Page 8 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
“I see. You are interested in my daughter.” The baron frowned. “If my memory serves me well, you have a bit of a reputation, Lord Adlington.”
Leopold was not surprised that the baron had heard the rumors. “Thehaut tondo not know what transpired between Lady Felecia and myself, Buckden, but I can assure you there was no improper conduct on my part. Suffice it to say that I refused to be forced to marry a woman I did not know and one I did not choose. I do not doubt that Miss Corbett also heard these rumors, and I would like the opportunity to make things clear with her.”
“I see,” Lord Buckden said. He paused, apparently considering the implications of what Leopold had said.
Leopold hoped he would catch sight of Miss Corbett before he departed, but it was not a certainty. When she heard that he approached her father directly, Leopold wondered how Miss Corbett would react. His wealth and social standing would make him a more than suitable match for Miss Corbett, and Buckden knew it. Lord Buckden would be a fool to not consider his proposal.
“I will need to speak with my daughter, Lord Adlington. Leave it with me, and I will send you my reply on the morrow,” Buckden said.
Leopold stood up from his chair. His business was concluded. “As you wish. I will see myself out.”
Leopold descended the stairs feeling some measure of satisfaction. He had accomplished what he set out to do today. As he took the final stairs to the landing, the drawing room door opened, and he came face to face with Miss Corbett. His powerful body almost collided with her soft curves.
Leopold’s steps faltered, and Miss Corbett suddenly stopped before he took a step backward. They stood studying each other for a moment, neither uttering a word. Leopold’s heart jerked as his gaze lowered to her lips, and it froze there fleetingly before he swept it over her body approvingly. They were alone, and he took his time to admire her form. Her jutting breasts, narrow waist, and broad hips caused his mouth to grow dry. This was the second time they had met, yet his heart turned over in response to her. Leopold could not explain it. He willed his heart to stop racing.
Leopold recovered sufficiently to speak. “Good morning, Miss Corbett.”
Miss Corbett’s eyes widened, and her back became ramrod straight. “Good morning, my lord. I did not expect to see you here.” She lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile that did not touch her eyes.
“I had some business to discuss with your father.”
Her blue eyes narrowed consideringly. Leopold would let her speculate.
“I see.” Miss Corbett peered at him intently before she dropped her eyes under his steady gaze.
“I suppose after what you did at the Livingston’s ball you did not think to see me again so soon,” Leopold drawled.
Miss Corbett’s eyes widened with false innocence. “I am not sure what you mean.”
“Only that you did not have a headache. You pleaded one so you would not have to dance with me.” Leopold chuckled when sudden irritation flashed in her eyes. A knowing look quickly replaced it. It was the moment she realized that she had not fooled him.
“You were not truly offended by my refusal, my lord; after all, you are here.”
She gave a mischievous smile and something intense flared through his body. Miss Corbett was unaware of the captivating picture she made when she smiled. Leopold wanted to reach out and tenderly caress her face. He did not. Instead, he locked his hands behind his back. They were safer there.
“Indeed,” Leopold said.
“In my defense, you may recall that I am not fond of balls. I was keen to retire for the evening,” Miss Corbett explained. She smoothed her skirt with both hands. A nervous tell? Leopold wondered.
“I suppose you have concluded your business with my father.” A statement that was more of a question.
Miss Corbett changed the topic quite fluidly. Leopold was impressed by how quickly she adjusted her thoughts. She must be bursting with curiosity as she pondered why he was there. Perhaps she was a bit anxious, yet he would do nothing to alleviate her anxiety. He had assured Lord Buckden that hewould allow him to first speak with Miss Corbett, and that was exactly what he would do.
“I have indeed. I was just leaving,” Leopold said.
“I shall walk you out,” she said.
Leopold looked at Miss Corbett with surprise, remembering her hostility at the ball.
“Thank you,” he replied and took a step forward.
Miss Corbett fell in sync by his side. An unexpected, new warmth surged through Leopold. She was walking in tandem with him, and he liked it. He hoped this was a positive sign of things to come. Leopold caught himself. How strange that he should be having these reactions to such simple gestures.
They approached the door and Miss Corbett opened it. Leopold bowed and bid her good day before he departed in his equipage. He pulled the curtain back as the equipage rolled away, and Miss Corbett was framed in the doorway, watching him with interest. He was starved for the feelings that she elicited in him. Leopold sat back, closed his eyes, and pictured her smile. He wanted to do more than caress her face. He burned to kiss her soft lips and whisper against her skin.
Soon. He found he was looking forward to ravishing her.
What the devilwas Lord Adlington doing in her home?
