Her saucy response made him chuckle softly. He gave her a nod of appreciation. “I believe you, and I’m a lucky man you can’t. You would be a formidable opponent. I have a feeling you’ll find a way of getting even with me.”
“I’ve considered it and wish I could,” she said adamantly. “However, it’s your good fortune I wouldn’t dare stoop so low.”
She was still angry with him, and with just cause. Yet even in her ire, there was a softness and gentleness about her that drew him.
“I’m glad to see my ill behavior hasn’t kept you from enjoying yourself this evening.”
“No, it hasn’t,” she said, confidently lifting her chin. “You seem surprised that is the case.”
“I’m delighted. You’re a strong lady. I had no doubt you would carry on as normal.”
“Normal?” she asked with a breath of extreme exasperation. Her gaze focused tightly on his as she took a step toward him, seeming not to care that everyone was watching. “Really, my lord? You don’t know the half of it, so don’t tell me you are delighted about anything concerning me.”
He noticed her hands made fists at her sides. “That wasn’t my intention.”
“What was? You have completely disrupted my orderly life in the most tumultuous way possible. Because of you I’ve had a steady stream of ladies calling on me to make sure I haven’t taken to a sick bed over this wager you made. Some have sent baskets of flowers and others boxes of sweet confections to cheer me. I’ve receivedpackages of handkerchiefs, which I can only assume they felt I needed from all the crying I must be doing over your arrogant machinations. An anonymous person sent me an essay on Ophelia—of all things. Even the vicar paid me a visit to ask about my welfare. That you have the nerve to think I’m carrying on as normal is outrageous.”
She was magnificent!
Her words and tone were heartfelt. He could almost taste her anger. By the time she’d finished, a flush had heightened her face with indignation. It made her stunning. If they had been alone, he would have caught her up to his chest and kissed her, giving an outlet for all the passion pent up inside her. And there was plenty of it. But since they were far from alone, he offered the truth instead.
“I didn’t stop to think of the many different ways this might affect your life.”
“Indeed!” She almost gasped after saying the word.
“I’m sorry for that, but not for making the wager.”
Disbelief danced in her bright eyes and made her all the more tempting. “I can’t believe you can say that so seriously. What kind of gentleman would do what you did?”
“A gentleman wouldn’t,” he answered with ease.
“Exactly! Because of you, we’re the talk of Society. Everyone has been looking at us and whispering about us all night, as they are doing right now. You are right. Manners and respect are taught, not born. You do need someone to teach you how to be a proper gentleman, but it won’t be me. Now, excuse me, my lord, but we are finished.”
She turned away from him and sat back down in the row of ladies, all of whom were giving him the evil eye.
Tension flashed through him at her abrupt dismissal.His eyes narrowed, but then he looked at the beautiful curve of her lips set in a firm line, the satiny appearance of her skin and pillow-soft swell of her breasts beneath her widow’s gown. Despite the prim exterior, he knew she was a deeply passionate woman and he wanted her.
No. He wouldn’t give up. Not for anything in the world. He hadn’t realized it until he saw her again, but she’d left him with a need that no other woman ever had.
She may not be aware of it, but she was a temptress, a curious mix of defiance and vulnerability. He understood that, accepted it, and could deal with it.
On the other hand, Zane had played enough cards to know there were times when you needed to cut your losses and save what you had for another game. Reluctantly, he would have to do that now—difficult as it was.
Mrs. Feld was more than mildly upset with him about the wager and that made her as enticing as seeing a piece of spice cake on Christmas morning. Her vigor and fervor were seductive. He was going to relish every moment he spent with her. He wanted her to see him as the man she wanted to make her life complete.
As angry as she was with him, that wasn’t going to be easy to do.
Chapter 6
Zane had lost the first battle, but the night wasn’t over. He nodded once to Mrs. Feld, turned, and started walking away. The crowd that had somehow inched around them parted as he strode away. A few of them were close enough to have heard some of what she had to say. They could guess the rest.
“That didn’t go well,” Uncle Hector said, coming up beside him almost immediately.
“I don’t need you walking with me, Uncle. I’m quite capable of handling the rejection of a lady refusing to dance with me.”
“Oh, I know that. I only wanted to remind you, I tried to tell you she wasn’t one you should court. There are more than a dozen ladies who would accept a proposal from you tonight. Best you put her and thoughts of winning your wager aside and get on to a young lady who’s looking for a husband. I have two more in mind.”
“It seems you don’t know me well, Uncle,” Zane offered, with no irritation at the man’s lack of understanding. Mrs. Feld was the one he wanted. “I always play to win and the game’s just started.”
