Page 54 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“Wade,” Keane said, “I can’t help but admire that you try to row in your condition.”
Back to this topic, Simon thought in frustration. What had Louisa been thinking? “I like being out in the fresh air,” he said mildly.
“Although of course you can’t race with Tilden’s club,” Keane continued, “what do you say to a little rowing wager right now?”
Simon didn’t need to see, not when he could hear the low mumbling of angry voices. This wasn’t worth starting a fight over.
“Keane, leave off it,” Paul said stiffly.
He could hear skirts rustling loudly, as if Louisa and Georgie were about to burst to their feet in outrage.
Simon tilted his head. “What do you have in mind?”
The reaction was silence, except for Keane’s chuckle. “I’ll challenge you to a race across your little lake.”
“Across and back?” Simon said softly.
He heard Louisa’s indrawn breath.
“Agreed,” Keane responded.
“But Lord Wade needs a navigator,” Tilden interrupted hesitantly.
“Then I’ll have one, as well,” Keane said. “We’ll wager nothing too extravagant—fifty quid?”
Simon nodded. “Done.”
As everyone started to rise, Keane spoke again. “Let’s make it even more interesting. The ladies can navigate.”
Georgie’s was the first voice he could understand above the excited chatter. “But I don’t know how.”
“Then you’ll ride with me,” Keane said smoothly. “I don’t need much help. Wade, you may have the lovely Miss Shelby.”
Simon felt her arm slide through his as she whispered, “I think he meant something sordid by that.”
“Hmm.”
She paused. “May I escort you?”
“I enjoy being displayed on the arm of a beautiful woman.”
He felt her arm tighten in his, but all she did was laugh, that husky laugh that made him yearn to hear it in private.
She was patient and cautious as they walked, speaking softly of every obstacle in the way. He was the one who couldn’t concentrate, with her soft breast pressed into his upper arm. He stumbled once when they reached the terrace, and she hugged his arm even tighter. He could have groaned.
The voices in front of them faded away as they were outdistanced.
“So what are they all doing?” Simon asked.
“The big bully is already down by the lake, pulling off his coat.” She hesitated. “Do you think you can win?”
“I’ve spent months doing this several times a day. I don’t have any doubts.”
“Do you forgive me for instigating this? That Lord Keane is so infuriating.”
He grinned. “I forgive you.”
“He looks in fine physical condition,” she added.
