“It is not only Hudsyn I am concerned about.” He let go of her wrist and slipped his arm around her waist. “I wish to treat you with the respect you deserve. Why are you making it so difficult?”
Desire surged through her body; she wanted him to kiss her, and she didn’t need him, Henry, or her aunt making decisions for her. “Don’t you understand? I want you to—”
A sudden sharp rap sounded at the front door, and Ottilie jerked in fright.
Jack tightened his hold on her waist. “Keep still. Maybe they’ll go away.”
“Don’t you wish to know who it is?”
“Why would I want to do that when I have all I need here in this room?”
The rapping came again—this time, louder and more aggressive.
Soon a rapid clip-clop of footsteps sounded on the marble floor.
Jack raised his eyebrows. “Why today, of all days, does Mrs. Wilson choose to answer the door?”
Ottilie frowned as she listened to the sound of muffled voices, which grew steadily louder.
“Please wait, sir.” Mrs. Wilson pleaded.
“Where is he?” Footsteps sounded in the hallway. “It is most urgent that I speak with him immediately!”
Ottilie sucked in her breath.
“What in tarnation is going on?” Jack said.
“It’s Lord Towne. What ishedoing here?”
“Lord Towne?” Jack narrowed his eyes. “Are you certain?”
Ottilie nodded. “I recognize his voice.”
“Sir! If you care to wait, I will inform Mr. Bastin that you are here,” Mrs. Wilson’s voice rang out.
“Where is he? I demand to speak with him at once.” The footsteps grew louder.
Miss Hamilton’s body went rigid in Jack’s arms. “He’s coming to the parlor. I have to hide,” she whispered. “He must not see me alone in this room with you.”
“Come on. I know the perfect place.” Jack pulled her toward a corner of the room.
“Where?” Ottilie said, her voice shaky. “There is no escape. The entrance and exit are one and the same. We are trapped.”
“Behind here.” Jack directed her toward a sturdy mahogany cabinet, which housed his collection of wines and spirits. Its wide midsection held an array of bottles and in its large wing doors housed neat rows of crystal glasses. The cabinet would easily conceal both their bodies. He put his hand on her back and guided her as they both slipped behind the cabinet just in time to hear Mrs. Wilson and Lord Towne enter the parlor.
“If you will be so kind as to wait here, I will go and find him for you.”
“If I must,” Lord Towne said gruffly.
Jack’s breathing stilled as they ensconced themselves in the snug dark space, their bodies pressed close together. Lord Towne’s pacing footsteps sounded in their ears.
“Scoundrel!” Lord Towne muttered to himself.
Miss Hamilton suppressed a giggle, and Jack put a finger to his lips.
“What does he think he is playing at, hey?” Lord Towne’s voice drifted toward them. It sounded as if he was approaching the cabinet.
Miss Hamilton tensed in Jack’s arms.
