Page 70 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“You look so natural, sometimes I forget you aren’t really looking at me.” Leo’s sober voice became playful. “But then I remember that I can get away with things.”
Simon hit him in the arm.
“Hey, how did you know where I—”
“I canhearwhere you are,” Simon said dryly. “You might want to remember that.”
“Hmm,” Leo answered. “For a man who can’t see, you seem to pay a lot of attention to Miss Louisa Shelby.”
He tensed. “She’s our grandmother’s companion, and she’s helping our sister. Am I supposed to ignore her?”
“No, but she likes watching you as much as you ‘listen’ to her.” Leo chuckled. “That’s pretty good, if I say so myself.”
“Promise me that you will not be pushing women on me tonight. I don’t plan to marry.”
“That is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said,” Leo scoffed.
His carefree brother was actually angry?
“Leo—”
“No, you listen to me. Maybe not every woman would be able to deal with your moods, but you would have no problem finding a bride. You’re a viscount, for God’s sake.”
“That and money would be the only reason a woman would marry me. Sooner or later she would realize her mistake, and it would be too late. No, thank you. I’ll let you and your eventual son carry on the title.”
Before Leo could respond, they heard the ladies coming down the main staircase. Leo walked past him.
“This discussion isn’t over.” Leo paused. “I’m impressed.”
“What?”
“The women are on the landing above—some ribbon in Georgie’s hair came loose.”
“You’re impressed by that?”
“No, by how she looks. I never thought our little mouse could look stunning.”
Simon warmed with pride. “I never doubted it. Her old wardrobe did not flatter her.”
“Oh this one does. Even the neckline.” Leo cleared his throat. “Guess she really does look like a girl.”
Simon frowned. Had Louisa allowed a dress that was a bit too daring for a young lady? Surely his grandmother would have objected if necessary. And he knew Louisa had Georgie’s best interests at heart.
“And then there’s Miss Shelby,” Leo said in a soft voice.
At Leo’s admiration, Simon felt uneasy. Was he actuallyjealousthat his brother could appreciate Louisa’s stunning beauty? It wasn’t Simon’s place to be jealous—he had no hold on Louisa.
“Her dress is golden,” Leo continued.
Simon really didn’t want to know, although it would appear suspect if he told his brother to stop.
“And if you think Georgie looks like a woman—”
Simon closed his eyes. He might not be able to see her, but he remembered exactly how her breasts felt in his hands, the sweet taste of her skin.
“Boys, you look splendid,” their grandmother called. “Are we ready to go?”
And then Simon realized something he’d forgotten—Manvil. Should he take his loyal valet and lean on him as he’d done for so many months?
