What he said was probably true. She had heard talk and knew how some in his family viewed him. However, they would be surprised to learn she was there and dressed as she was.
As if reading her mind, he added, “On my honor and the Blacknight family, I will never disclose to anyone when, how, or where we met the first time.”
She believed him and gave a silent thank-you.
“I hope you were able to accomplish your mission on your nephew’s behalf.”
“Robert’s my cousin. And I arrived just in time. I hauled him over to Vienna, and within the week, he’d found someone new to bestow his affections on.”
“Yes, of course. I recognize the name Robert Browning. I’ve met him at parties. He’s usually with my cousin, Harper Tabor, who I’ve always thought of as more a brother than cousin. Neither of us had siblings. I suppose it’s good your cousin’s heart wasn’t broken for too long.”
“I was sure that would be the case.”
Brina cleared her throat softly before saying, “Well, thank you for stopping by to let me know he is doing well and that you know who I am. It will make it easier between us now should we meet again.”
The earl made no motion to move but remained in his relaxed stance, though his expression was of a more serious nature. “I do have another reason for coming over that has nothing to do with our previous meeting. Something more important.”
His words intrigued her, causing her chest to flutter again. For a fleeting moment she wondered if he might have another daring rescue to attend. Whether or not he intended it, everything about him was seductive. A fact that made it difficult to shy away from him as was her usual course with all gentlemen.
Her gaze settled fully on his. “What could that be?”
“It’s something I felt obligated to tell you so it wouldn’t come as a shock when you hear it from others.”
Tensing, her mind flew back to the extraordinary evening in Paris. “Do others already know about Paris? Will there be gossip about us?”
The seriousness left his eyes. An engaging smile prefaced his statement. “You worry too much, Mrs. Feld. I’m sure no one in London knows about that evening unless, of course, you told someone.”
“Me? No. Certainly not,” she said, a bit indignant that he should even think she might tell on herself.
Brina hadn’t even mentioned the incident to her best friends, Adeline and Julia. Though, she had been tempted more than once to ravish them with details about her unexpected adventure and the kiss that had stolen her breath and her thoughts ever since. Now that she knew who he was, she would be even more tempted to tell them of her discovery in that chateau.
But there was no need to let him know that.
“Then our secret is safe.”
For now, she thought.
“I placed a wager in the betting book at White’s a short time ago, and after doing so, I realized it was only fair that I be the one to come over and tell you about it.”
Brina looked at him with almost as much inquisitiveness as she had the first time seeing him and smiled. “Why would your wagers be of interest to me, my lord?”
“Because this one concerns you.”
There was something challenging in his eyes. A curl of suspicion and nip of intrigue teased her chest as she watched his eyes rake down her face with way too much interest.
“I don’t understand,” she offered with an unintended bit of inquisitiveness edging her voice. “Whatever are you talking about?”
“It appears that I am in great need of something specific to show my family I can be responsible and not see the earldom of Blacknight come to ruin. My family is in a near state of panic because I have become the earl. The misfortune that happened wasn’t something any of us could have foreseen. Me least of all. Be that as it may, it comes with certain expectations.”
No doubt. They must be shaking in their collective boots. His reputation as a gambler was well known. He certainly knew how to pique her curiosity. “Again, my lord, I’m finding that none of what you have to say has anything to do with me.”
An attractive smile edged the corners of his decidedly masculine lips. “My uncles are convinced that a suitable bride would go a long way toward helping change me into the respectable head of the family I need to be and settling down all the strained nerves of the Blacknight lineage. I knew if anyone could do that for me, it would be you.”
“Me?” Her voice remained calm, though she was certain she wasn’t. “You can’t be serious.”
“Wholly serious. I wagered that you would accept my proposal of marriage and we’d announce our engagement by midnight at the last ball of the Season.”
A light-headedness flashed through her. Brina had no idea if she could believe he had actually done such a thing. “What nonsense you speak of.” She smiled, and then laughed a little, even though all traces of humor had left his face. He was sober, his eyes were steady and clear. Still, she added, “That’s preposterous, my lord.”
