Page 29 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Her mouth dropped open and Sin wished he could take the words back. This was not what she was looking for. For some reason, she wanted a husband. For a woman who couldn’t have children, Toobury would be the best option, as he had children for her to care for, children for her to love. As his mistress, she’d never be introduced to his children. “Since I’m not a selfish man, I would never make such an offer.”
“And as I’m looking for a husband, I would not bother answering such an offer.”
He nodded and sipped his wine. What a mess. He’d promised he’d talk up Devlin, but if Devlin had eyes on Lady Dharma, Toobury would be the man for her.
“Toobury is a fine gentleman.”
She nodded. “He is. It’s a pity he is in love with another.”
“Ah, yes. You mentioned love. I don’t believe any of the men invited professed to fall in love with you.”
“You don’t think love can grow between husband and wife, or am I unlovable?”
He shook his head. “I think a man could as easily fall in love with you as with any woman. My parents were an arrangement to strength alliances, yet they grew to love each other a great deal. Perhaps your way of an arrangement is better. I married for love and was deceived. At least you both know what you are agreeing to and if love comes… Are you hoping love will come if you marry Lord Devlin?”
Her face flushed with color. “It would be easier because he’s not already in love with another.”
He didn’t have the heart to tell her Devlin had his eye on her step-daughter. “I think it’s also because his family is close to your family. It would not be as strange or lonesome should love not develop between you.”
“Yes. You are very astute. Is it wrong to want more from my second marriage than my first?”
She deserved more. He wished he knew how to give her what she wanted, but Devlin’s heart was his to bestow and, as for him, his duty must come first.
“Lady Flora, informed me you sing beautifully. I’d love to hear you sing.”
“Only if you play.”
“It would be my pleasure. What do you wish to sing? I hope I know it?”
She looked away, back into the flames, and said in a soft voice, “Do you know Robin Adair?”
“A love song. Why am I not surprised? Yes, I know it.” He rose and settled himself at the piano. She came and stood next to him. He played, and she sang.
The sound was like a vision of heaven. She struck each note on key, and it was as if she was singing aboutherlost love. He couldn’t help but be captivated by her. The beauty surrounding her tonight reverberated throughout the room with each note -
What's this dull town to me
Robin's not near
What was't I wish'd to see
What wish'd to hear
Where all the joy and mirth
Made this town heaven on earth
Oh, they're all fled with thee
Robin Adair
The song ended and his heart melted as he saw her brush a tear from her cheek. Those beautiful blue eyes would be the ruin of his good intentions. And the sounds emanating from between those sweet lips... He wanted to hear her make those little breathy entreats when she was in his arms.
What must it be like to have been denied love all your life? At least he’d experienced the illusion of love. Right now, for the first time, he thought that wasn’t as bad as never knowing love.
“Lady Flora did not exaggerate. You have the voice of an angel. You are good enough to sing with any opera.”
She flushed again. “You are too kind.”
