Page 15 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
He gave her a slow smile. “I know what you meant. And I don’t take offense that easily. But now you’re stalling.”
“You are far too perceptive.”
The respect in her voice irritated him. Was she surprised that a blind man could figure her out?
“I have no hidden agenda, my lord. I simply see a girl who is confused and in need of help. And I would like to help.”
“How? What do you think you can do that her family is not already doing?”
“In my last position, I worked with a young girl to prepare her for her Season, when she was quite in fear of it. Though I do not mean to imply that I was the only reason, she did well, and is now married.”
But all Simon could see was Louisa’s reputation—and Georgie being too closely associated with it. “No.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Georgie is on uncertain ground, but recovering. I feel that with her family’s support, her confidence will grow again, and then she’ll be ready.”
“Forgive my impertinence my lord, but I don’t agree with you.”
“Then that is your misfortune, Miss Shelby.”
“But without encouragement and assistance, she might magnify her past mistakes into something so large, she’ll feel she can never recover.”
He smiled. “I think I know my sister and her reactions better than you do. But I appreciate your concern for her.”
She said nothing for a moment; she was so still, that all he could hear was her even breathing, as if she were trying to control her temper. He was amused and intrigued.
“I have taken up enough of your time,” she said pleasantly. “Would you like me to escort you to your room?”
He came back to the reality of his situation. “No, Manvil will come when he’s called.”
“Then good night, my lord.”
He heard her leave, and suddenly the conservatory seemed cold, as empty as any warehouse. He was a man once unaccustomed to being alone. He was used to servants and family and friends and admirers. He had always felt his best among a party of people.
But the eternal darkness separated him, and he found himself wanting to call for Manvil like a child afraid at night. Afraid of the dark.
He heard Manvil’s heavy footsteps.
“I thought she’d never leave,” the valet said.
Simon smiled tiredly. Thank goodness for Manvil, whose irreverence hadn’t changed a bit since Simon’s blindness.
“Unless you want me to bring her back,” Manvil added with humor.
“No, it’s time for bed.”
“Then I should definitely fetch her back.”
“Vulgar tonight, aren’t you?” Simon said, standing up, the cane gripped in one hand as usual. He reached forward, and Manvil’s shoulder slid comfortably beneath his other hand, like an anchor in a sea of darkness.
ChapterFour
When Louisa awoke in the morning, the same frustrating thoughts were running through her mind, and they all concerned Lord Wade. She’d had a hard time falling asleep, berating herself over their encounter. He made her nervous and awkward, all the things she usually never was.
She couldn’t be surprised at his bitterness, nor that he hid it from his family. He didn’t bother to conceal it in front of her, and she didn’t know if that was an encouraging sign or not. It could mean he was beginning to deal with his emotions—or simply that he didn’t care what she thought of him.
For a woman who’d decided she could help people, she’d done little of that last night.
