“What kind of rumors?” her mama asked. But then she held up a hand. “No. I do not wish to hear them.” But her face had turned a reddish hue. She pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve and dabbed at one eye. Had her mother, in fact, heard about the rumor? Did she suspect Rhoda had been indiscreet with St. John? The thought made her cringe inside.
“I wish to reassure you that I intend to restore your daughter’s reputation completely.” He didn’t go into any further detail, but he sounded so confident that Rhoda almost believed it. “You have no need to worry for your other daughters’ opportunities, but I’d request, please, that you remain at Eden’s Court for at least four more days. By that time, I’ll have settled matters in London and can meet you there.”
Her mother nodded eagerly. “Of course, my lord.” And it was as simple as that.
“I will be leaving for Pebble’s Gate shortly, in order to obtain your husband’s consent, of course. And as long as he has no objections, I’ll then go to London to order the banns read and deal with these other matters.”
Rhoda met her mother’s gaze knowingly. Both knew how little her father cared to involve himself in his daughters’ affairs. Rhoda raised her brows and her mother shrugged.
“I’m certain that will prove to be an… interesting visit,” her mother responded.
Lord Carlisle apparently hadn’t noticed their exchange. For he’d already risen and seemed anxious to end their meeting. “Please, feel free to begin any planning necessary and of course, have the expenses billed to me.”
Rhoda rose, as did her mother, Sophia, Cecily, Mr. Nottingham, and Prescott.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you, Justin?” Prescott had offered earlier, Rhoda knew, but he’d declined.
“I need to do this alone, Dev.” And then she glimpsed a part of him she’d not seen before. Vulnerability. And uncertainty. But also, a steely glint of resolve. Something about this caused a frisson of fear to crawl through her. She suddenly wanted to insist he take the duke along, or to take her with him but knew he’d not appreciate this.
Rhoda hugged herself and shivered. She wished he’d taken her in his arms after his proposal. She wanted to touch him, to seal her commitment with more than just words. “Will you take luncheon with us, before you leave?” she couldn’t help but ask.
But he was already shaking his head. “I don’t want to waste any more daylight.” He would be riding alone.
Something in her tone must have alerted Sophia to Rhoda’s need. “Mrs. Mossant, Cecily. I have some new fashion magazines in the drawing room. There’s no harm in leaving these two alone for a few minutes before Lord Carlisle takes his leave, is there?” This, she said to the duke.
He smiled dotingly at his wife. “I don’t believe so.” And then he ushered both Rhoda’s mother and Sophia out the door. Cecily and her husband followed. “I’ll meet you in the stables in half an hour.” Mr. Nottingham spoke over his shoulder. And then he closed the door quietly behind him.
Rhoda had the feeling Lord Carlisle would have avoided being alone with her again. But she’d made herself a promise. She stepped forward tentatively and then took his hands in hers.
She closed her eyes and searched for the right words. “I believe I’m coming to know you a little…” She squeezed his hands even though his own remained lax. “And so, I’m not going to thank you for this. You wouldn’t do it unless you wanted to.” He’d told her mother he’d had feelings for her sincelast summer. “Don’t do anything rash for me in London. And if you do, please, have a care.”
His larger fingers finally curled around hers gently. She couldn’t help it. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against his chest. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.”
He released her hands and his arms came around her. Rhoda refused to cry. She refused to allow him to leave believing she wasn’t strong enough to handle what lay ahead. But she felt his lips on her head. And then his hands were on her neck, her chin, lifting her lips to meet his.
Last night, she’d initiated their kiss, and he’d held a part of himself back. This kiss today.
Thiskiss was all him.
His mouth claimed hers, his tongue sliding through the seam of her lips, inciting her heart to race. With a tilt of his head, still holding her face, he delved even deeper. Rhoda clutched at his wrists. A roaring filled her ears, flashes of light burned in her brain and she came alive. “Justin.” With a heavy ache settling between her legs and in her breasts, she wanted to beg him to stay. But before she could do any of this, he released her and took a step back.
“I’ll see you in four days’ time.” The intensity of his gaze shook her. And then he smiled. It wasn’t much, just the tiniest tug at the corner of his lips. “Don’t do anything stupid,” he said almost teasingly. “No more plans. No more schemes. No more switching of perfumes or cheating at games. In fact, no parlor games. I absolutely forbid you to play any parlor games while I’m gone. And stay put. Don’t even think of coming to London any earlier.”
She nearly wept at his words. “You silly man,” she said instead. She would either burst into tears or hysterical laughter. “Take care of my vicar.”
He nodded. Looking as though he might sweep her up again, he hesitated. She couldn’t stand it if he did.God, please take care of him.He stood tall; he was fit, firm, and agile. She remembered the risks he’d taken last summer attempting to save Lord Harold. He’d climbed down the cliff as far as possible. He’d done so when St. John, Lord Harold’s own brother, would not.
This man had an abundance of courage.
But he was only a man. As had been Lord Harold. As had been St. John.
The moment passed, and he nodded again. “No games,” he ordered again.
And then he was gone.
Rhoda dropped to the sofa and covered her face.Breathe. He’ll return. He isn’t St. John.
Good Lord, he was only going to visit her father, for heaven’s sake.
