Page 43 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
And if he could not love her, he could not offer for Charlotte. From all he learned of her first marriage, Charlotte deserved someone who could love her the way she craved in her second marriage. He was not that man. And probably never would be.
Mrs. Mason was perfect. She had loved her husband and didn’t want a second love match. She simply wanted to be taken care of. He could do that. He could offer his name, title and wealth and she would think that enough.
Title and wealth would never be enough for Charlotte. She’d thought it would be, but this weekend had laid bare the error in her thinking. Now she would set an alternative course and look for love. And he admired her for it. He admired her for taking a risk with marriage once again.
His bed beckoned, but he doubted he’d sleep. A certain lady with ocean blue eyes and skin the color of milk filled his thoughts. He remembered how she tasted, how soft her lips had been under his, and how innocent her questing hands were.
He stood long enough to remove his clothes, and lay back on his bed, letting his memory of Charlotte’s scent and sensual whimpers fill the vision behind his eyes. All too soon, his erection strained and his hand worked fast and hard.
He reached his pleasure far too soon. He wished it could go on for longer. Hell, he wished Charlotte was here with him.
Images and memories of the lush feminine body, Charlotte’s body, as he held her in his arms, had aroused him to an explosive finish. Christ, if merely thinking about her could bring him such ecstasy, what would actually making love to her be like?
He bolted upright into a sitting position. Hell. Making love to her was out of the question.Because you’re afraid that is what it would be, makinglove!
On a frustrated sigh, he slipped between the sheets. It had already been a long night and now he just wanted dawn to arrive so he could catch the villain, pack his things, get back to London and do what he’d been about to do before Devlin drew him south—propose to Mrs. Mason.
Then why did his chest feel heavy with disappointment?
ChapterFourteen
The fish were the only thing biting this morning. Bann was missing again, and his absence only confirmed to the men he had something to hide. Bann had left the house with them but had declined to join their fishing trip, instead saying he was going to call on Lady Serena Calthorpe and her daughter. Her large dowry laden, debutante daughter.
There was a man who desperately needed money. Had he really gone to pay a visit to Lady Calthorpe?
Vernonte was making their ears ache with his complaints about the house party ending and missing out on the major prize. He even tried to talk Devlin into giving her up and he would make it worth his while. Devlin rightly punched him in the face at the insult. Sin wondered if Vernonte’s offer had crossed Devlin’s mind.
He hated listening to the men talking as if Charlotte was something to be bartered over. All the while, Sanders was quietly fishing. He wondered why Sanders was not more upset at the house party ending. From what little Charlotte had shared, Sanders wasn’t in great need of money. He watched as Sanders cast his line into the river once more. Many men didn’t wish the world to know of their true financial status. Was Sanders such a man?
“Lord Sanders, are you leaving tomorrow?” Sin watched the man’s response closely.
“If the fishing is good, I may stay on for a few days. I wasn’t planning on returning to London until the end of the week. Although I must say, Toobury’s accident has ruined what I thought would be a fabulous fishing trip.”
“So you’re only here for the fishing, or were you trying to fish for a new bride?” Vernonte laughed.
“Definitely the fishing,” Sanders replied, with no hint of humor at all. “I’m not looking to marry again. I was surprised she invited me if marriage was on Lady Charlotte’s mind. I have my children and I find I enjoy not being beholden to a wife.”
“No man needs to be beholden to a wife,” Vernonte uttered. “A wife is there for children and running the house. My time remains my own to do exactly what I’d like to do. With whoever I want to do it,” and he laughed raucously.
“If that is what you think of a wife, it does not surprise me you remain a widower.” Devlin’s curt response was exactly what Sin was thinking. “Besides, I thought you didn’t need money, merely connections.”
Vernonte’s hesitation barely registered, but Sin noticed. Did he need money?
“A man needs a wife. Why shouldn’t my next wife be well connected? I have my children to think of. Lady Charlotte would be an asset to a man like me.”
“A pity she is taken then,” Devlin almost growled. He was playing the role rather well, Sin thought. But then he might not be playing and suddenly it was as if the sun went behind a cloud. “It is my fiancée you are discussing,” Devlin added.
Sin couldn’t look at his friend. Not with the thoughts that were rampaging around in his head. He didn’t want Charlotte married to any of these men. Even his friend and he could no longer stay listening to the conversation. He walked further down the river, away from Devlin’s prying eyes.
To his annoyance, Devlin followed. He hated feeling this guilt. Devlin needed Charlotte more than he did. But sometimes needs bled away when want raised its ugly head.
“Is there something you want to share?” Devlin asked quietly while looking over his shoulder at the other men fishing.
“I’m just worried about Lady Charlotte.”
“Is that all it is? I have a feeling you’re angry with me.”
Sin looked at his friend. He wasn’t angry at Devlin. Devlin was doing what he must. He was angry with himself for getting involved in something that he didn’t need or want. “Why did you invite me to this house party?”
