Her Mad Baron by Rothwell Kate

Author:Rothwell, Kate [Rothwell, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Kate Rothwell
Published: 2013-04-04T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

She didn’t have long to discover what Nathaniel meant.

The very next afternoon, Mrs. Parsons’ daughter banged on their private sitting room door and announced they had a visitor.

“It’s that gentleman. Lord Bessette. Here,” Miss Parsons whispered as if he could hear her voice up three flights of stairs. “Lord Bessette, and I’d swear he looks just like those cartoons in the newspaper. All blood-and-thunder-y. Makes me feel the weight of my sins.”

The silver-haired man waited downstairs in the formal sitting room, a full cup from Mrs. Parsons’ best tea set already at his elbow. The Parsons had fled the room and probably were so much in awe of him they didn’t even press an ear to the door to eavesdrop.

Lord Bessette unfolded from the chair and bowed as Florrie and Duncan entered. It was Sunday so at least she and Duncan were still dressed well. Yet she was suddenly conscious of her hair falling down in back and of her ink-stained fingers.

He had silver-blue eyes that bored straight into hers, an immaculate straight-backed figure that reminded her of an even thinner version of Nathaniel. His nose was hooked, his jaw square. He should have been ugly with such strong features, but he was only impressive.

“Lord Bessette?” Duncan came forward, hand outstretched. “I’m delighted to meet you, my lord. I’m Duncan Cadero. Oh, do pardon me. This is my sister, Miss Felicity Cadero.”

Lord Bessette stared down at Duncan’s hand for a fraction of a second before shaking it, just long enough to convey the message that he disliked touching him, but not so long that he was rude. Exquisite timing, Florrie thought. As good as any actor on the stage.

The thought served to buck her up as she curtseyed. If he could play a part, so could she. Demure. Yes, she’d be quiet to the point of shy. She twisted her hands and wished she could force herself to blush. The thought of rolling naked with Nathaniel on his library carpet did the trick.

It was easy to convince herself that she was frightened of the man.

He resumed his seat at her faltering request and looked out over the Caderos as if examining the view from a carriage passing along a particularly dirty poor street.

Yet he wasn’t outwardly bad-mannered, and even engaged in pleasantries.

In his famous baritone voice, he agreed with Duncan that the weather was fine. Lord Bessette didn’t pay attention to the flowers blooming in the park. He didn’t have time to appreciate such niceties, but knew that others did.

Florrie shrank into her seat. The intimidation was real, yet how could a man discussing flowers and weather manage to make her feel as if all of her sins were exposed for the world to see and mourn over?

Even ebullient, smooth-tongued Duncan stuttered. He smiled nervously and at last gave up trying to eke out more conversation.

Lord Bessette’s scowl brightened slightly once he’d crushed them into silence. His lean cheeks flushed, and something like a smile curved his wide mouth.

“I understand my nephew has made you an offer, Miss Cadero.

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