position as she did, he would not wish his future bride or her family to find him doing something so improper.

Besides, it was just as likely that Lord Mulholland was only leading both herself and her aunt on to make mischief, with no intention of actually posing.

That could explain why he was so agreeable to the notion of posing last night—because he knew the whole discussion was moot.

What a rogue! She should be delighted that he was considered engaged to another woman.

She halted abruptly. Lord Mulholland was standing directly in her way on the path.

“May I help you, my lord?” she inquired, cursing the rush of excitement she felt when she saw him.

“You were going to tell me the story of Eros and Psyche.”

“You said you had business to finish this afternoon.”

He waved his hand in the gracefully dismissive gesture she was beginning to know well. It drew her attention to his long slender fingers that she had reason to know were stronger than they looked.

“Business can wait a little while. I would far rather sit in the garden and listen to you tell me a story.”

Was it any wonder he could seduce women, with such eyes and such a voice? He made it seem as if there could be nothing more important to him than listening to you, she thought helplessly.

“Here is a bench.” He took her hand to lead her there, and she was absolutely powerless to resist him.

The very touch of his hand on hers, coupled with his steadfast regard and her memory of last night, was enough to make her whole body throb with desire.

Fortunately, the memory of what people would think if they were seen talking together alone and unchaperoned came to her aid.

“I can’t,” she said, balking.

“It wouldn’t be proper.”

He assumed a furtive air and peered at the shrubbery.

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