Page 27 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
As the conversation ended, William excused himself, retreating to the safe haven of his study. His thoughts were in turmoil, images of Eris, brave and resilient, fighting their way to the forefront of his mind.
As the days turned into a blur, the echoes of their encounter in the library haunted the recesses of William’s mind. Despite his attempts to avoid her, each glimpse of Eris struck him like a lightning bolt, her image seared into his consciousness.
He had taken to retreating to his study, its familiar, quiet surroundings providing a solace against the tempest brewing within him. In the silence of his sanctuary, among the worn leather of his books and the musty scent of old parchment, he found a reprieve. Yet even there, her image persisted.
Leaning back in his chair, he found his gaze tracing the intricate patterns on the ceiling. He had been naïve to believe he could easily expel her from his thoughts. There was something about Eris, a bewitching allure, that made it impossible for him to ignore her presence. But he had to, he reminded himself sternly. He had to.
The reality of her family’s scheme loomed over him like an ominous cloud, a bitter reminder of the insidious game they were playing. He knew he had to protect Cassian, to shield his younger brother from the guile of Eris and her parents. But the truth was harder to digest when he himself was becoming more ensnared in her web with each passing moment.
Letting out a long, tired sigh, he pinched the bridge of his nose, attempting to ward off the burgeoning headache. He wished fervently for this fortnight to end, to escape from the vortex of deception and suppressed desires, but time, it seemed, had a cruel sense of humor. Each second was a torturous reminder of the predicament he found himself in and of a woman he needed to forget but could not.
The sound of the door creaking open disturbed William’s musings. He turned to find his mother, the Dowager Countess, entering the room, an air of determination radiating from her.
“William,” she began, her sharp gaze fixed on him as she approached, “I have noticed your conspicuous absence of late.”
He nodded, rising from his chair and indicating for her to sit. “I have been a bit occupied, Mother. It’s been a demanding fortnight.”
The Dowager Countess sighed as she eased herself into the chair, her hands clasped in her lap. “Indeed, it has. And there is an issue we must address. It’s high time you consider the prospects of matrimony, my dear. So, have any of the ladies caught your interest?”
His eyes flickered to hers, annoyance nudging at the edge of his composure. He barely swallowed Eris’ name, a name that tasted of longing and danger. “I appreciate your concern, Mother. However, none of these women captivate my interest.”
“But, William,” his mother protested, leaning forward, “Charity Eastwick is a fine young woman. She is beautiful, accomplished, and hails from a respectable family.”
“Charity is a sight to behold,” he replied, keeping his voice steady, “but her beauty veils an uninspiring personality. I desire a woman of substance, who would appreciate the duties of managing Thornhill.”
“Then what about Felicity Patterson?” she asked. “She is witty, intelligent, and has a shared affinity for books.”
“Felicity is indeed delightful,” William conceded, “but she has hinted that her interest lies with another. Courting her would only complicate matters.”
“And Lady Marianne?” his mother proposed. “She is sensible and possesses a kind heart.”
“Lady Marianne is indeed sensible,” he admitted, “but her voice is like a crow’s caws and sets my nerves on fire. I fear I would avoid her or insist she remain silent.”
“William!” His mother’s brows drew down. “That is unkind.”
“Perhaps, Mother, you might consider the prospect of spending more time with Sir Percival,” William suggested, a touch of dry humor in his voice. “He does seem to enjoy your company, and his boisterous tales might serve to entertain you.”
His mother’s brows drew down further, her expression even more disapproving. “That’s not how we conduct ourselves.”
William merely shrugged, the edge of his mouth curling into a wry smile. The exhaustion from the constant courtship games was clear in his voice. “Apologies, Mother, but I am simply expressing my thoughts. Lady Marianne, I am certain, will find a man more to her taste than I.”
He could tell his mother was taken aback, her mouth opening and closing in a rare loss for words. There was a truth to his statement that she could not deny though she was clearly reluctant to accept it. The relentless matchmaking was indeed becoming tiresome, not only for him but also for the potential brides who were paraded before him.
Each rebuttal, each reasoning, only reminded William of the one woman who haunted his thoughts — Eris. Her laughter, her wit, the feel of her in his arms. The memory was a potent lure, and each passing moment made it increasingly difficult to resist.
“Enough!” His mother’s voice echoed through the room, her patience finally wearing thin. “William, I insist you join us for pre-dinner drinks. Your absence is becoming conspicuous, and I won’t have the ton thinking my son is boorish and ill-mannered.”
Reluctantly, William agreed. He had little appetite for the evening’s social activities, but he understood the importance of appearances, especially during their house party.
As he entered the drawing room, the chatter of guests filled his ears, a symphony of laughter and polite conversation. His gaze instinctively sought out one person, and he found her in deep conversation with Lady Felicity.
Eris.
She was looking particularly fetching tonight. Her dark chestnut hair was styled in an elegant chignon, a few loose tendrils framing her face. The soft glow from the chandeliers accentuated her high cheekbones, lending her an ethereal beauty.
Her gown, a rich shade of emerald green, hugged her curves tantalizingly. The delicate lace on the bodice and the satin fabric of the dress accentuated her slender waist and the gentle curve of her hips. The sight stirred a familiar longing inside him, a dangerous desire that threatened to consume him whole.
He noticed a soft blush spreading across her cheeks as she laughed at something Felicity had said. The sight of her genuine smile made his heart clench with an emotion he could not quite define.
