Chapter 2
Cordelia blew out a slow breath as the library door clicked shut behind Nathaniel. She had not considered how he might react to what they had done, but if she had… Well, she certainly would not have expected him to be angry.
The man was a rogue, a confirmed bachelor. He made it clear to all of society that he had no wish to marry. For Heaven’s sake, he should be pleased with her refusal. So why wasn’t he?
Cordelia gathered her hair at the back of her head and repined it.
She’d wager nothing more than his pride stung. After all, what lady in her right mind would turn down a proposal from Viscount Wolverton, the future Earl of Holloway? But then, that was the problem. He hadn’t truly proposed.
Leastwise, not because he wanted her for his wife. No. He had proposed for no other reason than honor. In his mind, he had ruined her and therefore had to marry her. She’d have none of it.
If Cordelia married, it would be for love. There had been a time when she’d wanted nothing more than a husband and children, but love had always been the binding factor. She did not want a marriage without love.
Certainly not to a rogue who would leave her devastated. And she knew marriage to Nathaniel would do just that.
“Are you mad!” a female voice exclaimed.
Cordelia jumped, then pivoted around to face the unknown lady. Her cheeks burned at the realization that this woman had been in the library the whole time. Good God, she knew what Cordelia had done. Her stomach roiled as her body went weak.
The other woman approached her, kindness in her gaze. “Do not fret. Your secret is safe with me.” She gave a warm smile. “I assure you, I am no gossip.”
Cordelia drew in a steadying breath. She hoped beyond hope she could indeed trust the woman. And though she suspected she could, it did little to ease her mortification.
“I am Lady Celia Kendal, sister of the Duke of Selkirk.” She gave a curtsey. “And you are?”
For a moment, Cordelia thought to lie. After all, this woman could not betray her if she did not know her true identity. But then it occurred to her that their paths would likely cross again. It would not take much for the lady to discover her true identity.
Resigned, she said, “Lady Cordelia Daventry,” then dipped her own curtsey.
The lady looped her arm through Cordelia’s and grinned. “I have the feeling we will be grand friends.” She angled her head a fraction, one blond curl brushing her cheek. “Why, we already have something in common. Both of our names start with the letter C, and we both escaped the ball.”
She led Cordelia toward a cluster of chairs near the fireplace. “Come, let us become better acquainted. I am simply dying with curiosity.”
Lady Celia released Cordelia’s arm and lowered herself onto an overstuffed armchair. “Why did you refuse the Viscount’s proposal?” She pressed her lips together as Cordelia sat, then continued, “You needn’t tell me if you do not wish to. I know I am being rather forward. Mother would have a fit and tell me that my behavior is beyond the pale.” Lady Celia shook her head. “Personally, I think curiosity is human nature. And besides, we are friends now, are we not?”
Cordelia could not help but smile at the vivacious lady. “Indeed, we are,” she agreed. “And to answer your question, The Viscount does not love me.”
“But you love him?” Lady Celia asked, one golden brow arched in speculation.
Cordelia shook her head. “I scarcely know him. We have been neighbors for all our lives but have never had a genuine conversation. What happened here…” Her words trailed off as her cheeks burned.
“Was a mistake?” Lady Celia prompted.
“No.” Cordelia shook her head. She would not regret what she’d done. Every scandalous moment was burned into her mind, and she would cherish the memory. “I would not call it a mistake. It was… We…” She pressed her eyes closed for a heartbeat as she gathered her thoughts. “I do not know what I would call it, but I have no regrets.”
“Still, you do not wish to marry him?” Lady Celia stared at her, disbelief in her gaze.
“I do not.” Cordelia toyed with a fold in her skirt. “I am a spinster, you see. My hopes for a husband faded long ago. But I am still a woman. I wanted to know what it felt like to be with a man. And I do find Lord Wolverton to be quite handsome.” She tipped her head back and frowned as she looked at the plaster ceiling. “What you must think of me. Surely I appear to be quite the tart.”
Lady Celia wrapped her hand around Cordelia’s and said, “I think nothing of the sort.”
Cordelia returned her gaze to Lady Celia’s and warmed at the sincerity in her eyes. She could not say why, but the words unspoken meant a great deal to her, and she knew she’d found a friend worth having. “Thank you.”
“As for the Viscount. He is a friend of my brothers, and while I’ll grant you his reputation does little to recommend him, I have seen his outstanding qualities first hand. He is rather funny and always willing to help someone else. Lord Wolverton has a kind and gentle nature, as well. You may wish to reconsider.”
“Certainly not,” Cordelia said with conviction. “I would never trap myself in a loveless marriage. Nor would I ask it of him.”
“You could grow to love each other,” Lady Celia said, her voice ringing with optimism. “Clearly the two of you share something… Fondness, attraction… I do not know, but whatever you share could grow into love.”
