“You don’t say.”
“And once again with dire consequences for you.” She gave her head a violent shake and turned her gaze toward the flickering flames in the grate.
“Let’s weather one storm at a time, shall we. As long as we’re able to keep your sojourn here a secret, we might get through it without any matrimonial vows at the end.” He studied her shapely figure, unable to tear his gaze away – completely unwilling to try. Her gown was made for winter, woolen, with long sleeves and a neckline intended to offer additional warmth. It was proper, save for the contours it put on prominent display.
With her back turned toward him, he feasted his gaze on the base of her neck instead, on the creamy expanse of unblemished skin caught between her upswept hair and the spot where her gown began. The fire crackled and he drew a ragged breath at the thought of trailing his finger along that soft flesh – of pressing a kiss there.
“One can only hope.” She turned, her eyes fractured with shards of emotion. “Lord knows I am not the sort of woman any man wants for a wife.”
Anger coiled its way around him. He wanted to shout at her, demand she explain why she thought this way, and insist she take the words back. No matter the wrongdoings of her youth, she still deserved to find happiness with a husband who loved her for who she was. No matter how much he’d blamed her over the years, he’d never wished her ill, and he’d certainly never imagined her actions might cause her to think she would be denied an affectionate husband. A thousand words crammed together in his throat, but he could not get a single one out. So he simply stood there, a silent witness to her self-deprecation, until Dartwood came to inform them that their baths had been prepared.
Gritting his teeth, Robert escorted Athena upstairs and directed her toward the bedchamber where she’d be staying. “Meet me in the library when you are ready. There’s a great deal more we need to discuss.”
Chapter Three
SINKING INTO THE HOTwater, Athena savored the bliss of complete relaxation. It had been an eventful day so far and it wasn’t over yet. Snatching up the nearby soap, she proceeded to wash herself. The scent of roses mingled with the steam as she worked the soap into a frothy lather. Warmth infused her limbs to chase away any lingering chill. She was safe now, out of the storm.
A helpless smile caught the edge of her mouth. Despite her best efforts to avoid getting into trouble, the weather had chosen to thwart her, landing her under the roof of a man who wanted nothing to do with her. Very well,best effortswould in all likelihood have involved not coming here in the first place, but still. Her plan had been perfect to her mind; come, say her piece, and leave.
Setting the soap aside, she sank deeper into the water. She hoped Darlington was right and her maid would tell her family where she had gone so they wouldn’t worry too much. Athena’s smile slipped. Her parents would have her hide when she returned. And she could not blame them. Once again her reckless behavior – her foolish belief she could fix things with nary a thought to the consequences – threatened to wreak havoc on someone else’s life. On Darlington’s life.
God. If ever there was a man with the right to despise her, it was he.
She rose from the bath and snatched up a towel. Time to get ready and face the reprimand he would surely give her. When they’d parted ways half an hour earlier, he had not looked the least bit pleased. A sigh left her as she reached for the dress she’d been lent by one of the maids. Her own gown was sopping wet and the hem was covered in flecks of dirt from the ride over, so the housekeeper had insisted on having it cleaned. Although her breeches were fine, she couldn’t very well wear them without a shirt.
Choosing not to add her attire to the list of concerns, she rang for a maid to help tie her stays, then put on the dress. Cut from a practical brown shade of cotton, it wasn’t as warm as her own, but at least it was dry.
“Would you like me to pin up your hair, miss?” the maid asked.
Athena shook her head. “No thank you. It will dry faster if it’s left down.”
“Very well, miss.”
Athena pushed her feet into the slippers she’d been given and shrugged her shoulders. They were a size too large but they’d have to do while her boots were being dried
Satisfied with her ensemble, she left her room and went downstairs. She recalled where the parlor, study, and dining room were from earlier, so then perhaps this door led to the library? Opening it, she noticed the bookshelves lining the walls and stepped inside. A cozy atmosphere born from the glow of oil lamps, the crackle of burning wood, and the rich smell of leather greeted her.
