Page 16 of A Scandalous Bargain
He didn’t immediately release her. They stood close together, their hands clasped, his palm against her hip, her fingertips on his collarbone.
“It’s almost a waltz,” she said softly.
He moved his hand to her back and swept her around as if they were in fact waltzing.
“I haven’t yet waltzed. But I know how.” Selina had hired a woman to give Beatrix dancing and comportment lessons after they’d arrived in London.
He released her then, and she ignored the wave of disappointment. “You’re very good.”
She laughed—as much at his statement as to cover her reaction. “And you’re an excellent liar.”
“That’s actually true.” Before she could ask him what he meant, he gestured to the narrow door leading inside. “Would you care to come in for a glass of madeira? Or whatever you prefer.”
Beatrix wished she wasn’t wearing the suit of men’s clothing. She wanted him to see her in one of the gowns they’d had made for her Season, especially the one she would wear to Selina’s engagement ball. Rafe had insisted on paying for her and Selina to be lavishly outfitted for the occasion.
“Madeira would be lovely, thank you.” She preceded him into a sitting room. Decorated in bright yellow and rose, it had a distinctly feminine atmosphere. She noted there were three other doors, presumably leading to interior rooms. Two were ajar, while the third, to her right, was closed.
“That was her room,” Rockbourne said, handing Beatrix a glass of madeira.
She’d been so focused on studying her surroundings that she hadn’t paid attention to him pouring the drinks. “Thank you.”
Their fingers touched, but she was still wearing gloves. Probably best if she left them on. She sipped the wine. “Mmm, delicious. Do you mind if I take off my hat?” She didn’t need to ask, she realized.
“Not at all.”
She removed the black hat and set it on a small writing desk situated next to the door.
In the center of the room, there was a small settee, really only wide enough for two people, and two chairs. Beatrix perched on one of the chairs and took another sip of wine. She glanced toward the closed door, which was to her right.
“You didn’t share a bedchamber?” As soon as the question left her mouth, she wished she could take it back. Besides, what did it even mean? Plenty of married couples of his class didn’t share a bedchamber. Or so she’d heard. “I beg your pardon. That was most improper.”
“You’re in the sitting room adjoining my bedchamber after climbing a trellis dressed in men’s clothing. Nothing about this is proper. I can’t say I mind.” He peered at her over his glass of wine as he sat on the settee across from her. He seemed to take it up entirely. Perhaps it wasn’t really large enough for two people. Unless one wanted to sit very close to the other person with whom they were sharing it. Beatrix wouldn’t have minded that at all if Rockbourne was the person.
“So you did share a bedchamber?” she asked, since they’d agreed propriety wasn’t necessary.
He shook his head. “Mine is there.” He inclined his head to the other side of the sitting room. “Would you mind terribly if we didn’t discuss her? The burial was yesterday, and I’m…weary.”
“Of course.” Beatrix longed to wipe away that stressful eleven between his brows.
“Tell me about your father. What is your plan once you reenter his life?”
“It isn’t complicated. I want my father back.”
“I see.” He contemplated her as he drank more wine.
“You’re wondering what will happen if he doesn’t wish to reestablish our relationship. I am not considering that as a possibility. I am hopeful I will impress him so much that he will be ecstatic to have found me.” A part of her hoped he’d been looking for her since she’d fled the seminary.
“You only hope to gain his…affection?” He sounded skeptical.
“Regain. We were close once, before my mother died. I realize he won’t publicly claim me, nor do I expect him to.”
“You’re aware of his other children?”
She pursed her lips at him. “I am.” A son and two married daughters. “I am optimistic he has room in his life for another daughter.”
“I am somewhat of a pessimist, I’m afraid. I need people like you in my life.” He stretched his legs out, and if Beatrix had been sitting in the other chair, she could stretch out her own toe and touch him.
His words made her want to smile. “Then it’s fortuitous that you live next door to my father, which made our paths intersect.”
