Page 66 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
Lady Wade and Georgie burst into peals of laughter, while the men looked bemused.
“The excuse was always something innocent,” she hurriedly said, “like claiming that my mother just told us she needs us. Or my sister would say she felt ill, and I had to escort her out for some cool air.”
“But what if the gentleman was persistent?” Simon asked.
“Then there wasn’t much to be done but accept,” Louisa admitted.
“I think you used that on me,” Mr. Wade said, his eyes narrowed with amused skepticism.
Louisa blinked with innocence. “Never, Mr. Wade! Why wouldn’t I wish to dance with you?”
Again, he sipped his drink, and Georgie gave him a curious stare. She turned to Louisa. “To celebrate Leo’s homecoming, I’ll play the piano, and you and Simon should sing.”
Louisa felt her skin flush, and she deliberately avoided looking at Simon. “Georgie, I’m certain that Mr. Wade would rather sing with you two.”
Mr. Wade sat back, relaxed once again. “Oh, no, I’d rather hear the three of you. Simon, do show me how it’s done.”
Louisa risked a glance at Simon, who gave his brother an annoyed expression.
“And besides,” Mr. Wade added, “I have a request I need to discuss with Grandmama.”
“Tell me now before the singing starts,” Lady Wade said. “After that I’ll be too distracted.”
As Georgie went to the piano and began to look through sheet music, Mr. Wade gave his grandmother a winning smile.
“I haven’t seen the locals in ages. Might we have a dinner party?”
Louisa saw the tension in Simon’s shoulders, but he said nothing.
Lady Wade simply shook her head. “Not right now, Leo.”
Mr. Wade stiffened, but to his credit he didn’t look at Simon. “Surely enough time has passed—”
Simon opened his mouth, but Lady Wade spoke first. “Leo, you misunderstood me. You’ll see everyone tomorrow night. There’s a dinner party at Lord Strickland’s and the entire family has been invited. I’ll send word that you’re coming, too.”
Simon smiled at his grandmother. “I’ll have to decline, I’m afraid.”
Lady Wade looked exasperated. “As you wish, Simon.”
“I’ll go,” Mr. Wade said cheerfully.
To distract everyone, Louisa rose and approached the piano. “What shall we sing?”
Georgie brightened. “I’ve found a lovely duet that will compliment your voices perfectly.”
“Do sing for us, Simon,” his grandmother said softly.
Simon obediently came to the piano, and Louisa guessed that he could not refuse her a second time this evening.
Louisa looked only at the sheet music as Georgie played the introduction. She found herself terribly nervous, not because she was singing before the family, but because she was singing with Simon. Lady Wade and Mr. Wade were intelligent people, who would very easily see her feelings for Simon if she wasn’t careful.
When they began the song, she once again felt a chill at how beautifully their voices melded together. She never once looked at him, but it was as if he sang just for her. She was embarrassed—but also so caught up in the pleasure his voice gave her.
“Well,” Mr. Wade said when they were done.
Louisa bit her lip.
“I certainly couldn’t have done that song justice,” Mr. Wade continued. “Good to see you singing again, Simon.”
