He chuckled. “Did you think I was untouched when you bullied your way into my room at Greenborough Park?”
“Hmm, no.” She smiled and tilted her head. “My tawdry past does not offend you?” She ignored her mother’s imagined appalled gasp at her choice of words. She’d rather push the subject now and test his sensitivity to the idea.
He shrugged. “It pales in comparison with Bags. Wait, were you concerned about my reaction?”
She jumped up to go sit on his lap. “A little. You know there is a double standard, but I confess I had the same thought. Then again, Cheltie is in a class unto himself.”
He wrapped one arm around her back, the other clutching her legs to pull her more fully onto his lap before sliding up to grip her hip.
She nestled her head on his shoulder.
“I realized today we don’t know much about one another, and I was worried my upbringing would repulse you.”
“Not at all. I do have one question, though. Do you prefer men or women?”
Beth laughed. “Remember when I told you I liked many shapes and sizes because much of my attraction to someone is based on their intelligence?” At his nod, she continued. “So no, no preference. For me, ’tis about the individual and how we fit together in outlook, humor, and of course physically.”
“So you don’t miss being with women?”
Why is he asking? Dare I hope…She squashed the thought. This was temporary; they all were.
“Robert. You know me. If I missed something, I’d be frank with you and act on it. I want to be here with you. Because I enjoy spending time with you, and I respect your intelligence, your creativity, and your physical appearance. Shall I demonstrate?” She arched a brow at him, hoping to change the subject.
“I am learning so much. As you said, we do not know enough about one another, in part due to your kind offers. Why don’t we talk tonight and skip the leatherwork?” He looked almost crestfallen as he said it.
She giggled and his eyes dropped to her bosom. When she glanced down, she realized how close it was to his mouth, and her eyes gleamed.
He poked her side, and she gusted out an exhale.
“None of that now. You shan’t tempt me with your magnificent assets until we’ve talked more.” Contrary to his words, his eyes strayed downward before flicking back to her face.
“Right, then.” She started to slide off his lap.
“No. Stay here. Can you reach your sherry?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“You’ve told me something of your childhood. I shall share a bit about mine. We can take turns.” It was his turn to sigh.
****
“I am a second son,” Robert started. “You likely know what that means. Less governance, less attention, less training forced on me at a young age for running an earldom. My father’s focus was on my older brother, and my mother’s was on grooming my sister to make a good marriage.”
“Hmm. It sounds like less love,” Beth muttered.
His eyes flashed to hers for a moment. How did she perceive that so quickly? It had taken him years to understand how his family life affected him.
He continued, “They sent me to boarding school, but without motivation, I confess I was not diligent in my lessons. Nor was I particularly athletic. My lack of grace and my build is why I prefer to remain clothed when permitted.”
She smirked at his sardonic glance.
“With all that, and lacking a title or endless funds, I was—” He swallowed, glancing away before continuing. “—unpopular.”
Beth nodded her understanding. He could only guess that her unusual childhood helped her relate to his ostracization, even without him sharing the extent of it.
“Then a tall gangly golden boy who walked and talked like he owned the world sat next to me in the dining hall and nattered at me for an hour. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be my friend.” He sighed at the memory, as always torn between gratitude and affection for Evan and disgust at how shallow boys and even men could be. If the right person spoke highly of someone, they’d assume that person was worth befriending, rather than taking the time and effort to judge for themselves. It was how Evan’s house parties remained so coveted, as unconventional as they were.
“Ah, Cheltie.” Beth’s voice brought him back to the room.
