Undesirable Liaison by Bailey Elizabeth

Author:Bailey, Elizabeth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, regency romance, clean romance, surrender, georgian romance, scandalous
Publisher: Elizabeth Bailey

Chapter Seven

Her first coherent thought was there must be some mistake. His lordship was not there. Florence glanced about the vast room, her eye falling upon glass-fronted cabinets gracing every wall and loaded with bound volumes. A large desk was situated in the area to her right, and several leather-bound chairs were grouped about the fireplace on the left. Her eye strayed from there to a copy of the rounded window embrasure in Belinda’s room, and she froze.

Lord Langriville was standing with his back to her, one arm resting on the window’s edge, looking out upon the spacious grounds. The black hair had been once more tamed and tied behind, and the black suit he wore accentuated the power in both thigh and shoulder.

Flo’s mouth dried and a palpitating patter started up again in her chest. She could not speak. Would not speak, if she could. The sight of him flung her into turmoil both of mind and body, and she could not trust her tongue.

The silence lengthened. She became aware of their isolation, together in this massive space, for Fewston had said his piece and left them, closing the door. Her fear began to recede. A sense of familiarity crept in. Here was not her employer, but the man with whom too much had already been shared.

As if she read his mind, it came to her that his emotions mirrored hers. He did not know what to say to her. She responded with automatic solicitude.

‘Jerome?’

His name came naturally to her tongue. Flo was hardly aware of using it, nor did the impropriety strike her. It brought immediate result. He turned, and their eyes met.

For a moment or two, Jerome allowed himself the indulgence of looking at her. He knew it must be only for a moment. Already her presence was having its effect. He had it under control, but the string was taut.

Wrenching his gaze away, he came out into the room, heading for the safety of his desk. From behind it, he was able to raise his eyes to her face again. She was frowning now, wariness in the deep blue of her eyes. They were enhanced by the colour of her lamentable gown, making a virtue of its unfashionable folds, which failed to draw the eye. He gestured to the straight chair set a little way away, in front of the desk.

‘Sit down, if you please.’

He made the mistake of watching her as she came forward, mesmerised by the sensual sway of her hips. She took the chair, and he was thankfully able to seat himself as well, putting the bulk of the desk between them.

Florence waited, beset once again by a horrid sensation of apprehension. The illusion of familiarity had been brief. In his eyes, she had seen again all that had occurred between them. But it was masked now, making of him a veritable stranger.

‘An apology is in order, I believe,’ he said, his tone cool.

For an instant, Flo thought he meant she should apologise, and a sliver of anger threatened to erupt.

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