Page 29 of The Duke of Seduction
“That’s quite magnanimous of you.” He purposely used a sardonic tone. “Perhaps I can return the favor by helping you in a way that would actuallyhelpyou. What if I encouraged the right gentlemen in your direction?”
“What do you mean, the ‘right’ gentlemen?”
“Men you might find interesting. I can think of at least one fellow I was at school with who you may like. He possesses a scientific mind and was always digging in the dirt. He’s a botanist and now lectures at Oxford.”
The click of the door drew Beck to snap his head around. Someone was coming—there was no time. He clasped her hand and looked about wildly for somewhere to hide. The long, velvet drapes hanging at the window were their only option for concealment.
She thought so too, apparently, as she started in that direction the second he made the connection. The curtains were drawn closed, so they tucked themselves behind the deep russet velvet. The air was cool against the window, but he was warm as his heart beat a steady pace in his chest.
It was also quite dark in their hiding spot, which was just as well. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see her face. Was she afraid? Angry? Something else?
Muffled voices carried across the room. It was a man and a woman, and from the sounds of her moans, they’d come to the library for precisely what Beck feared. There was no help for it. They’d have to stand there and wait until the couple was finished. To do anything else would compromise Lady Lavinia, and that simply wouldn’t do—and not just because he had no desire to marry. He’d already complicated things for her. Sullying her reputation would be unforgiveable.
Beck realized he was still holding her hand. He should let go. But it was dark, and perhaps he was an anchor for her. Or maybe that was just what he was telling himself. Maybe the truth was helikedholding her hand.
He released her and silently urged the couple to hurry.
“What the devil?” The man’s exclamation was clearly intelligible.
The response—also masculine—was not loud enough to be heard. Beck strained to hear what they were saying, for the conversation continued.
Finally, one of them spoke with enough volume. “We were here first!”
Oh, good God, was it a second couple?
Warmth seeped into his side as Lady Lavinia pressed into him. “What’s going on?” she whispered with quiet urgency.
“I’m not entirely certain.”
“Are they arguing over who was here first?” she hissed. “That sounds awfully familiar.”
Beck had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.
The dispute continued for a bit longer, and then came the sound of an exaggerated exhalation. This was followed by the clear sound of the door snapping closed. Had one couple left?
Beck found the edge of the curtain in the middle of the window and slid his hand up to eye level. Moving the fabric the barest fraction, he peeked into the room.
The man was patting the woman’s back, and when he lifted his head, Beck nearly shouted with laughter. It was the bloody Earl of Devaney. Apparently, he was having a bad week when it came to women and getting somewhere first.
Grinning broadly, he closed the curtain and listened for what would happen next. He prayed their mood had been dampened enough to encourage a retreat. A moment later, he heard the door close again. He waited a few beats and then peered around the edge of the drape once more. Seeing that the room was now empty, he let his shoulders relax and the air fully leave his lungs.
“Are they gone?” she whispered.
“Yes.” He pulled open the drape and gestured for her to precede him from their hiding place.
She turned to him, her dark gaze sharp and curious. “Were they—?”
“Seeking an assignation, yes. Two couples with precisely the same idea. One of them included Lord Devaney.”
Bright laughter spilled from her mouth, and he couldn’t keep himself from joining in her mirth. “Poor Devaney. Thwarted again.” She shook her head. “I’d no idea library assignations were so popular. I’ve stolen into many libraries during social events, and I hadn’t ever encountered such activity.” Her gaze narrowed in on his. “Until you.”
“This is my fault, then?”
She shrugged, her mouth hinting at a smile. “Why not? It seems you’re to shoulder the blame for everything this evening.”
He let out the laughter he’d been holding. “Lady Lavinia, you are the drollest woman I’ve ever met.”
She flashed a smile and dipped a brief curtsey. “Thank you, my lord. And now I must away before someone else decides this is an excellent location for a rendezvous—which it clearly is. Perhaps I’ll see you in the park tomorrow so we may further discuss our mutually beneficial association. I’m afraid we’re going to have to stop meeting in libraries.”
