Page 12 of A Wicked Earl's Widow
Eliza left with a lighter heart. As she descended the stairs, the sound of deep laughter drifted from the parlor. It set wings off low in her belly. The viscount just might be a distraction from her present troubles. And lead her into another kind of danger.
“Nathaniel, this sounds like one of those ridiculous romance novel where the adventurous, independent heroine wins the day.” Lady Pendleton frowned, her fan once again tapping against her lap. “You say she beat him with a whip? Gracious! Grace always spoke of her as a timid thing.”
“There was nothing timid about her this afternoon. But once I stopped her, she fell apart and fainted dead away. I had to carry her into the coach.” Nate remembered the warmth of her body next to his and the smooth silkiness of her hair feathered against his neck.Enough or you’ll embarrass yourself in front of your mother!“It was almost like she was another person once she came to.”
“Perhaps she’s one of those defenders of the weak and unfortunate, like your father.” Lady Pendleton said the last word with a curled lip. “Or there are windmills in her head. Well, we won’t mention it unless Lady Sunderland brings it up first. I don’t want to embarrass her.”
“If she’s skilled with a whip, I’d like to bring her along to London with us. It would be nice to have a champion with a weapon as deadly as Mother’s sharp tongue.” Hannah smirked and gave her brother a side glance. “Especially since she’s been a bit smoky lately.”
“On the first count, court holy water will get you nowhere, my dear child,” her mother retorted with a smirk. “For the second, I’m distracted, that’s all. My mind is as sharp as ever.”
He let out a guffaw. “Only you would take that as a compliment. Your wit can be quite barbed, Mother. I agree with you on the other account though. Let’s not discuss the earlier incident.”
“Where is Gideon?” asked Hannah, changing the subject with a studied air of indifference, though her childhood crush was no secret. She picked at the beige saw tooth trim on the sleeve of her pale yellow muslin. “Did she scare him off?”
“Of course not, he’s made of stronger stuff than that. Since I plan on escorting Lady Sunderland the rest of her journey, he decided to continue his trip to Scotland.” He noted the flash of disappointment on his sister’s face. “He promised to try to stop by for a few days on his way home. I’ll invite the Dr. Goodman for a visit when Gideon returns.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. Perhaps we’ll include the Sunderlands and Lord Boldon. Young Samuel must be nine or ten by now, perhaps old enough to come along for a picnic. The dowager countess has a daughter also, does she not?” Nate’s mother stopped rapping her fan, her gaze fixed on the doorway. “Good evening, my dear.”
Nate turned to find a vision of loveliness meeting his gaze. Her pale blonde hair was pulled up with ringlets caressing her pink cheeks. The rose and lace gown clung to her curves and the bodice dipped low, revealing a smooth creamy bosom. His face heated. The pulse in his neck took off like a fox in a hunt. Suddenly he was a schoolboy, fawning over his first infatuation. Except this was far from his first infatuation—or first anything. She could stir his blood with a look. He took one step forward, his hand held out in welcome.
“Lady Sunderland, may I introduce you?” He held out his arm and her hand rested lightly on his arm. A surge of warmth shot from her fingertips through his core. “This…” Violet eyes—no deep blue?—mesmerized him. His sight flickered back and forth from her smiling full lips to those indigo orbs.
“This is your mother, Viscountess Pendleton?” she asked, amusement in her tone.
Her soft, throaty voice made him wish they were alone in a dark garden. “Er, yes. Mother, may I introduce Lady Sunderland?”
His mother nodded.
“And my sister Lady Hannah.”
His sister pushed back a stray strand of her dark honey-colored hair and moved forward with her arms open. “We are so thankful you are safe and all ended well.”
Nate shot Hannah a look. Hadn’t they just agreed not to bring it up? His sister only grinned. He realized she’d just pulled him from a bumble bath and saved him from looking like a Johnny raw. Back in control, he escorted Lady Sunderland to a chair.
“As am I. The excitement had my Althea done to a thumb, and she’s sound asleep. My utmost gratitude for your kind hospitality. I must admit, it’s been quite a day.” She smiled and nodded in return. “Please, call me Lady Eliza. I’ve reverted to my previous title since it can be quite confusing with my cousin now married to the earl.”
“Well then, Lady Eliza, would you care for a cordial?” he asked, more comfortable being on neutral ground. “Supper should be announced shortly.”
“After today, a glass of claret would not be out of order.” She accepted the small crystal glass. “This is a lovely manor from what I’ve seen.”
“Thank you. Perhaps Nathaniel would take you around the gardens after supper. They are beautiful even at night.” Lady Pendleton smiled, a gleam in her eye.
Dash it!His mother had also noted his reaction to Lady Eliza. Thank God he would take her to Sunderland Castle tomorrow. He didn’t trust his mother when it came to the parson’s trap. Nathaniel was not unwilling to marry, but he had become accustomed to the idea of waiting until Hannah’s season. Another year and he would indeed be ready.
But Christ, his own body betrayed him when she barely touched him. From Grace’s babble about her cousin, he’d never expected such an exquisite creature. Distance. Yes, distance was just the thing.
Hannah moved to the side table and poured a glass of wine. “Will you be staying long with Grace?”
“I-I don’t know. It has been three months since our last visit, so I’m certainly in no hurry to leave.” She sipped at the claret.
Nate stared at the tiny drop of ruby red liquid on her top lip. Her tongue darted out to catch it just as their eyes locked. A becoming blush rose up her neck at the same time heat claimed his face.
“We’ve sent a brief explanation to Sunderland that you are here. Given the circumstances, I shall accompany you on the last leg of your journey.” That delectable mouth curved up. Why was he so delighted the statement pleased her?
“I would hate to impose, my lord,” she said quietly, eyes cast down now. “We have already put you out.”
“Nonsense.” Lady Pendleton’s fan was tapping again. “My son would not rest well until he knew you were safely delivered. And Grace would have his head on a platter.”
