Why?
The recollection of those molten amber eyes? The beguiling scent of rose and gunpowder?
In days gone by, the Scandalous Hugh Cadwalader might have followed such an invitation to its conclusion, but–
Footfall, light and rapid, sounded in the hall, then halted outside his door.
Was his governess to enter unbidden, searching for a book to read?
He smiled.
A knock.
Not unbidden then.
“Come.”
Amelia patted her skirts,took a deep breath and…decided not to bother with the demureness of a governess.
After all, when your employer had bared his chest, shackled your wrists with a curtain tie and kissed you till your wits scattered, it seemed rather pointless.
The lad had come and gone with her report for Lord Rainham, which meant her time here was nigh at an end.
She would be departing soon, another assignment pending, and she would leave Phoebe, Mrs Dawkins, Sally and…
They had all been so kind to her, when all the while, Amelia had led a lie. But the very least she could do was assist in some small way by speaking with the master of the house.
Amelia plucked at her ugly skirts. And pushed open the door.
Oh.
For the man who lounged on the chaise in mere breeches and shirt was not the droll Mr Cadwalader but the one of darkness and danger – she could tell from his stony eyes.
And this one tempted her so.
“Miss Jones,” he drawled. “I would rise to my feet but they are bare, I am drunk and ’tis best I keep my distance.”
She wondered why.
“I apologise for disturbing you, Sir.”
He snorted.
How boorish.
“I wished to talk about Phoebe.”
He tipped his whisky glass in the direction of the chair in front of the desk. “Have a seat. Don’t hesitate to move the curtain tie.”
Obnoxious man.
She turned the chair to face him and sat, placing the tie within her lap. “I have been unable to arrange a meeting with you today.”
“I thought our meetings were weekly?”
Amelia fiddled with the silk tie and considered throttling him with it. “It’s concerning Phoebe’s great-aunt Rebecca. I do not believe she should visit in the future without being escorted by yourself.”
Within a blink, he was sitting upright, bare feet to the rug.
