Page 57 of The Viscount's Unwanted Bride
Then, in a move he never would have expected, she broke off a piece and held it up to him. He resisted the temptation to close his mouth around her fingers and instead plucked the piece of cake from her and popped it into his mouth, his heart hammering wildly.
God, if she kept doing things like that, resisting her was going to be the challenge of his life. He had to succeed, though. He couldn’t lose her the way he’d lost Elizabeth. If he did, there was every chance he’d come apart at the seams.
No, it would be better for everyone if he maintained a healthy distance. She’d be happier that way.
A server took the knife from Kate and continued cutting the cake into small portions. The Duchess of Ashford was first in line for a piece, with Lady Sophie close behind her.
Kate broke off another small portion and nibbled on it. It must have met her approval because she went back for more, then wiped her fingers clean and looked around as if to see whether anyone had noticed. When their gazes met, her eyes sparkled with mirth.
He shook his head. She was definitely going to test his restraint.
An hour later, they were back in his carriage on the way to Blackwell House. He’d sent word ahead, so when they arrived, the staff were gathered in the foyer to meet their new mistress. He glanced over to check on her, but she looked perfectly composed as they went to the head of the line to start the introductions.
“You’ve already met Albert and Mrs. Taylor,” he said as the butler and housekeeper bowed and curtsied, respectively.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again,” Kate said with the faintest tilt of her head. “I look forward to discussing the running of the household with both of you.”
Theo stood back and allowed Mrs. Taylor to introduce Kate to each of the household staff members. There was an unfamiliar maid among the group, who he assumed was the one Kate had brought with her from Longley House.
When all the introductions were made, he dismissed everyone but Mrs. Taylor.
“Is the viscountess’s room fully prepared?” he asked.
“Yes, my lord. Everything is as you asked.”
“Good.” He turned to Kate, noting the curious scrunch of her brows. “Please let me show you to your new bedchamber. Do you recall the tour from the last time you visited, or do you wish to circulate again?”
She nodded. “I remember. If I ever find myself at a loss, I’m sure Mrs. Taylor will be able to assist me.”
“Gladly,” Mrs. Taylor said, her chest puffing out and her eyes lighting up.
They made their way up the stairs and to the family wing, where they stopped in front of the viscountess’s room, and he drew in a deep breath. When he’d gone in to determine what changes might need to be made before Kate arrived, it had been the first time he’d entered the space since Elizabeth died.
Honestly, he hadn’t been ready, but he didn’t think he ever would be. Sometimes, people had to move forward regardless of their emotional state.
Mrs. Taylor opened the door, and the breath whooshed from him as the bed came into view. Fortunately, the purple bedspread that Elizabeth used to favor had been removed and replaced with a white one scattered with embroidered flowers.
His late wife’s belongings had all been put into storage long ago, which made it easier to forget that she’d once haunted this space, as much a ghost while alive as after she’d passed. Kate’s belongings had been unpacked, and an array of items heassumed she used for her artistic pursuits were spread on the small writing desk to the right of the window.
“I’ll leave you to get comfortable,” he said, then fled like the coward he was. His shoes thudded on the stairs as he made his way down them before rushing into his office and closing the door.
“I thought you might be here soon,” Nicholas said from where he sat behind the desk, his stockinged feet resting on top of it. “I don’t understand why, though. You have a beautiful new wife that you ought to be bedding.”
Theo’s fists clenched at his side. “Don’t you ever talk about Kate like that again.”
Nicholas’s eyebrow arched. “Kate, is it?”
Theo grimaced at his slip. He went to the sideboard, found the brandy, and poured himself a healthy portion. He shot it back and then dropped onto the visitor’s chair, since Nicholas showed no sign of leaving Theo’s preferred seat.
“Why aren’t you with your wife?” Nicholas asked.
Theo stuffed his hands into his pockets, his chest tight. “I can’t go through what I did with Elizabeth. Not again.”
Nicholas cocked his head. “So, what? You’re just going to leave the marriage unconsummated and avoid her for the rest of your lives so you don’t end up caring for her?”
Theo huffed. “I already care about her. I’m not protecting myself. I’m protecting her. We both know how things will end if I let her get close to me.”
“No, we don’t.” Nicholas dropped his feet to the floor and crossed his arms. “Why don’t you tell me what you think will happen?”
