Whispers of the heart by Davenport Lisette

Author:Davenport, Lisette
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2023-10-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Sebastian sat in his study. A knock interrupted his brooding, and his butler entered upon being bid enter. “Pardon the intrusion, my lord, but Lady Constance is here requesting an audience. Shall I show her in?”

Sebastian tensed, immediately on guard. What could Constance want at this hour? Nothing good, he suspected, but refusing her entry would only stoke her pique. Better to allow the meeting, distasteful as it was bound to be, if only to hasten her departure.

“Send her in,” he said resignedly.

Moments later, Constance swept into the study in a froth of silk and curls, looking far too pleased with herself. Sebastian remained seated, watching her warily.

“To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure, Lady Constance?”

Her smile turned coy as she drifted closer. “Must I have an excuse to call on an old friend? I hoped we might…reminisce, for old time’s sake.”

Sebastian suppressed a derisive snort. Reminisce indeed. More like prod at barely healed wounds, if past encounters were any indication. “As enjoyable as those sounds, I’m afraid I’m rather occupied at the moment—”

“With that little mouse, Lady Genevieve?” Constance interrupted, jealousy flashing in her eyes. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed your interest in her. Really Sebastian, I thought you had better taste.”

Heat flooded Sebastian’s cheeks at her words. He set down his glass with a thud, barely restraining a caustic retort. “My interests are none of your concern. I’ll thank you not to speak ill of the lady.”

Constance waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, come now, you cannot seriously be taken with her. She’s dull as a post. Not to mention utterly ruined after that business with Avery. You have heard she broke of the engagement. I do not know why people keep allowing her to their balls.” Her voice lowered to a purr as she perched on the arm of his chair. “Surely a virile man like yourself craves a woman of experience. One who knows how to please you?”

Sebastian shot to his feet, the heady scent of her cloying perfume suddenly sickening. “I think it’s time you took your leave.”

Pouting, Constance latched onto his arm. “Must you throw me out in the cold? Stay, we could have such fun together, like old times…”

Wrenching his arm free, Sebastian fixed her with an icy stare. “Let me make myself perfectly clear. There will be no rekindling between us. Goodnight, Lady Constance.”

Her eyes blazed, mouth twisting into a spiteful sneer. “You will regret this insult, Mordesley,” she hissed. “Mark my words.”

With that, she spun on her heel and stormed out in a whirlwind of outrage. Sebastian watched her go, relief warring with disgust. Constance had always been petty and possessive, but this unprecedented bid to rekindle their affair bespoke a new level of desperation.

Well, she would find no willing victim in him. That part of his life was over. And if Constance insisted on harassing him further, he would not hesitate to take stronger measures to repel her unwanted advances.

Rubbing his eyes, Sebastian settled back into his chair with a weary sigh.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.