Honor laughed. “I mean exactly what you think I mean. Has Mama explained about that side of marriage?”
“Not yet.” She looked at her half-sister anxiously. “And you girls always shut me out of the room when you discussed married life.”
“Mama is always vague on the subject, anyway.”
Mercy glanced around. A man and woman had settled at the far end of the room, but they were not within earshot. “Tell me. Even though my ears will burn, I promise to listen.”
“And if this woman continues to confront you, you must face up to her! Men don’t admire wilting violets, Mercy. You are not one, and you must resist playing that role.”
“My goodness, Honor.” Mercy gave a nervous giggle. “What would Edward say should he hear this!”
“He would agree with me.” She put a gloved hand to Mercy’s hot cheek. “I am neither asking you to be devious, nor to abandon your scruples, but don’t hold him at arm’s length because of this woman. Give your heart to him, be open with him, be a generous, passionate wife.” She held up a hand. “But if he is a mean man and cruel to you, you must tell me and I shall get Edward to deal with him. And Vaughn too, who we know is very good with his fists.”
Mercy giggled nervously at the unwanted image of Vaughn and Northcliffe facing up to each other, fists clenched. “I don’t believe Northcliffe would ever be deliberately cruel to me. But tell me quickly, before Mama comes to find us.”
As Honor finished describing in embarrassing detail what took place in the bedchamber, a man entered the drawing room. Northcliffe, in his dark evening clothes. Spying her, he made his way across the crimson and blue carpet to where they sat on a dark-blue damask sofa.
With Mercy’s ears still hot from the information her sister imparted, she rose with Honor to greet him. She flushed when her gaze settled on his well-formed lips, and then she could hardly look him in the eye. She swallowed. “Honor, I should like you to introduce my fiancé, Lord Northcliffe. My lord, my half-sister, Lady Honor.”
“I am delighted to meet you at last,” Honor said. “Mercy has been singing your praises.”
He raised an amused eyebrow and glanced at Mercy. “I am pleased, and I must confess a little inquisitive to know which qualities of mine might have so inspired her.”
Honor laughed. “I don’t believe we will tell you, sir. I should like you to meet my husband. Shall we return to the card rooms?”
“Could you excuse us for just one moment, Lady Honor?”
“But of course.” With a smile, Honor left the room in a whisper of silk skirts.
Northcliffe dropped down beside Mercy. He faced her resting an arm on the back of the sofa. “Are you enjoying the card party?”
“Now that my half-sister has come.” She fiddled with her gloves. His physicality and male scent always affected her. Would he mention the episode in the corridor?
“I wished to tell you that Arabella has confessed to me about what happened at Vauxhall Gardens.”
Surprised, Mercy stared at him. “It was unnecessary. I hope you weren’t too harsh with her.”
He leaned back, studying her. “I was not. You think me domineering?”
“No. Of course not.” She smiled. “I am pleased that you know the truth. It has worried me that you would think uncharitably about me.”
Interest sparked in his tawny eyes. “Why would I do that?”
“You might have thought that I…” she stumbled over the words… “planned to snare you.”
“Mercy.” He took her hand in a firm clasp. “Never for one moment did I think that. You are far too beautiful to have to resort to such tactics.”
Was he trying to appease her after being caught with his mistress? She tilted her head. “You were furious with me at the time.”
“Yes, because I thought you had placed yourself in grave danger.”
“You thought me irresponsible, a silly young woman.”
He laughed and tightened her hand in his. “I didn’t know you then. Mercy, please let’s not quarrel. I told you this because I hoped to improve matters between us.”
A warm glow flowed through her, despite her misgivings. Heaven! Why was she so susceptible to his charm? She seemed to long for every crumb he tossed her. “Then I’m glad.”
“In less than a month we shall be married. If it isn’t love we feel, at least let there be some affection between us.”
