Page 23 of Snowbound with the Earl
“Of course, my lady. Enjoy.”
Noelle had cut her gaze to Swift’s face, but the maid only smiled and went about the task of styling Noelle’s hair.
Noelle thought about that exchange as she sipped her tea, seeing in her mind the route she might take to Graham’s chamber. Now she was waiting to excuse herself until she knew Graham was in his chamber and had dismissed his servant.
The trick was keeping her mind on the here and now. Clearly, she was failing spectacularly as Eva came to sit beside her on the couch. “Are you feeling well?” Eva asked.
“Just a slight headache,” Noelle said, pressing her fingers against her temple. “Nothing to worry about.”
“I have the beginnings of a megrim myself,” Eva said. “I don’t know if you noticed, but dinner was a bit tense.”
Noelle smiled. “Just a bit.”
“That’s why I’ve added a splash of brandy to my tea. Shall I add a splash to yours?”
“Please.”
“I’ll return in a moment.” Eva took Noelle’s cup and went to the tea caddy. As Noelle watched, Eva lifted a napkin hiding a small flask, poured a quantity in Noelle’s cup, and replaced the flask again.
She returned to the couch and handed Noelle the tea with the added spirits. Noelle took a sip and almost coughed. “Good,” she managed. The drink was strong, but Noelle knew she could use it. If all went as she hoped, this would be the first time in years she would lie with a man and the first time, she hoped, she might enjoy it.
“Was Turlington giving you grief?” Eva asked.
“He tried, but I can manage men like him.”
“I’m sure you can.”
A moment later they heard the men’s voices. The drawing room doors opened, admitting Dorsey with Swinton at his side. Eva rose to join her husband. Noelle watched the other men enter, searching for Graham.
He wasn’t with the other gentlemen. Her throat felt dry, and she couldn’t manage a deep breath. Was he in his chamber now? Had he dismissed his servant? Had he removed his coat? His neckcloth? His shirt?
She clenched her hands on the couch cushion.
Was he waiting for her?
Surely, he was. She rose unsteadily, catching her teacup before it tilted too far and she spilled the rest of the tea. Needing the courage, she finished the tea and brandy and placed the cup on a nearby table. Eva was directing the arrangement of the chairs for the musical performance. Noelle moved toward the drawing room doors, pausing to speak to Mrs. Redmond. “I think I shall retire,” she said. “Would you let Lady Dorsey know and give my regrets to Miss Edmonton and Miss Halifax?”
“Of course, my lady. Are you well? Your eyes are very bright.”
“Just a slight megrim,” Noelle said. “Once I take my hair down and put my head on the pillow, I will be fine.”
Noelle slipped out of the drawing room, hoping no one else noticed her. If they did, so be it. She was not about to turn back now. The foyer was empty, and she ascended the grand staircase alone. The scent of Christmas greenery was everywhere, and she breathed it in as she attempted to force more oxygen into her lungs. Graham would hardly be tempted by her if she collapsed as soon as he opened his door. If she fainted this copper-colored dress would be a waste, and she’d only worn it because she knew she looked exceptionally well in this color.
She turned east when she reached the top of the stairs and counted the rooms until she stopped at the third. She hoped Swift had been correct. If a manservant opened the door, she couldn’t exactly ask if this was the Earl of Evergreen’s room.
She looked over her shoulder to make sure the corridor was empty then raised her hand and tapped lightly on the door. It opened before she could even lower her hand. Graham stood before her. She’d imagined him naked to the waist, but this was almost as good. He wore a robe, unbelted, revealing a V of tanned flesh. He’d changed into loose black trousers and his feet were bare. She stared at his feet. They were surprisingly attractive.
“Noelle.”
She jerked her head up to look in Graham’s eyes. He must have been reading because he wore his eyeglasses. The round, gold-rimmed spectacles suited him somehow, adding an air of gravity to a visage that was handsome enough as to make one wonder if he was just a pretty face.
“Come in before someone sees you.” He moved aside, and she slipped past him, catching the fresh scent of pine and something darker and smokier. The door closed with aclick, and she wet her lips and turned to see him leaning against it. “Wine?” he asked, removing his spectacles. Noelle had to catch her breath when his lapis blue eyes locked with her darker-colored ones.
“I’d better not.” Her heart pounded painfully against her chest, and she willed it to return to its normal speed. “I had a healthy dose of brandy in my tea before I came up. If I imbibe any more, I may fall asleep.”
“That’s the last thing I want,” he said. Noelle took in a sharp breath as heat flooded her cheeks. Graham cleared his throat. “I mean to say, we have much to discuss. That was why I asked you here. I want to talk.”
“I want that too,” she said, though conversation was the last thing on her mind. “Shall we sit?” She indicated the bed then realized that seemed very forward, and her cheeks heated further. She was a widow who had been married ten years, and here she was behaving like a virgin.
