Or perhaps, facedown over his desk, or some other surface, where he could teach her proper discipline, his hand coming down sharply across those shapely buttocks as she cried out for mercy—mercy he would give her in his own good time, when he was satisfied that she had learned her lessons… she would beg for more…
Benedict wrenched himself from contemplating the idea of Anastasia across his desk. His breeches were uncomfortably tight once again. He scowled and pushed himself away from the desk to pace the confines of his study.
She filled his thoughts. She distracted him, disordered his mind. She brought him perilously close to violating the most important item on his list.
Never let a woman make me lose my composure.Most women could scarcely cause a ripple on the surface of the icy calm in which he lived his life. Anastasia, on the other hand, seemed to ignite a fire under his skin effortlessly.
He needed distance. He needed London. The patterns of London life would ground him, and he would have the opportunity to seek advice from his friends.
Cassian was well aware of the currents in London society. Perhaps more importantly, as a bachelor, he would know who among theton’sgentlemen were eligible and might be considered acceptable matches for Anastasia.
And he might also know more about Anastasia. She had never disclosed the reasons behind her assertions that her reputation was too tarnished for marriage, and he had not asked. Cassian would know whatever whispers and information there was to be had regarding Miss Dawson. Knowing the details of Anastasia’s past would help him devise a better plan to find her a husband.
Having a plan steadied Benedict. He returned to his desk to write a short list of instructions for Jarvis and the maids, then summoned the butler with instructions to prepare the carriage. Once that was done, he made his way to the dowager’s solar, where she enjoyed reading on days when the weather was fine.
“Your Grace.”
“Benedict? You look as if you are going out.”
“I am. I am returning to London for a few days, to seek a husband for Miss Dawson.” Benedict bent to give the dowager a gentle kiss on the hand. “I shall return within a week, at the latest.”
“Are you taking her with you?”
“No. I wish for her to remain here, with you. I do not think her presence in London would do her any good, given her reputation. Besides, I fear she would only try to get in my way.”
Hyacinth’s eyes narrowed. “Is that what you think she is? An inconvenience?”
“What I think,” Benedict said, controlled but edged, “is that she is determined to turn this house into a circus. She ignores instructions, mocks title and propriety, and somehow manages to be present whenever there is disorder.”
“Benedict.”
He pressed on because irritation had been building for days, and he was done pretending it had not. “And now I am told that her marriage is my responsibility. My uncle’s will demands I secure her future, while she acts as though I am the one imposing on her.”
The dowager shut her book with a quiet snap. “You are wrong about her, Benedict.”
He waited.
“You assume she behaves that way because she is spoiled, or foolish, or simply enjoys provoking you. She does provoke you,yes—but she has also been through a lot.” Hyacinth leaned forward slightly. “Anastasia has been humiliated publicly. She has been betrayed by men who pretended to care for her. And when she finally trusted someone with the truth, he tried to use it to ruin her. Do you understand what that does to a woman?”
Benedict’s jaw tightened. He did not answer.
“She does not trust easily,” Hyacinth continued. “And she does not bend easily. That is not a flaw to correct. It is what kept her standing when most would have broken.”
“I am not interested in correcting her,” Benedict said flatly. “I am interested in removing her from this estate before she costs me the last shred of patience I possess.”
“Then remove her properly,” Hyacinth replied, voice crisp again. “Find her a man who will not treat her like a problem to solve—one who will not punish her for having an opinion.”
Benedict held her gaze for a moment. “Very well.”
Hyacinth’s voice softened, almost reluctantly. “And Benedict, be careful with her. She bites because she has had reason to. Do not take every sharp word as a declaration of war.”
“I will do what is required.”
He gave a brief, controlled bow and left the solar.
He had hoped to escape without encountering Anastasia, but luck was not with him, and she met him at the door. Her hair formed a wild halo around her shoulders, and her face was pink with sunshine. She was smiling, but the smile faltered at the sight of him, then hardened into a scowl as she took in his coat and gloves.
“So you are permitted to leave Frostmore, and I am not?”
