Page 7 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
Of course he would turn his head, Louisa told herself. He could hear where his grandmother was. Or perhaps that was even her favorite chair.
“Grandmama, it’s always good to see you,” he said, as his servant guided him nearer.
He had made a joke of his condition, Louisa thought with relief. He had always been a man who could enliven a situation with humor. She was glad that that had not changed.
Lady Wade swatted his arm playfully. “If you could but see the wrinkles on my face, dear Simon.”
“Come give me a kiss,” he said. “I’m sure I won’t notice a thing.”
When the servant halted, Lord Wade bent his head so that his tiny grandmother could kiss his cheek.
“And is Georgie here, too?” he asked, turning his head as if he scanned the room looking for her.
It felt strange for his eyes to pass right over Louisa as if she weren’t there. And to him, she wasn’t. Oh dear, shouldn’t she be introduced? The servant’s eyes widened upon her, but he only turned his head away. It wasn’t his place. He waited in silence, his master’s hand still on his shoulder.
“Of course I’m here,” Georgie said. “When you don’t need me in the afternoons, I’m always doing needlework with Grandmama.”
Lady Wade gave a delicate snort. “Georgie my child, you need to be out and about, visiting friends and meeting new people. That’s why I’ve hired Miss Shelby.”
Louisa opened her mouth to say hello, but Lord Wade spoke before she could.
“You’ve hired a secretary?”
“No, a companion. I am getting on in years, you know.”
He shook his head in bemusement. “That is the most foolish thing you’ve ever said. Your social calendar staggers me. You are the least lonely person I know. So what is your real motive?”
Louisa looked between them with interest.
Miss Wade darted her an embarrassed look, then said, “Grandmama, perhaps you could discuss this at another time.”
“Of course, of course,” Lady Wade said. She smiled confidently at Louisa. “Simon, allow me to introduce Miss Louisa Shelby.”
Louisa saw his every muscle stiffen. She did not want to be the cause of his dismay.
“You met her before in London, have you not?” his grandmother continued.
But Louisa’s attention was centered on Lord Wade, and she saw just a moment of embarrassed anger before his expression changed into the mask of pleasantry one would grant a stranger in a crowded ballroom. Did he wear that mask all the time, even around his family?
“Ah, I thought I smelled a different perfume,” Lord Wade said smoothly. “Yes, I remember you, Miss Shelby.”
He sounded as if they’d only met in passing, instead of sharing a conversation or two. She was surprised to feel hurt. She curtsied, then winced. He couldn’t see it. “Good afternoon, Lord Wade.”
He cocked his head toward Miss Wade. “Georgie, did she pass the curtsy test?”
Miss Wade covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. “Yes, Simon.”
Louisa looked between them in confusion and saw Lady Wade’s frown.
“The curtsy test, my lord?” Louisa asked.
“I’m always curious to see who curtsies to a blind man. So unnecessary.”
She flushed, though she knew he was trying to be amusing. “Good manners are never unnecessary. They keep us civilized.”
Oh heavens, had she just hinted that he wasn’t? Miss Wade gaped at her, Lady Wade grinned, but Lord Wade only continued to focus his attention on her, wearing a half smile, as if she had not offended him. His regard was a different feeling than being stared at. This was an awareness that went deeper, as if he were…focusing on her with his other senses. It felt far too intimate, a reminder of a time when the two of them had been different people.
“Good response, Miss Shelby,” he said. “I like a woman who’s not afraid of me.”
