Page 40 of What A Rogue Wants
Madelaine hesitated a moment. She hated to leave Elizabeth alone but perhaps her friend would rest easier undisturbed. “I’ll check on you in the morning before I go to see my father.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth’s eyes were closed but a small smile came to her lips.
Madelaine crept toward the door and opened it slowly, not wanting to disturb the slumber that seemed to already be taking hold of Elizabeth.
“Madelaine,” came Elizabeth’s soft voice from within the darkened room.
She rushed back to her friend’s bed and leaned down. “What is it? Do you need something?”
Elizabeth’s eyes slowly opened as if the task was a difficult one. “Talk to Grey.”
“Shh,” Madelaine said instead of certainly not. She’d been humiliated quite enough. “Don’t worry about that right now. Just get some rest.”
By the time Madelaine climbed into her own bed she felt certain she was so exhausted she’d fall promptly asleep and not have to think about Grey. But sleep evaded her. Worry, on the other hand, kept her close company and caused her to toss and turn in bed for some time.
Had she been a challenge for Grey because she hadn’t fallen into his bed as many women must? Clearly, whatever she’d been, he’d tired quickly enough of her. She squeezed her eyes closed, determined not to think of him any longer. Dwelling on Grey wouldn’t change the fact that instead of coming to his aunt’s apartments to see her, he’d gone off with his friend to a tavern known for its willing wenches. A dull ache strummed in her chest.
Was she judging him too quickly? After all, the ladies of the Court and the queen had judged her and never given her a chance. What if he had a logical explanation? She snorted. She doubted he did. She was just indulging in wishful thinking.Ifon the slightest chance he didandhe approached her and begged to speak with her, she would possibly listen.
But until she heard his explanation and judged for herself whether it was true she would proceed as if he was a rake after all. Her heart twisted. This was the way it had to be no matter how it hurt. She needed to put him in her past and focus on her future. Her most pressing concern now was really her father. No doubt in the morning he’d want an accounting of how her husband hunting was coming. He was going to be disappointed with her, and the notion of disappointing him made her chest tighten. Starting tomorrow, she’d force herself to master all respectable feminine accomplishments,anddo her best to be the daughter her father deserved.
The next morning Madelaine went to check in on Elizabeth. She looked worse rather than better, but the doctor was on his way, so Madelaine regretfully left to hurry to the king’s Audience Chamber to greet her father before she had to tend to the queen. Halfway up the stairs, her step faltered and her heartbeat raced. Grey stood at the top of the steps. Was he looking for her to explain? She needed to be detached, unless he gave her a reason to be otherwise. She straightened her back and lifted her chin.
“Madelaine!” He bounded down the steps to meet her.
“Good day, Lord Grey.” She forced her leaden feet to climb the steps. Her treacherous heart skipped when he fell into step beside her. She glanced at him and wished she hadn’t. There’d probably never been a man who looked as fine as Grey did in a deep, blue coat. The color matched the stormy hue of his eyes. Forgiving him would be so easy, but she couldn’t be foolish, unless he had a sound, solid explanation.
He nudged her arm. “You’re cross.”
“Why ever would I be angry?” Did he expect her to do all the work for him? He needed to grovel and beg and explain. “My father is here for a visit, so my heart is light.”
“Your heart may be light, but your eyes are heavy with daggers.”
She snorted. “Such a witty tongue you have. Did the women last night find you clever?” Blast. She was a miserable failure at pretending she didn’t care.
“See—” He grabbed her hand and tugged her into an alcove at the top of the stairs. “You are upset. I’m pleased I’m already learning to read your moods.”
She snatched her hand away. Gads! If only she’d not let her emotions overcome her, she would have chosen her words more carefully. His fingers grazed the sleeve of her dress and curled around her elbow. An involuntary shiver went through her at the warmth of his hand seeping through her silk to singe her skin.
“Please, Madelaine. Give me a moment.”
Was this more seduction or the accounting she longed for? “I used all my spare moments last night waiting on you. I’ve none left. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She looked pointedly at her elbow. If he had nothing to say to defend himself, she had to make herself go.
Dropping his hand, he sighed. “You’ve every right to be angry, but I can explain.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Now they were getting somewhere. “Let me guess, more equerry training?”
“Yes!” He raked a hand through his hair. The motion drew her notice to the utterly disheveled mess. Frowning, she swept her gaze over the rest of him. His clothes were fresh and pressed, but his hair hadn’t been combed, a hint of dark stubble graced his face, and—she discreetly sniffed.
“You smell of whiskey, smoke and—” She sniffed again. The unmistakable spicy scent of a woman’s perfume lingered on him. Anger swelled inside of her. He dared seek her out to continue his game after spending the night with another woman. Did he think her dull-witted? Expect her to believe his pathetic excuse of more equerry training? She tilted her head back. “Did you just get in?”
“Not long ago, but—”
She held up a palm, glad for the anger that pushed her sadness away. “Did you spend the night with a woman from the Merry Tavern?”
“Certainly not. I spent the night passed out on the floor of the tavern.”
She arched her brow. “I feel so much better knowing that.”
