‘No, I won’t. You have my word.’
I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, Mr Hart had decided to choose wisely for once in his life.
On the face of it, it seemed too easy. But short of getting it in writing, what else was I to do? I had to take his word for it.
Perhaps it would be all right. At least he now knew I had the measure of him and would desist or face the consequences.
‘Very good. Now please make arrangements for our immediate departure back to Bath,’ I said, giving him my best haughty face to show that I meant business.
‘I’m afraid I cannot do that,’ he replied smoothly.
My haughty face faltered slightly. ‘You must. I demand it!’
‘The carriage is being repaired and will be ready only on Saturday.’
‘A likely story!’ I scoffed.
‘’Tis true ...’
I stood and made to leave, having had enough of his lies. But quick as a flash, Mr Hart was off the desk and in front of me, blocking my way.
‘Felicity, wait!’
Before I knew what washappening, he was clasping me against his chest, and the nearness and masculine heat of his lower body made me shudder.
‘What if I want you to stay?’ he murmured in my ear. He had not shaved, and I felt the rasp of his beard on my temple and smelt the remnants of port fumes emanating from his skin.
Was this his way of ‘charming me into submission’? If so, I did not like it or want it.
‘Let me go!’ I tried to wriggle out of his grasp, but his arms were strong and held me firmly.
‘Just one kiss.’
‘No!’
‘I think I deserve it as payment for being so accommodating.’
He moved his mouth to mine, but I ducked my head at the last minute, and it landed somewhere in my hair. Then I stomped hard on his boot with my heel.
‘Ow! Dammit!’ he swore and released me to attend to his foot. I scuttled around him to the door and leaned on the knob for support, shocked that he had tried to kiss me.
If I’d had a riding crop, I would have whipped him for attempting such a thing with a married woman!
A smile curled on his lips as he took in my flushed cheeks and heaving bosom. ‘You enjoyed that,’ he said witha smirk.
‘You mistake my disgust for enjoyment, Mr Hart,’ I said breathlessly. ‘If you ever try that with me again, you will have injuries more serious to contend with than a sore foot!’
But I knew my words would have little effect on a man like him. Before he could try anything else or detain me further, I flung open the door and beat a hasty retreat from his study.
***
The encounter with Mr Hart left me severely shaken, and I clung to the stair banister for support while making my way up. Everyone was in the parlour, so I thought I would be able to recover my battered senses in private before I was missed.
However, at the top of the stairs, I ran into Jane, twirling her bonnet. ‘There you are, Flissy! We are planning on going for a walk. Mr Hart said there was a lovely stream.’
The mention of his name was too painful to bear, and my legs threatened to collapse. It was most alarming, but I managed to keep my grip on the banister. Otherwise, I would have toppled down the stairs!
Jane let out an exclamation and spun into action. She hauled me up along the landing and into her room. Ifell onto her bed, gasping with emotion, and buried my face in the eiderdown. It was a pretty light blue, but it was soon covered with dark blotches as it became a large silk handkerchief to soak up my tears.
