If necessary, she would seduce him to get what she wanted.
A smile pulled at her lips as she nearly skipped down the stairs. Maybe she was a wicked widow after all. And, if that was the case, she was going to be very wicked with Dr. Orlando Valentine and finally satisfy the need that had been brewing for nearly three years.
“You appear rather well-rested, dear brother.”
Orlando glanced up from the records on his desk to find Isabella standing in the doorway to his office, a frown of disappointment on her lips.
“Why would I not be?”
She arched an auburn brow. “I, well…I assumed that…”
“You assumed incorrectly.” Even if he was successful in his seduction of Blythe he certainly was not going to confide in his sister.
She blew out a sigh and plopped into a chair.”
“What do you need, Isabella?” he ground out. There was paperwork on his desk that needed to be completed and he anticipated more patients this afternoon. He did not want to be delayed in his tasks because he fully intended on arriving at Athena’s Salon promptly at eight, when the doors open.
“I had hoped for good news, but I am disappointed.”
“If you mean Blythe, then you will likely remain so.”
“You loved her,” Isabella insisted even though she had only seen them together once. She had drawn that conclusion when he had remained with Blythe each evening after purchasing her, and claimed that there was something different about him when he spoke of her, and Isabella would not change her mind no matter how much he denied her claim.
“Until two days ago I also had not seen her in nearly three years.”
Isabella stood. “Then I suggest you make up for lost time.” She then stood and marched out of the office.
That was exactly what he intended to do and thus, completed his paperwork as quickly as possible, then saw to the patients he had been expecting, had a light meal at a nearby tavern, then returned to his home to refresh his appearance before he appeared on the doorstep of Athena’s Salon.
This time he was not questioned as he entered. George simply nodded, and Orlando wandered into the drawing room, where others had already gathered and made his way to the back of the room where he requested a brandy, much like he had done the evening before.
This time, however, he did not go in search of Blythe but waited. He was certain she would arrive when her schedule allowed.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Blythe checked her appearance in the mirror one last time to make certain that all was put to rights. She would be tardy tonight, but her presence was not truly needed unless there was an unexpected disruption that required her attention.
After taking a deep calming breath and patting a curl back into place, she left her set of rooms and made her way down the stairs.
“Are there any new guests?” she asked George.
“Only those who have been here before.”
She nodded then checked in on the gambling room. The tables weren’t full yet, but it was still early in the evening.
She then crossed to the drawing room and took in the various guests gathered in separate areas for conversation.
It was only when she turned and stepped toward the back of the room for a glass of wine that she noticed Orlando leaning negligently on the counter, brandy in his hand.
He had returned as she hoped but also feared that he might not.
Why was it that she was so insecure when it came to men, or maybe she was afraid to trust her own judgment and hoped that pursuing Orlando as a lover would not be another mistake.
Except, she wanted a lover, not a husband, so she needn’t fear being trapped again.
He was not looking at her and Blythe took a moment to admire his appearance.
His hair was thick and nearly as dark as hers and his grey eyes often appeared silver with humor, but when serious they darkened. A strong jaw and high cheekbones and trim waist covered in a dark suit coat, amber waistcoat over a white linen shirt completed with an immaculate cravat.
