Page 8 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
On a sigh, she reached for the parchment and hoped this meddling didn’t ruin it for all concerned.
ChapterThree
After a good night’s sleep, Charlotte, although stiff and sore, could go down for a late lunch. Her ankle was black but not broken or sprained, merely bruised from the stone she’d fallen on, and a walking stick helped. At least she could stand to greet the rest of her guests.
The house was quiet, indicating no further guests had arrived and that Sin and Devlin were still abed or likely out riding. Suddenly, she felt like she couldn’t breathe. The enormity of what she was unleashing finally hit her. Food was no longer appealing.
She hobbled outside through the French doors at the end of the ballroom to the terrace area overlooking the expansive lawn running down to the pond. This is where the archery contest would be staged. She saw Flora standing, talking to her head gardener near the first target. She turned and waved at Charlotte as she walked back to the house.
Flora arrived and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “How are the aches this morning?” Flora cheerily asked.
“As excruciating as this week is likely to be.”
Flora laughed. “You could always call the whole thing off.”
“Says the woman who already has three beautiful children and a gorgeous husband turning up tomorrow to help her have more,” sighed Charlotte.
Flora’s smile grew larger. “He is gorgeous, isn’t he?”
Charlotte reached out and squeezed Flora’s hand. “So, no more talk about me canceling my plans. I have tried to select decent men even though they are desperate for money. Having never had a love match, or a love affair, I won’t miss what I’ve never had.”
Before Flora could object, they heard men’s laughter and round the corner of the building, strolled Sin and Devlin in their riding gear. Sin looked breathtaking in his blue jacket that seemed to fit his shoulders exquisitely. Both men spied the ladies and immediately changed direction to join them on the terrace.
“Lady Flora, how lovely to see you, as beautiful as ever.”
Her friend beamed at Devlin as her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. “Why thank you, my lord. It must be the country air, so much nicer than in London at this time of year.”
Sin remained silent, but his eyes seemed to focus on her alone and a shiver ran down her spine.
“I hope you gentlemen had a pleasant ride. The grounds of Ivy Close are quite extensive. However, I recommend you not wonder into the maze behind the stables unless you take the groom or a servant with you. Many have gotten lost in there for hours.”
Devlin laughed. “Yes, Tobin and I got lost in there when home from school one term. Tobin’s father, the late Earl, brought us down here to his fishing lodge to teach us how to fish. We found it most boring, so we hid in the maze. By the time they found us, we wished we had gone fishing. We were starving.”
“The first thing I learned when Clayton brought me here after our marriage, was to learn the maze. It took me ten goes. Nine rescues before I worked out the secret.”
“Care to share?” Devlin asked with a twinkle in his eye.
“Why would I do that? Let’s see how many goes you take,” and she poked Devlin in his chest.
Sin gave a discreet cough and turned to stare at the archery targets. “Devlin, I’m looking forward to a match. I might even beat you for a change.”
Devlin nodded but with a wide smile added, “You’ve not beaten me yet.”
Sin looked at Charlotte. “Perhaps our fair hostess might inspire me to raise my aim.”
Everyone looked at Sin with open mouths. Was he flirting with her? If so, why?
Flora, God bless her, spoke into the stunned silence. “Lady Charlotte has organized many amusements this week. I’m sure you shall both excel at all of them.”
Just then, they heard carriages coming up the drive. “That must be guests arriving. If you’ll excuse me, I must greet them.”
With as much dignity as a woman with a walking stick and a body covered in bruises could, she turned and limped back into the house, leaving the three of them on the terrace. But like an invisible force, she could feel Sin’s eyes following her movements and was a little afraid of what this week might hold.
He had the power to derail her plans. To make her want something that a woman in her situation could not afford. Desire and passion were only welcome if it ended in a proposal.
She knew she would remind herself of this over and over if Sin stayed for the week.
When she reached the foyer, noise and exclamations bombarded her, scattering her lustful thoughts until she could greet her visitors calmly.
