Page 64 of Word of a Lady


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“You don’t know if you saw her, or you don’t know if you’re progressing.”

“Yes, I saw her. Yes, I’m progressing.”

Paul blinked. “Then why don’t you know if it’s yes or no?” He frowned. “I’m confusing myself.”

“I need more brandy.”

Paul held out his empty glass silently.

An hour later, matters were no clearer, but James had a smile on his face. “She’s a most intriguing woman, all right.”

Paul managed a slightly out-of-focus stare. “Letitia?”

“No, Lady Jersey. Of course Letitia, man. Who else?”

“Hmm. Good question.” Paul chuckled. “Don’t look at me like that. Remember I’m at least one, if not two, snifters ahead of you.”

“True. Apologies.” James shrugged out of his jacket and loosened his cravat. “She wants to spend the night here.”

“Lady Jersey?”

James sighed and tried again. “Letitia wants to spend the night here. With me. In bed.”

That took a few moments to fully percolate into Paul’s consciousness. James waited with interest to see if it would actually register.

“I see.”

No…not quite yet…

“You mean here. At night.”

We’re getting close…

“Oh.” Paul’s eyes widened. “Good God.”

The hounds have found the fox at last.

“Quite.” James couldn’t help a grin.

“You’re going to—she wants to—”

“Yes.”

“Well I’ll be damned. How did you manage that?”

James stared into the fire. “I didn’t. She asked. She was blunt and precise.I want you to fuck me, James.Those were her words.”

“Well then.” Paul sagged back in his chair. “No misinterpretation possible with that, I’d say. So why the frown?”

“It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, Paul. She’s still under the impression that she cannot engage in any true affection because she’s a Ridlington.”

The fire crackled, and Paul leaned over to put another log on top. He missed slightly, but it was close enough to keep the merry blaze going for a bit longer. “Women are prey to strange fancies, I’ve discovered.” He nodded sagely.

“You and every other man who’s ever had contact with one.”

“So you told Letitia yes?”

James snorted. “I may be an idiot, Paul, but I’m not stupid.”