Page 15 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
Alexander smiled before his gaze raked over her body. “The change was more significant since the last time that I saw you. I must say it was a pleasant change. You blossomed marvelously like the beauty of the bud and by the wonderful coloring of the rose. I realized then you could be my wife, and I do not find this situation as odd as you might find it. This feels like the beginning of something wonderful.”
Her heart stirred. Poetic words. Her skin tingled for she was certain there was desire in his eyes. Elizabeth flushed red under his scrutiny and suddenly the carriage felt warm. “Thank you, Alexander. It is kind of you to say so.”
“It is not a kindness.”
The intensity of his stare stirred her heart even more violently.What is happening?She was sure the earl wanted to hold her and touch her. It was all there in his gaze. The hairs raised on the nape of her neck. Elizabeth jittered a foot against the floor of the equipage.
“Are you nervous?”
She gasped and glared at him. “No.”
His provoking smile said he did not believe her. “Tell me, what else do you like to draw or paint, other than landscapes?”
Suddenly the tension between them dissolved and she was glad their discourse changed to something simple.
Elizabeth lifted her chin. “Would it surprise you to know that I do satirical sketches?”
Alexander appraised her. “It would not. Who has been on the receiving end of your satire?”
Elizabeth cocked her head to one side. Alexander said he was not surprised but she would see about that. “The royal family, members of Parliament, the aristocracy, leaders of thehaut ton, famous actresses, and anyone who happened to be in the public eye for that matter. No one is safe from me.”
“You jest! The royal family?”
Alexander’s brows lifted and Elizabeth was amused that she managed to shock him.
“Yes. Even the royals. Why should I let my talent go to waste when it is such fun. Entertaining. There is plenty of satire around in our society, Alexander. I am never at a loss for someone to sketch.”
“I would dearly love to see these sketches sometime,” Alexander said. “When you are settled, we should go to the Royal Academy summer exhibition.”
Startled, her eyes widened. Elizabeth was pleased that Alexander was intrigued by her interests. Somehow, she wanted him to know more about her, although she did not care if he approved. She loved art exhibitions. “I would love to attend the summer exhibition. Without being boastful my painting could rival any official portrait,” Elizabeth said with confidence.
Alexander was complimentary and the corners of his eyes crinkled. He leaned forward as though to reassure her. “I do not doubt it at all, Elizabeth. I have seen the quality of your work.”
The journey passed rather quickly because of the pleasant conversation, and she must admit, good company. Friendly, smiling, banter in a relaxing manner. She was not expecting it after the turmoil she felt yesterday.
Elizabeth could never tire of speaking about art, and expressing her opinion of various forms of it, lest Alexander think she did not have a mind and opinions of her own. “The point of art is beauty. Nevertheless, controversy, scandal, impropriety, vulgarity, riot, revolution, and all such topics do not aspire to beauty. Yet, they are present in some form of art.”
Alexander raised a brow and gazed at her quizzically. “Would you care to explain.” He sat back on his seat, crossed his arms, and observed her.
“I have seen all these forms printed in penny fiction. I even drew a few of them myself.” There! How is that for scandal?
Alexander stilled as he studied her face and tried to reach into her thoughts. Elizabeth tried to keep a straight face, but she burst into laughter. A wry but indulgent glint appeared in his eyes and featherlight laugh lines crinkled around them. His lips slightly parted and Elizabeth could not take her eyes off them. At that very moment, his tongue darted out to touch his lips. She was flooded with warmth. Elizabeth quickly lowered her gaze.
Alexander slowly smiled. “I see that you like to shock.”
She sniffed. “I like a good jest as much as anyone, Alexander.” Her lips lifted in a sardonic smile. “Have you ever seen a penny fiction?”
Alexander offered a bemused smile. “I have seen a few of the rather crude publications.”
Crude, he said. “As have I. I even read the tale of the homicidal barber Sweeny Todd. Quite an incredulous tale.”
Alexander chuckled. “Pray tell me, how do you come by the publications, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and said, “Ahh. I cannot tell you all my secrets, Alexander.”
“Are we to have secrets from each other?” Alexander softened his voice, and she detected a bit of wonder. His eyes did not leave her.
Elizabeth’s breath caught in her throat before she inhaled deeply. She exhaled through her mouth. “Do you not have secrets, Alexander? We all do. I daresay it is human.”
