Page 69 of A Scandalous Bargain
His eyes widened, and he struggled not to laugh. “That’s somehow better?”
She pressed her hand harder against her smiling lips. “Not at all.” She took a deep breath and lowered her hand. “Turnips. Let us discuss turnips.”
“I’d like to discuss turnips in private.”
What was happening here? They’d flirted before, a number of times, but now that they’d kissed, their banter had taken on another depth.
She looked up at him and studied the familiar planes of his face—his wide forehead, sculpted cheekbones, and strong, square jaw. Her gaze lingered on his lips, the lower one thicker than the upper, and she recalled how they felt against hers.
They shouldn’t keep doing this. And yet when she thought about not… Well, she didn’t like thinking about that. “So why did you come today?” she asked softly.
“To see you.”
A warmth spread through her, sparking another smile. She hadn’t expected him to say so. “I’m glad you did.” It was difficult to keep her distance from him. They’d grown so close over the past fortnight, but that had been in a private setting. “This is odd, isn’t it? Being here with all these people?”
He grinned, nodding. “Yes. I’m not used to sharing you. Except with Regan.”
“I enjoy that, actually.”
“I do too.” His gaze was fierce. “More than you can know. Thea was not a good mother.”
“Oh, well. I couldn’t—” She wasn’t sure what to say. She wasn’t Regan’s mother.
“I just meant that it’s good for her to see kindness and caring in a woman. She enjoyed the end of your story this morning, by the way.”
Beatrix laughed. “Good.”
Selina approached them, and Beatrix saw the glint of determination in her gaze. Selina knew there was something between them, and Beatrix wasn’t going to be able to deflect her questions any longer—not when Selina kept seeing her with Tom.
“Selina, this is Lord Rockbourne. Lord Rockbourne, this is my sister, Mrs. Sheffield.” Beatrix couldn’t help but grin. “That’s the first time I’ve called you that. It sounds marvelous, doesn’t it?”
“It does indeed,” Tom said, taking Selina’s hand and bowing. “May I offer my most heartfelt felicitations on your marriage. Sheffield is most fortunate.”
“Thank you, Lord Rockbourne.”
Turning to Beatrix, Tom inclined his head. “Miss Whitford, it’s been a pleasure to speak with you. Please excuse me, ladies.” He made his way toward the door. Was he leaving?
“I didn’t intend to scare him off,” Selina murmured before directing her full attention on Beatrix. “What on earth is going on between you?”
“Nothing is going on.” Even Beatrix didn’t find that convincing.
“That’s hogwash, and you know it. Never mind that you’ve displayed an interest in and defended him before today and that you spoke with him after the church service on Sunday. Anyone looking at the two of you might think you were courting. Did you really just meet him at the masquerade?”
Beatrix exhaled. “No, it was before that.”
“When?” The question was low and clipped.
“You won’t approve.”
Selina swore quietly. “I don’t care. Tell me.”
“I don’t want to ruin your wedding day.”
Eyes widening, Selina gaped at her. “It’s that bad?”
Beatrix turned and pulled her to the wall. “Of course not. You know I’ve gone to Grosvenor Square to spy on my father.”
“Yes, but you stopped that.” She closed her eyes and took a breath. “Except you didn’t.”
