Page 5 of How to Enchant a Viscount
She gave him a sidelong glance, amusement flickering in her eyes. "You flatter yourself if you believe this moment worthy of immortalization."
Brooks placed a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "You wound me again, Lady Maeve."
She sighed, setting down her brush. "If I agree to paint something for you, will you let me work in peace?" Should he volunteer to pose nude for her? How would she react to that? He wanted to suggest it but held back. He would probably still offer himself for artistic study, but he would wait until a more opportune time.
"Only if you promise to consider my request with sincerity," he said, studying her intently. "I would like something personal. Something that comes from you—not just any commissioned piece."
For the first time, she looked uncertain. "And why, my lord, do you believe I would paint something personal for you?" Because she was tempted by him. In much the same way he was tempted by her. There was something between them he could not identify. At least not yet…
He smiled, slow and confident. "Because I think you are as intrigued by me as I am by you."
Maeve opened her mouth, likely to deny it, but then she hesitated. She narrowed her eyes slightly, as if assessing whether he was toying with her or if he was sincere. Finally, she picked up her brush again. "I shall think about it."
Brooks grinned. "That is all I ask, my lady."
And as he watched her turn back to her painting, he knew he had won the first battle in a game that had only just begun. She was not going to allow him to interrupt her further. He would pay a call on her later. Now that he had a reason other than courtship to do so he had no issue with visiting her home. He could not wait to spend more time with her. “Until later, my lady,” he said, but she did not respond. He had not expected her to.
With a smirk, Brooks turned and strode back toward his horse, feeling quite pleased with himself. Lady Maeve might pretend indifference, but she had not outright dismissed him. That, in his experience, was as good as an invitation to pursue further acquaintance.
He mounted his horse with practiced ease and cast one last glance at her before riding off. She had already returned to her painting, though he did not miss the way her shoulders tensed ever so slightly. Whether it was due to his presence or something else entirely, he could not say. But he would find out.
As he guided his horse back toward the estate, he considered his next move. He would, of course, call on her at a reasonable hour, under the pretense of discussing his so-called commission. Whether she would take him seriously or merely view him as an amusing diversion remained to be seen.
And yet, Brooks had the distinct feeling that Lady Maeve Thompson was not like the other women he had pursued in the past. She would not be easily charmed, nor would she fall prey to the flirtations that usually served him well. No, this would require patience, strategy, and—dare he admit it—perhaps even sincerity.
The thought was both thrilling and unsettling.
When he arrived back at Thornridge’s estate, he found the duke awaiting him on the front steps, arms crossed over his broad chest. The expression on his face was one Brooks recognized all too well—one of suspicion and amusement in equal measure.
“You were gone a rather long time for a simple morning ride,” Thornridge remarked.
Brooks swung down from his horse and handed the reins to a waiting groom. “I enjoyed the scenery. You do have a lovely estate.”
The duke’s lips twitched. “Is that so? And there was no other reason for your long ride?”
Brooks grinned. “I do not know what you mean.”
“I think you do,” Thornridge said dryly, falling into step beside him as they made their way inside. “Word has already reached me that you were seen conversing with Lady Maeve in the meadow.”
Brooks sighed dramatically. “Gossip travels faster than the wind in the country.”
“It does,” the duke agreed, then arched a brow. “Should I be concerned?”
Brooks feigned offense. “Concerned? About what?”
“About whatever mischief you are plotting,” Thornridge said. “Lady Maeve is not—.” He frowned as if he remembered something, but then shook those thoughts away. “Kendal will not be pleased if you ruin his new sister by marriage.”
Brooks stopped short, his expression sobering. “I would never toy with her.”
Thornridge studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Good.” He resumed walking. “Then I trust your intentions are… honorable.”
Brooks let out a short laugh. “Have my intentions ever been honorable?”
The duke shot him a warning look. “See that they are now.” Thornridge closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “That family is not one you should ever trifle with. Even if Kendal’s ire was not something you should be concerned with.”
Brooks sighed and raked a hand through his hair. He had not come to Thornridge’s estate looking for entanglements, but it seemed he had stumbled into one nonetheless. And much to his surprise, he did not mind. Thornridge had his own reasons for wanting to avoid his closest neighbors and it had nothing to do with Lady Maeve and Brooks’ intentions. He could not be concerned with Thornridge and the regrets that the duke carried in his heart.
As to his own desires…. He found himself looking forward to his next encounter with Lady Maeve. And if she thought she could keep him at arm’s length, she would soon learn just how persistent he could be.
