“No!”
Althea shot her a sardonic glance for the vehemence, then asked, “Is this about Robert, perchance?”
“’Tis just—” Beth threw up her hands. “I did not get a chance to say good bye.”
“I know. I am sorry.” Althea pressed her lips together in chagrin. “Did you not want to say farewell, then? I rather assumed it was just another fling.”
“No, no. It was. Well, if he wanted to continue… No, ’tis fine.” Beth shut up as she wasn’t making much sense.
“Ah. Without discussing it with him, you wonder if he’d like to see you again and how he’d manage that, because you are interested in continuing.”
“Well, yes.”
“I confess to surprise. You rarely get attached to a particular bed partner. Did you have time to get to know him that well?”
“No…yes…I don’t know.” Beth squirmed again. Her cousin would be shocked to know the details of Robert’s bedroom skills or leather skills. How much could she share?
“Hmm.”
“Stop humming at me. If you must know, at least part of my ‘attachment,’ as you say, is because ’twas the best sex of my life.”
Althea’s brows rose.
Bravo for her not showing shock, at least.
“Do tell,” the older woman drawled.
“Hmm.” Beth said with a grin, turning the phrase back at her cousin. “I do not think you’re ready for the details.” When Althea took a breath to argue, she added, “Nor am I ready to share. Not right now, cuz. I am trying to forget it, in any event.”
“Goodness me, why?”
“Because men never want a long-term relationship with me.”
“Only because they don’t understand what an incredible person you are.” Althea staunchly defended her, even to her.
Beth smiled. “Thank you, cuz. But as you have told me in the past, if my body is so easily conquered, they often lose interest in the rest of me. Men are shallow and fickle.” If only she could believe Robert was not, but his reserve throughout their clothed exchanges told her he would not pursue her further.
“Then they don’t deserve you.”
“I agree. I shan’t pretend to be someone I am not to capture a man’s interest. I’d rather be true to myself and end up as one of those aging spinsters with attractive young maids and footmen who I goose regularly and pay handsomely for their…services.”
Althea chuckled.
“Are you in?” Beth asked through laughter.
“Mayhap. If for no other reason than the entertainment of watching you and hearing your stories. They might have to expand the service program at your School of Enlightenment to staff your needs.”
But as the women giggled together, Beth could not help envisioning Althea and Evan and her and Robert at a table surrounded by sexy servants. Dratted man.
Chapter Eight
Robert had run out of leather. That was a new problem—a good problem, but a problem nonetheless. While he kept spare materials at Cheltie’s, his home in London not only offered more choices but also easier purchases of additional goods as needed. He had not expected to finish the pieces he brought so quickly, but he’d worked at a mad pace to avoid dwelling on Beth’s abrupt departure.
Sitting at meals, lying in bed, even while shaving, his thoughts conjured her curious expression as she fondled a leather item, her voice husky as she cajoled him for more pleasure. She’d called the first night the most intense experience of her life. What, then, had he done wrong on the second night?
He’d left her in bed that last morning, stepping out to check in with Evan. Unable to find his friend, he’d returned to an empty room. When their seats were empty at dinner and he asked after her, Evan informed him that the cousins had returned to London.
She left without even a message. Though why would she write a note? The liaison was only ever expected to last the length of the party. He debated asking Evan if they’d given a reason for their departure, but his default was to withdraw and protect his heart. Dispirited, he’d thrown himself into work.
