Page 68 of A Scandalous Bargain
Chapter 12
The wedding ceremony at St. George’s had been lovely, with Harry’s entire, rather large, family in attendance. He had two parents, a twin brother, three married sisters, and a variety of nieces and nephews. They were the opposite of what Beatrix and Selina—and Rafe—were used to.
Beatrix watched in delight as they all embraced Selina, hovering around her and just generally welcoming her into their fold. She knew the attention was a trifle overwhelming for Selina, just as she knew that Selina had begun to enjoy it.
The breakfast was being held at Lord and Lady Aylesbury’s grand house on Mount Street, and the drawing room and adjoining chamber were full of well-wishers. Beatrix was glad to see some familiar faces in the women of the Spitfire Society, which now met at a variety of homes, including those of the Marchioness of Ripley, the Duchess of Clare, and the Duchess of Kendal. Beatrix suddenly realized she’d achieved a rather lofty position in Society—at least amongst her friends—without the aid of her horrible father.
“Ah, Miss Whitford, allow me to introduce someone to you.”
Beatrix had been so busy surveying the room, she’d missed the approach of Harry’s brother, the Viscount Northwood. Identical to Harry except that his shoulders were not quite as broad, North, as he was called, sported the same auburn hair and tawny eyes.
But it was the man beside him who drew Beatrix’s full attention: Tom.
Her breath caught as she schooled her features not to reflect the fact that she knew him. She dipped a curtsey. “Of course.”
“Rockbourne, may I present Miss Whitford, my new sister-in-law.”
Beatrix hadn’t considered that this large, boisterous family was nowherfamily too. How positively wonderful, for she liked them very much.
Curtseying again, Beatrix tried not to smile at Tom even though her heart was speeding at a frenetic pace. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Miss Whitford, this is the Viscount Rockbourne. He’s a dear friend of mine.”
Beatrix saw the black band encircling Tom’s upper arm. “I heard about the tragedy you suffered. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” he said simply, but his gaze, locked with hers, held a dark, stirring heat.
“I’m glad you decided to come today, Rockbourne,” North said, clapping him on the shoulder. “It’s good for you to get out.”
“Some would say it’s not appropriate,” Tom said softly.
“Eh, you’re an old friend of the family, and it’s not as if you’re out frolicking at a gaming hell.” North glanced toward Beatrix. “I beg your pardon.”
She quirked a smile. “Not at all. Frolicking at a gaming hell sounds rather diverting.”
North howled with laughter. “I knew I liked you.” His gaze fixed on something across the room and he gave a slight nod. Looking back to Beatrix and Tom, he said, “Please excuse me. My mother is giving me theeye.” His brows arched in amusement as he took himself off.
“You came,” Beatrix said as soon as North was out of earshot.
“It turns out I couldn’t resist. Not knowing you would be here.” His gaze slid over her like a silken coverlet. “You look magnificent.”
She tried not to blush and failed. “Thank you. So do you.”
“It’s not the same, and you know it. I never get to see you like this.”
“Notnever. You saw me at the masquerade ball.” She moved closer to him—as close as she dared. “Are you saying you don’t like me in my men’s costume?” she whispered.
“I like you in anything. Or nothing, if that’s an option.”
She sucked in a breath as an electric pulse ran through her.
“Forgive me,” he murmured. “That was gauche.”
“I am not offended.” He was not the first man she’d flirted with. Or kissed. Or gone to bed with. She’d had precisely one lover, several years ago, whom she’d never told anyone about. Not even Selina. How could she when Selina had endured such a horrible experience at the hands of her employer? “That…mightbe an option.”
Tom’s breath came out in a hiss. He pivoted toward her. “Beatrix, you are making it difficult for me to stand in a social gathering without drawing undue attention.”
Her gaze dipped below his waist. She could just make out the length of his cock. “My apologies. Perhaps we should talk about the weather. Or the price of cockles.” She lifted her hand to her mouth and stifled a giggle. “Notcockles. How about eel?”
