“I suppose if I had to pick one it would beThe King of Pirates.”
“Excellent choice.” She'd enjoyed the novel herself more than once and understood why such a tale would appeal to most men. “My copy is right over there alongsideRobinson CrusoeandGulliver’s Travels.You’re welcome to borrow any of the books the library has to offer.”
“Thank you. Your brother made the same offer. But I actually came in search of something less entertaining. As unfortunate as that may be.” His expression dimmed and Lilli's stomach dipped in response. “Your brother has tasked me with finding out more about Mr. Ershwin and Mr. Newhurst. I thought a history of the area and its families might be a good place to start. Provided such a text exists.”
A cold chill slid down the back of Lilli's neck. “Henry imagines I’ll marry one of them?”
“According to what he divulged, your father does too.”
“Dear God.” She stared at Tristan, at the painful regret in his gorgeous brown eyes and the unyielding straightness that stopped his mouth from smiling. A humorless laugh escaped her before she managed to school her features and give him an equally frank look. “I have no interest in Mr. Ershwin or Mr. Newhurst.”
“Lilli.” His voice was gentle, as though he were trying to soothe a child with a scraped knee. “Your Seasons have been unsuccessful, and if you’ll forgive me for saying this, you are of an age where time is starting to be of the essence.”
“And so I am meant to just settle?” she asked, unable to stop her voice from shaking. Her insides drew tight in anger. “How can I do that now, after meeting you?”
He held her gaze for the longest moment, the depth of emotion she saw in his eyes enough to make tears well in her own. Eventually he sighed. “You know as well as I do that we are impossible.”
“I refuse to accept that. There simply has to be a way if it’s what we both want.” She sent him an imploring look. “Is it? What we both want, that is?”
“I think of you night and day,” he admitted. “Truth is the magnetic pull I feel with you is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. With anyone.”
“Then I shall continue with my plan.”
His expression turned cautious. “Which is to do what, exactly?”
Raising her chin in an effort to combat the hopelessness nipping at her heels, she told him, “To gain Papa’s understanding and blessing.”
Tristan’s eyes widened. “You’re mad.”
“Determined, more like.”
“Lilli… Your father will never approve of you wedding a servant.”
Warmth settled at the base of her spine and fanned up across her back, despite the bleakness of his words. She managed a coy smile. “I’m glad to know you’re also thinking of marriage.”
He leveled at her the most exasperated look she’d ever been subjected to, which was saying something. “Make no mistake. If I could, I’d start building my future with you tomorrow. Honestly, I don’t know how my feelings for you have developed so fast. All I can say is there has been a connection between us right from the start, and the harder I try to ignore it, the stronger it grows.”
“I feel exactly the same.” If he was going to lay his heart bare then she would be equally brave. “Which is why I’ve made a decision.”
“Go on,” he said, with no small amount of wariness.
Straightening in her seat, she set her book aside on a nearby table. “If Papa refuses to let me have you, we’ll simply elope.”
“Bloody hell.” He gaped at her. “You’re completely cracked in the head.”
“I am no such thing.” Indignation swept the breadth of her shoulders.
“Well, you certainly aren’t thinking rationally,” he insisted, his voice tight. “I am poor, in case that fact has escaped you. I have no means to support you.” He stood so abruptly, Lilli jumped. His fingers raked through his hair and when he met her gaze, his eyes held a wild look that caused her pulse to race faster. “Your life is charmed— comfortable and easy compared with what you will face if you choose me.”
“If you’re trying to recommend yourself you’re doing a terrible job,” she offered dryly.
“I’m trying to do what’s in your best interest.”
“Stop.” She pushed to her feet and glared at him. “My entire life has consisted of everyone trying to do what’s in my best interest. I was forced to learn how to play the pianoforte. Even though I loathed every second. I was made to take tea with gentlemen callers I had no interest in. This may surprise you, but I actually happen to know what I want. And it’s almostneverwhat others believe to be in my best interest.”
Her breath came hard and her face burned. Hands fisted at her sides, she stood, mere inches away from him, prepared to fight whatever retort he might give her.
Instead, he cradled her cheeks, and then his mouth was on hers. He kissed her with a hunger that matched her own. It was hard, almost violent, and so rough she could taste his frustration. Rather than deter her, it increased her need for added closeness and deeper contact. She raked her fingers through his thick hair, and inhaled his scent – a heady mixture of musk and pine.
