Seeing the perceptive glint in the redhead’s eyes, Charlie suppressed a sigh.
I really did teach them too well.
“Which is just as well, because I would love to dance.” Fi aimed a frolicsome smile at her spouse. “And my favorite dance partner appears to be available.”
Hawksmoor gallantly offered her his arm. “For you, my dear, always.”
The pair headed for the dance floor. Livy and Hadleigh followed suit, Livy casting a speculative glance backward.
Alone with Devlin, Charlie told herself it was now or never.
“Would you care to dance, my lady?” Devlin asked.
“Not particularly.”
His face fell.
“I would, however, like a moment with you in private.” She lowered her voice. “Meet me in the orangery.”
She walked off, smiling as she felt Devlin’s surprised stare upon her.
Having attended other affairs at the Kendalls’ stately townhome, Charlie knew her way to the orangery. As she’d hoped, the waltz was keeping the guests occupied, and the lush, glass-walled room was empty. In the candlelight, the orangery had a magical feel, the greenery arranged into winding walks and cozy nooks that seemed an extension of the dark garden beyond the windows. Notes of jasmine and citrus hung in the sultry air.
Charlie selected a niche by the window with a wicker settee. Surrounded by a hedge of lemon trees, the space offered privacy and intimacy, which she would need whilst making her proposition to Devlin. Recognizing his footsteps against the tile floor, she felt a flutter in her chest and chastised herself for being silly.
She was no virgin in her first blushes. She was a widow of thirty-four, and one who had witnessed more than her fair share of depravity. Devlin, furthermore, was an experienced rake. He had made the first move; he was hardly going to judge her for taking him up on it. They were both consenting adults with something to offer the other.
She straightened her shoulders as Devlin rounded the hedge and entered the nook.
“Cozy place you’ve found,” he remarked.
While his tone was casual, curiosity glinted in his eyes.
“I thought it suited the nature of what I wished to discuss.” Striving to make her manner more seductive and less businesslike, she patted the cushion beside her. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
Devlin did not have to be asked twice. He settled next to her, his leg brushing her skirts. His cologne, a blend of spices, was pleasing.
“What are we discussing? Business or could it possibly be…” His tone took on a husky edge. “Pleasure?”
The man caught on fast. It was one of the reasons she’d hired him.
“That depends.”
He cocked a brow. “On?”
Taking a breath, she went for it. “On how discreet you can be.”
His gaze grew heavy-lidded but not before she saw the flash of triumph there.
“Darling,” he drawled. “You have but scratched the surface of my discretion.”
She leaned closer. “What about your ability to keep your emotions out of an affair? The last thing I want is complications.”
“I am so uncomplicated that one might call me simple.” He bent his head toward her, so close that she could see the moonlight reflected in his eyes. “As for feelings, who needs them, I say.”
“And we must both promise that this will not affect how we perform in our professional capacities.”
“Sweeting, my performance shall exceed anything you’ve known.”
