As Raoul leaned over the bureau to apply his signature to Miss Temple’s folded letter, a riffle disturbed his veins. She had pulled back in her chair to allow him access. He could wish she had stood up instead.
The flourish with which he always signed complete, he set down the pen and straightened, glad to be able to move away. Her nearness disturbed him. When he’d massaged her shoulders, he had detected a subtle but recognisable scent that lingered in his senses from the moments he’d had her in his arms in his carriage. At the time, wishing only to offer comfort, its draw eluded him. Today it was producing an unwelcome effect. He took refuge in his habitual manner as she thanked him.
“A mere nothing, ma’am.”
She smiled faintly. “It is not nothing to me, sir.” She blew on the fresh ink to dry it as she rose. “If you will forgive me, I must see to its despatch at once.”
“Maunder will do that, my dear,” came from Angelica. “Ring the bell again, Raoul.”
But as he crossed the room, the butler entered, bearing a loaded tray. “Ah, your coffee, I apprehend, Miss Temple.”
“Set it down, Maunder, and take —”
But Miss Temple cut Angelica short. “Would it be too much to ask to have the coffee in my chamber? Do you mind if I retire, ma’am?”
“Dear child, not in the least. You ought to rest. Maunder, have someone take the tray to Miss Temple’s room. Oh, and see to it that her letter is despatched forthwith.”
As a footman was called in to take the tray, Raoul found Miss Temple coming towards him, valise in hand. His attention fastened on the piece of luggage. Incongruous and inappropriate. She ought not to be obliged to carry it herself. An unpalatable reminder of her poverty. He took it from her and held it towards the butler.
“Maunder will take that for you, ma’am.”
She blinked in a confused way. “I am capable of carrying a valise, you know.”
“I dare say.” He handed the thing to the butler, who had immediately moved to take it.
“Send a maid to assist Miss Temple, Maunder.”
The girl’s frown intensified as she turned to Angelica. “Truly, ma’am, there is no need to bother one of the maids. I can manage.”
Angelica waved an airy hand. “I expect you can.”
But she did not rescind the order, to Raoul’s satisfaction. He waited until the servants had left the room. “Try not to advertise your situation to the whole world, Miss Temple.”
Her mouth fell open and her eyes flashed. Raoul felt a prick of conscience, but ignored it.
“Is that said to provoke me, sir?”
“Not at all. Servants gossip. You would do well to remember it.”
Miss Temple’s eyes narrowed. “Is it my situation you despise, my lord, or merely my refusal to engage in pretence?”
He was a trifle taken aback, but did not show it. “Neither. I was thinking rather of Angelica’s position in this.”
She looked conscious, colouring a trifle. “I beg your pardon, ma’am. Have I embarrassed you too?”
Angelica disclaimed, rising to catch the girl about the shoulders. “Dear child, pay no heed to Raoul. Maunder is discretion itself. If visitors were present, it would be another matter.” She turned her head as she spoke, throwing Raoul a concealed look which contained an unmistakeable message to desist. “Off you go, my dear, and have that coffee and then I suggest you lie down upon your bed. It has been a horrid time for you, and I am sure a rest will do you the world of good.”
Miss Temple allowed herself to be ushered towards the door, but with obvious reluctance. The moment Angelica released her, she turned. “One moment, if you please, ma’am. I cannot rest unless I say something first to his lordship.”
Her gaze slammed into his and Raoul found himself bracing. What now? He summoned his blandest tone. “Yes, Miss Temple?”
Her bosom was rising and falling in a manner that demonstrated the extreme nature of her emotions. What in the world was coming?
“My guardian may have thrown me at your head, sir, and I do you the justice to own you have behaved in a gentlemanly fashion over it, for which I am obliged to thank you.” The calmness, with its husky undertone, changed. “But do not imagine for one moment that I will tolerate your autocratic manner. I am not your property!”
With which, she turned her back on him and wrenched open the door, closing it behind her with a decided snap.
Raoul did not know whether to laugh or give way to a flicker of rage. He was saved from having to make the choice as Angelica turned upon him with a face of unholy glee.
