Damn you, Cecily.
His former betrothed was still dictating his actions even after all this time. Cecily had taught him about trust, mainly the breaking of it. Love wasn’t beautiful. Or kind. Love was a torturous emotion. A manipulation. Marriage a mockery, whether made for status or some ridiculous romantic notion.
Not even for Aurora could Charles—
He pinched the bridge of his nose, took a deep breath, and attempted to concentrate on Kenebruke’s proposal, which was likely to make Charles even wealthier. Drew would be ecstatic.
But though he was pleased, no overt joy filled him as Charles climbed into his waiting carriage. His thoughts were of Aurora.
Not of her coming apart in his arms, though that would stay with him forever, but the laughter in her eyes when she dared to kiss him. The way she pursed her lips when she played a hand of whist. The absolute horror of watching her toss a bowl at him from across the lawn. Her absolute bravery at marching into hishome and demanding Charles give a demonstration from that blasted book.
He absently brushed his chest willing the ache there to stop.
Chapter Fifteen
Charles hopped outof his carriage as it arrived outside his home. He’d thought of little else but Aurora on the short drive, interspersed with bursts of possessiveness when considering she was likely smiling at Healey over tea at Emerson House.
He was greeted at the door by a resigned looking Ropely.
“You have a caller, sir. Lady Aurora awaits you in the study.”
The jealousy from earlier returned. How dare she come to him after spending the day with Healey. “I see.”
Coldness seeped into him, along with the sense Charles had been betrayed, though Aurora had done nothing wrong by encouraging Healey or being courted by him. Charles had made his position clear. Still, it felt very much—like Cecily.
Charles tamped down his rising anger. Aurora probably encouraged Healey to take liberties today or at least allowed him to steal a kiss. She knew well now how to find pleasure. Perhaps she’d found it with Healey. Why wouldn’t she?
The pain stretched across his chest once more and he halted momentarily on the way to the drawing room.
If Aurora dared to brandish that bloody book at Charles and demand an “explanation” of a particular chapter, he would see her out himself.
He flung open the door of the drawing room. “Lady Aurora.”
She was seated with her back to him, a glass clasped in one hand. Probably foxed once more. A convenient excuse for herbehavior. Exactly as Cecily had done. Blaming the incident on having had too much to drink. Merely a slip.
He glared at Aurora. Charles was far wiser now. Well versed in betrayal.
“Are you drinking my brandy? A bit early, isn’t it?” His tone was clipped.
Cecily had reeked of spirits. But she’d been far less composed.
Charles angrily pushed aside that memory, furious it kept resurfacing.
“Good day, Mr. Worthington.” Aurora set down the glass and turned, her features schooled into bland politeness. “I’ve only had a sip. Stop trying to make me out as some sort of sot as you did the day of the garden party. Besides, today has been rather trying.”
“Hasn’t Healey put you in a better mood? Perhaps you read to him fromThe Bloom of the Rose. Or merely asked him to take a liberty or two. He must not have performed to your expectations given your presence here.” Charles bit off the rest of his furious words. He sounded like a jealous suitor. Which heabsolutelycould not be.
Aurora looked taken aback. “You don’t like Mr. Healey.”
“My opinion isn’t relevant.”
“Given your behavior, Worth, I’d have to disagree.”
Charles regarded her, the rush of ice filling his veins forcing out everything else.
“I find Healey to be unintelligent and overblown in matters of business. Which I am attempting to conduct with Lord Kenebruke if Healey would only stop inserting himself. Your involvement with him is a disappointment. I thought you possessed better taste.”
Aurora swallowed, nodding slowly. “My affairs are my own, Worth. Whether you like Healey or not is irrelevant, because I like him. Quite a bit. I’m not sure why that matters to you.”
