Argh!There was that hated word again.
“If you kiss me, I shall acquiesce,” she whispered.
“That’s my hope,” he muttered.
“At least I am honest,” she quipped and closed the door in his face.
“At least I am honest,” he mimicked in a sing-song tone, feeling childish but unable to help himself.
After a moment, he stopped staring at the smoothly painted door two inches from his nose and turned away, unable to help wishing she’d been a little less honest and a lot more wicked.Merry Christmas indeed!
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Mayfair is mad for any news of theton’svarious country house parties as nothing is happening in Town. Word has it that Lord M__ is having a small Twelfth Night country party after all. Quality folk are hoping for an invitation.”
-The Gazette
Julia felt pricklyas a gooseberry, having tossed and turned all night, thinking of the earl and his blessed mouth and capable hands.
“You’re sighing,” Jasper snapped, having been less than friendly since entering the breakfast room a few minutes after her.
He wore a country outfit of leather breeches and a fuller coat than he wore in Town, as well as an unstarched neckcloth. She liked his comfortable country look yet the relaxed fashion didn’t seem to reflect his current disposition.
Moreover, he’d not bothered to remark on her outrageous gown, another fifty-year-old monstrosity with a tight, flat stomacher that seemed more Elizabethan than last century. She didn’t think there was room for much food, so she’d only taken two coddled eggs. Regardless, the dress fit her and was warm and a pretty shade of pumpkin with green and gold accents.
“Are we riding again today?” she asked, although she would probably have to change into her own dress so she could take a full breath.
“You didn’t want to ride last night,” he quipped sourly.
She wanted to stick her tongue out at his poor manners but was glad she hadn’t given in to temptation when his mother appeared.
“Good morning, I slept so well,” the dowager countess declared. “They say it’s the country air, but I think it’s the exercise. A good walk today or a ride or both?”
“I was just asking his lordship the same. I suppose if we are to gather greenery, mistletoe and such, we should walk.”
“Oh no, my dear. As my son said last night, I don’t—” Lady Marshfield stopped herself. Then she gave a small smile that grew.
