“Men do not glow,” he said, but his joy was evident as his smile grew wider.
Rebecca laughed. "Well, you most certainly are. I must admit to being quite curious about your sudden change of mood as you have been in such a dour mood of late." She tilted her head, studying him for a long moment. "Of course, it is wonderful to see you smile. Do tell me what has caused your sudden change of temperament."
“I am in a pleasant mood. The sun is shining, birds chirping, and there is a gentle breeze. Add to that how well the work at the castle is progressing and the fact that I slept in a real bed for the first time in a sennight and what reason should I have to be sour?” Alex asked.
“Now, you sound like a poet.” Rebecca arched a golden eyebrow. “I am pleased to have the new furniture as well, but I doubt very much it is the sole cause of your happiness.”
She tapped a finger to her chin as she studied him.
Alex tried not to squirm under her gaze.
Rebecca arched one elegant brow at him and he felt his face warm. She must have seen the truth in his eyes, for she relaxed her posture and smiled faintly. Her green eyes brightened with merriment. “Might Daphne have something to do with your sudden change of mood? I saw the way you looked at her the day we arrived at Almerry.”
“Get those fanciful notions out of your head. I told you a long time ago that I have no desire to be matched and even less to be wed.” Alex crossed his legs at the ankles and leaned back, dismissing her theory.
Rebecca’s grin brightened a fraction but she said no more. She held his gaze for a moment before turning her head to watch out the window. The carriage slowed then swayed as it turned up the drive of Daphne’s home.
Alex did his best to appear bored as the carriage continued up the gravel drive. He did not want to feed into Rebecca’s notions for the last thing he needed was her playing matchmaker. He’d determined years ago not to wed and he had no plans of altering his decision. Yes, he was eager to see Daphne. Yes he desired her. What warm blooded man would not? But he had absolutely no designs on marriage. He wanted her in his bed, not as a constant fixture in his home.
The carriage jolted to a halt in front of the grand Chesterfield house. Alex sat up straighter, his heart hammering in anticipation as the coachman opened the door.
Daphne appeared, her face illuminated by the bright morning sunlight. When her gaze locked with his, her eyes widened with surprise for just a fraction of a second before she gave a contrived smile.
“Good morning, Daphne,” Alex said, words laced with a hint of mischief, enjoying the fact that he had taken her aback.
Recovering herself, Daphne settled on the seat beside Rebecca and pasted a smile on her bow-shaped lips. “Good morning, my lord.” She turned to Rebecca. “I was not aware that Lord Brunsford would be accompanying us.”
Rebecca fairly glowed as she glanced between them. It was as if she knew something—a secret—they were not privy to. “Did I forget to mention it? I am sorry.” She smiled sweetly, her countenance all innocence and sweetness.
Alex pretended to take an interest in the scenery as the horses pulled the carriage along. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Daphne intently yet subtly, and each time their eyes met, an electric kindling raced through him. He prayed that Rebecca would not notice, because even though his heart was pounding, his expression remained unchanged while he contemplated how to find an opportunity for a private discussion with Daphne.
Alex trailed after Rebecca and Daphne, trudging along the cobblestone streets. He tried not to trip over the curbs as he kept his eyes trained on them from a few steps behind, his arms loaded with packages. Despite their chatter, Alex felt strangely isolated as he watched them dart from shop to shop—from the milliner, to the pastry shop, to the linen-drapers. As they left the last store, Alex glanced up at the grey sky and released a frustrated breath. The plan he'd concocted to get Daphne alone was becoming increasingly far-fetched.
He watched from a distance as she delicately examined the multicolored feathers of a hat, her fingertips grazing each plume with care. She had a bewitching figure, languidly resting one hip in an alluring pose. He longed to trace each curve of her body with his hands, feeling if her skin was as soft and inviting as he imagined it to be. He couldn't shake the idea that she might taste as sweet as fresh honey in the height of summer.
“Alex, do come.” Rebecca waved him near then thrust her newest purchases into his arms. “I have one more shop I would like to visit before we return home.”
Alex sighed inwardly, but gave a nod of acceptance. Daphne's eyes glowed with mischievous amusement as she grinned, and he felt the weight of his burden double in intensity. "You look positively exhausted, my lord." She offered an impish half-grin as she continued. "I hope it is not too much trouble if I add one more stop to our agenda?"
Alex forced a smile onto his face. “If it pleases you,I have no argument.”
Her smile brightened. “Oh, yes, it will please me very much,” she said, her voice syrupy and mischievous.
He would wager she had no reason for the added stop other than to extend his torture. The minx had been avoiding him on purpose, he was sure of it now, and she was vexed that he’d bested her. Now, she meant to make him pay for his transgression.
She’d have a short lived victory. Alex made a mental note to exact retribution once he got her beneath his sheets.
Alex followed the ladies into the final two shops, his patience becoming more strained as the day wore on. By the time they returned to the carriage, he felt completely exhausted by the venture. As he leaned into his seat with a sigh, his gaze flickered over to catch Daphne's eye before looking away again. He knew that unless something changed soon, his chance to speak privately with her would pass him by.
Rebecca flipped open her fan as she turned to Daphne. “Do say you will come to Almerry and help me sort through my purchases?”
Daphne shot a glance in Alex’s direction.
He gave a wink then delighted in the color that rose in her cheeks. Teasing her may well be his favorite pastime.
It was a startling realization. One that should cause him pause, but for reasons beyond his comprehension did nothing to cool his desire for her.
She quickly returned her attention to Rebecca. “Yes, of course.”
