Page 23 of Tempting Her Viscount

“No. I’m sorry. That won’t do. I think it best that you leave.”

“But I got the impression—”

“I’m sure it is my fault for giving you such an impression, but as I said, this won’t do. Good day.” With that she went to the door and held it open.

“Is it because you are unfamiliar with such relations?” he asked while staring at her as if looking for something. What could he…?

She was so shocked by the situation, it took her a moment to figure it out. And a longer moment to collect herself so she might respond appropriately.

“Lord Hamlin sent you here to determine if I am yet a virgin?”

He at least had the good sense to look embarrassed. She shook her head. “I assure you, I’m an experienced woman. That is not the reason I am rejecting your offer. It is that I can already tell you will not suit.” With that she looked down at the unimpressive bulge in his breeches and shook her head again.

He glared as he took his leave but said nothing.

When he was gone, Celia flopped down on the settee that might have been the place she completed her second affair and let out a breath in disappointment.

She’d thought she’d wanted Lord Timmons as a lover, but when the time came to make it happen all she could think of were all the ways in which the man was not Lord Desire. Timmons had somehow disappointed her before he’d even begun. At least she was no longer in danger of anyone reporting back to Hamlin that she’d been a virgin.

And, in some way, she’d managed to lure a man to her… settee, at least. It was a step in the right direction to getting what she wanted.

She squealed in delight and called for tea.

*

The next morning,Kit entered the breakfast room at Penbrook House for the first time since he’d been ill. He couldn’t spend his days thinking of Selene and the way she’d felt in his arms. That was apparently what his dreams were for.

He was hopeful Lady Harrington would have a clue for him to follow that would lead to Selene.

What an interesting story they would have to tell their children one day. He laughed when he realized they couldn’t tell anyone the story of their indecent beginnings.

How he’d made love to her without knowing anything about her and utilized the most scandalous woman in the ton to locate her after they’d left each other without any plan to connect again.

No. Certainly not. It would be a story for them only. That is if he could find her. He shook away the doubt. He wouldn’t stop until he located her. And then he would convince her they belonged together. He knew exactly how he wanted to convince her…

Kit was still smiling as he entered the breakfast room. His smile grew wider when he was greeted by the second most enchanting woman he’d ever known.

“Good morning to you, countess,” he said to Celia. “May I say, you look even more lovely than usual this morning?”

He wasn’t certain what it was that was so alluring about her today. Her dress didn’t appear to be new, but the coral satin served her coloring well. Her hair was done a bit differently. A few small braids twined through the rest of her hair. This must be the newest style, for Selene’s hair had been done similarly. Celia seemed to glow with some inner light. She was happy. Truly happy, not merely trying to convince everyone she was happy.

He couldn’t help but wonder why.

“You may,” she returned with a smile that was barely restrained. “And thank you.”

Kit laughed at Celia’s mischievous response and earned a bigger smile from her. Those full lips reminded him of Selene as well. Would he forever see traces of his lover in other women he knew? What torment that would be if he never found her.

“Is Gray unwell?” he asked while gesturing to the empty seat at the end of the table.

“If he is, it is because he was out last night and did not return until the wee hours of morning. I’m sure he’ll be down momentarily to groan into his coffee.” She laughed.

“Your brother’s plight amuses you?” Kit had to admit he was relieved to have woken up at a normal hour without a pounding head and riotous stomach for once. This new life was better in so many ways and he hadn’t even found a wife yet.

“Perhaps,” Celia answered with the grin of a minx. “But I’m not that mercenary. I’m happy for other reasons as well.” She cleared her throat as if she wished she hadn’t shared so much.

Had she met someone? A tremor of jealousy wracked his body before he cast it away. He was instantly shamed by his hypocrisy. He’d come to her table thinking of another woman and yet he wanted Celia to remain alone indefinitely? Or at least until he’d married.

Forcing himself to be happy for her no matter what she said next, he asked the question he feared the answer to. “Did you meet someone?”