Page 77 of My Wicked Earl
Would he allow her to retire to the country after they were wed? She studied his profile as he continued his recitation of the people he’d seen riding on Rotten Row.
Probably.
He would want her dowry, and an heir of course, but mostly Ridley was concerned with money. She heard whispers before leaving London that Ridley’s latest mistress was an actress at Covent Garden. Very beautiful and very expensive.
I could always change my mind and choose Hamill.
Lord Hamill offered her his standing in Parliament, and Miranda thought it likely the elderly man would allow her to maintain her independence. The stumbling block, of course, was that she would have to give him an heir. Which meant sharing a bed with the man. Had she been a complete innocent, she may not have balked at the marriage act with Lord Hamill.
The unfortunate thing, Miranda mused, was that she wasnotinnocent. Her ruination at the hands of the Earl of Kilmaire had been very thorough.
Too damn thorough.
Miranda stumbled, catching the heel of her slipper in her skirts.
Ridley deftly caught her about the waist, pulling her close against him.
She realized as she apologized for her clumsiness, that Ridley had maneuvered her into a secluded area, right beneath a large weeping willow. The gardeners lit torches along the gravel path, but Miranda noticed with some trepidation that none glowed along this section. She hadn’t yet accepted Ridley’s suit, and Sutton would not accept the viscount until she did.
The moon peeked from behind a cloud, shining enough of its pale light to discern the desperation on Ridley’s face.
And determination. He’s very, very determined.
A cold trickle of dread ran down her spine. It appeared Lord Ridley would attempt to force her hand.
His fingers dug into the soft skin of her elbow as she tried to wrench away from him.
“I think we should turn back, my lord,” she stated primly.
“Now, Miranda,” his eyes narrowed, “it’s not as if I’ve never stolen a kiss from you. There was a time when you fairly threw yourself into my arms.”
Miranda felt herself redden and was grateful he couldn’t see it. She’d once been so sure that Ridley could make her forget Colin. That she could fall in love with him. Her plan hadn’t worked of course, for Ridley’s kisses left her cold.
“Come now, it’s time for you to accept my suit. You’ve been dangling yourself in front of me for years, Miranda. Teasing me.” His hand moved possessively against her back.
He was right of course. Shehadbeen leading him around.
I didn’t mean to.
“Lord Ridley,” Miranda began, unsure what she should say. Did she have any other choice? It would be Ridley or remain a spinster. Just now, watching the wolfish glint to his features, Miranda thought it would be best to remain a spinster.
“Edwin.” A waft of alcohol soaked his words. “We will soon be wed. You should call me by my Christian name. Little tease.” His hand fell to her hip and he squeezed hard enough to make her wince.
“Lord Ridley,” she emphasized, “you are a bit foxed. I think it would be wise to return to the house.” Miranda stepped back, freeing herself and picked up her skirts. She would leave Ridley in the garden.
Ridley would not be deterred. He pulled her toward his chest, caressing the curve of one breast as he did so.
Miranda gasped in outrage. He’d never been so forward before. A couple of stolen kisses, little more than a peck, was all he’d bestowed on her up until now.
I should tell him I’m already ruined, though it’s likely he won’t care.
“Let go of me, Lord Ridley. You forget yourself.”
“Miranda,” his voice was silky and warm in her ear. “I’ve enjoyed the chase, truly I have, but I believe,” he pulled her against him roughly, “it’s time I finally caught you.”
“Let go of me. If my brother-”
“I should love nothing more,” he slurred, “then to have your brother find us. Please, scream out for him or that annoying butler you have. I’m sure the entire house party would come running. I expect Lady Dobson would lead the pack. She doesn’t care for you at all, by the way” he murmured. “You’d have no choice but to marry me. Let’s make sure that wearefound in a compromising situation, shall we?”
