He pinned her with a narrowed stare. “Youare the source of my distress, Lady Charity.”
Also the inconvenient lust rising once more. How could he find her so simultaneously infuriating and desirable?
“You were speaking with Miss Pennypacker for quite some time,” she said, skirting around his statement. “Did you declare your undying devotion to her and beg to make her your viscountess?”
Did he detect a note of jealousy in her tone?
Interesting.
Perhaps the reason for her evasion of his questions was that she feared he had just become betrothed to her friend.
He could set her mind at ease on that score. “No. I have discovered that Miss Pennypacker’s interests lie primarily in seeking a business partner to invest in a factory.”
“A department store,” Lady Charity corrected.
As if it signified.
“A department store,” he agreed, unable to resist dipping his head for just a moment, bringing his mouth perilously nearer to hers before retreating.
“Hmm,” was all Lady Charity said to that, a noncommittal hum. She was silent for a moment, then tilted her head, regarding him in a considering fashion. “Do you still intend to try to dissuade her from her course?”
“Of course not. I admire a lady who knows her mind.”
She gave him anotherhmm, her eyes narrowing.
She was such a vexing woman. Why had he ever kissed her?
He gritted his teeth. “Words, if you please, Lady Charity.”
“You do not want to marry Miss Pennypacker?”
“I will find another bride who finds the match agreeable.”
“Why are you so determined to marry?”
Suddenly she was curious? Two could play at her game.
“I will tell you when you admit you are Flora,” he countered, feeling immensely pleased with himself.
He was not certain why it was suddenly so important to him that she admit the truth about those kisses. Like his reaction to her, or the sky above, it simplywas.
“And I shall tell you if you allow me to apply some of my cream to your rash,” she said, surprising him.
“For all I know, your cream is actually some sort of dye and it will turn my lip and chin a frightful shade of blue.”
She grinned, revealing a dimple in her right cheek. “How diabolical of you, Wilty. I promise that I will not dye your face. How is that for reassurance?”
Wilty.
Vexing minx.
God, she was beautiful.
Not for you, he reminded himself.She is not for you.
“As reassuring as a lifelong thief promising he will not touch the family silver.”
“Are you comparing me to a thief?” she demanded, sounding insulted.
