Page 35 of His Wicked Charm

Much to Lilah’s chagrin, Con insisted on seeing her to the door, and her aunt immediately popped out of the drawing room as they walked in, as if she’d been watching for them. Lilah forced a smile. “Aunt Helena.”

“Delilah.” Yes, her aunt was displeased. Aunt Helena’s eyes went to Con and narrowed.

There was nothing for it but to introduce Con. He swept her an elegant bow. “Mrs. Summersley, it’s such a pleasure to meet you. It’s clear now that beauty must run in Miss Holcutt’s family.”

To Lilah’s surprise, her aunt softened, and she extended her hand to Con. Apparently she was no more immune to Con’s charm than other women. “Lord Moreland, how kind of you. I regret that I was momentarily out of the room when you called earlier. I wish Lilah had sent for me.” She cast a dark look at her niece. “I fear you must think me lax in my chaperonage.”

“Not at all. Miss Holcutt’s uncle—or was it her cousin?—was there, so it was all very proper,” Con assured her.

“I apologize for leaving the house so abruptly,” Lilah told her. “I had forgotten I had promised Lord Raine’s children that I would have ices at Gunter’s with them.”

“My nieces would have been most upset.” Con continued on his good behavior for the next ten minutes, sitting down in the drawing room to exchange meaningless pleasantries. He ended his visit, however, by saying, “Your niece has been so kind as to invite me for a visit to Barrow House.” Ignoring Aunt Helena’s stunned expression, he went on, “I look forward to meeting Miss Holcutt’s other aunt.”

“Oh. I—how unexpected.” Aunt Helena swung her gaze to Lilah.

“Yes, C—Lord Moreland is interested in the architecture of Barrow House.” Hastily Lilah added, “Elizabethan architecture is one of his...um, interests.”

“Indeed,” Con agreed. “One of my passions, even.” He directed a dazzling smile at Lilah’s aunt. “I do hope you will forgive me for stealing your niece away for a few days.”

“Yes. Of course,” Aunt Helena replied weakly.

“I’m sorry that you must take your leave of us so soon, Lord Moreland,” Lilah said, jumping to her feet. “But I know you are pressed for time.”

Con sent an amused glance at Lilah, but he rose to his feet and said, “Thank you for reminding me, Miss Holcutt. There is much to do if we are to leave in two days.”

“Two days?” Her aunt goggled.

He smiled winningly at Helena. “Yes. Your niece is a model of efficiency.”

“Of course,” Aunt Helena replied, looking confused. “But I don’t understand the need for such a rush.”

Con started to speak, but Lilah tucked her hand in his arm and gave it a little tug. “I’ll let Miss Holcutt explain that,” Con said. “I must leave. I’m sorry. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Summersley. I hope to see you again soon.”

Con bowed over her aunt’s hand. Lilah dug her fingers into his sleeve and pulled. “I’ll see you to the door.”

They walked back into the entry hall. Con bent his head toward Lilah and murmured, “I fear you’re leaving bruises, my dear Miss Holcutt.”

“What? Oh.” She glanced down at her tight grip on his arm and dropped it. “I’m sorry. I have never told so many lies in one afternoon in my life.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll grow accustomed to it.”

“I don’t want to grow accustomed to it.” She stopped and turned to him. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

“Don’t back out on me now, Lilah.” He smiled down at her. “Think of it this way—at least you’ll avoid Sir Jasper’s proposal.”

It was doubtless wrong of her, but Lilah chuckled. “Just go.”

He took her hand and bowed over it, but he didn’t release it immediately, instead leaning forward until his lips were only inches from her ear. His breath on her skin sent a shiver through her. “I promise I won’t importune you...at least, not much.”

* * *

HER AUNT WAS waiting for her in the drawing room, arms crossed, her face stern. “Lilah...have you run mad? First, you sneak out of this house with a man, completely unchaperoned and without my knowledge.”

Temper sparked in Lilah, but she firmly shoved it back down. “I am over twenty-one. Surely I don’t need your permission to leave the house.”

“Courtesy should impel you to at least tell me you were leaving.”

“I left you a message. As for being unchaperoned, you thought it was all right for me to be alone with a man when you left the drawing room.”