Page 35 of Seducing a Frigid Lady
Though Lionel forced a half-smile to his cousin, he wasn’t certain that there was anything that could be said that would make him feel better. Still, all he could see was the way that Miss Lloyd had run from him, the way she had assured him that nothing would ever happen between them.
Max huffed deeply, causing Lionel to lift his gaze to him once more. The moment that he saw the amused expression on his cousin’s face, he wished he hadn’t looked at all.
“You are hilarious.”
Anger and frustration bubbled up inside Lionel all over again. “What exactly is so hilarious about my predicament?”
“The fact that you are clearly so confused over this woman,” Max insisted. He looked Lionel deep in the eye and added, “You have always been so easy-going where women are concerned and yet the moment you meet the ice-queen you act as though your entire world is turning upside down.”
Lionel’s throat clenched. The truth was, he did feel as though his world was being turned upside down. And it was the worst sensation he had ever felt before. Yet, somehow, it was also the most wonderful sensation he had ever felt. And that left him feeling terrified for the moment when the world stopped turning all-together. What would happen when the Season ended and he and Miss Lloyd were forced to go their separate ways?
When our wager comes to an end, will I ever see her again?
The thought didn’t bear thinking about for too long, and so he forced it away as quickly as it popped into his mind. He glowered at Max and grumbled, “I shall find a way to put all of this to bed.”
The way Max pursed his lips suggested that he was trying his hardest not to laugh at him again. And when he nodded and said, “Of course you will,” Lionel got the distinct impression that he was only saying the words in an attempt to make him feel better.
Chapter 12
Priscilla would have loved not to attend any other events that Season. She would have liked to avoid all public engagements until it was all over and she could safely say that she had won the bet because she hadn’t had any contact whatsoever with the viscount. But that wasn’t exactly an option. There were certain events that even she could not afford to miss, especially with her aunt, Lady Bishop, on her tail all of the time.
One of those events was held by the countess herself less than a week after Frost’s Ball. The Bishop Ball, though not nearly so grand as other balls, was one always discussed whenever everyone talked about the finer things in life. And Priscilla had to admit that her aunt did always serve the finest food with the most remarkable musicians and the finest guests from all over the country.
All she could wish for was that her aunt hadn’t invited the man who was quickly becoming her nemesis. It quickly became apparent to Priscilla that she would not be so lucky.
She had only been in the ballroom for twenty minutes when the commotion by the doors made her instantly tense up. The sound of excited women had become a familiar sound where the viscount was concerned and even before she turned to look in the direction of the doors, she feared she knew what she would find.
When she did turn, she learned that she had been right. There, in the doorway that was decorated with a fine green and gold garland, were Lord Sinclair and Mr. Parr.
No sooner had they entered than a crowd of women had begun to flock towards them. And the sight of it infuriated Priscilla greatly. As if Lord Sinclair didn’t have enough women to play with, he felt the need to play with her too.
It had been several days since their encounter in Lord Frost’s library, and yet she still could not forget what had happened. She could not forget their argument, nor could she forget the way that he had kissed her. And it had made her even more determined not to allow him to win this stupid wager that he had created between the two of them.
I am as much to blame as he is;she thought. But she forced the thought away again. The last thing she needed right now was to feel any guilt or even sympathy for the viscount who had left her spinning. And to think, she had actually shed tears over the man! It didn’t bear thinking about.
As though he sensed her thinking about him, or even looking at him, the viscount looked over the heads of the women prancing about him. Priscilla wanted to move, to pull her gaze away before he could meet it, but she found it next to impossible to do so.
When he smiled, Priscilla scowled. It was clearly a smile that had been meant only for her, and yet it sent a shiver running down the length of her spine.
Turning her head away, forcing herself to blink, she decided it was best not to encourage him any further. All she needed to do was get through her aunt’s ball and then she could pretend that he did not exist for another few days until the next time they were forced into a room together.
Just because we are at the same event does not mean we have to converse,Priscilla thought, recognising a few faces around her of people she had never actually shared a conversation with. Not every single member of thetonwas acquainted with everyone else and she felt no desire to acquaint herself any further with Lord Sinclair. At least, that was what she told herself.
Clearing her throat in an attempt to shake off whatever his gaze had done to her, she straightened the front of her feather-silver gown and started to make her way towards the refreshments table.
She had barely approached, taking a glass of wine from one of the trays, when she heard someone say, “Miss Lloyd, it is such a pleasure to see you here tonight.”
Priscilla wasn’t sure whether or not she should be relieved that it was a female voice, though after a moment’s thought she decided that yes, she was.
Turning with a barely perceptible smile, Priscilla dipped her head respectfully and said, “It is a pleasure to see you too, Lady Caroline.”
The blond woman looked positively regal in a deep purple ball gown with frilly white accents. The purple gemstones in her tiara perfectly complimented her gown and caused her blonde hair to look even more golden than usual.
“Can I offer you a drink?” Priscilla asked, reaching over to take a glass of wine from the nearest tray to hand to the lady.
“Thank you.” Lady Caroline smiled in a friendly manner and took the glass graciously, taking a sip and looking as though she greatly enjoyed it before she added, “Your aunt has done a wonderful job as always.”
As she spoke, she gestured around her, spinning on the spot so that she could stand beside Priscilla rather than in front of her. And it was at that moment that Priscilla realised with alarm that Lord Sinclair was walking right towards them.
