Page 46 of When the Viscount Seduces
“For all of us,” Ellis said. “Tamsin, you can be everyone’s chaperone.”
Tamsin laughed. “I’d be happy to.”
They talked of literary salons for a while, then Gwen suggested they have refreshments. Before they could rise,however, Ellis asked, “We got away from our initial subject—that of Gwen and Somerton. What happens next between the two of you?”
“Nothing,” Gwen responded. “It was a single event and won’t be repeated.”
Min’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes,” Gwen said without hesitation.
“Brilliant.” Min stood and went to the table with the tea tray. Ellis and Jo joined her, but Tamsin hung back to speak to Gwen.
“What about your meetings with Somerton at our house?” Tamsin whispered.
“They will continue. I’ll see him there tomorrow.”
“Perhaps you should leave the door open,” Tamsin said with a faint grimace.
Perhaps they should. “It really was just an isolated occurrence,” Gwen assured her. “We have put it behind us.”
Tamsin nodded, appearing relieved.
Gwen was not certain itwasbehind them, but they needed it to be. Otherwise, yes, the library door should probably be left open.
CHAPTER 10
It was Gwen’s turn to arrive early at the Droxfords’ home, so Lazarus braced himself to see her as soon as he walked into the library. He was both anticipating and dreading their meeting. He’d done little but think of her the past day and a half since the literary salon.
The butler greeted him, but said nothing further. By now, he understood that Lazarus and Gwen were having clandestine meetings in the library. However, he didn’t acknowledge it in any way.
Lazarus hesitated just outside the library and summoned his most charming smile. Then he let it fall from his face. What was he doing? Did he think he could flirt this problem away? That would only make things worse.
Taking a deep breath, he walked into the library. Gwen stood near the table and turned to face him. She wore a simple, pale pink walking dress with a lace fichu. She looked feminine and alluring, and Lazarus had to work very hard not to rush over and take her in his arms.
“Should I close the door?” he asked, thinking that small act held more weight after their kiss.
“I had thought no, but I think you must. Else, the truth of our meetings—and your secret—may become known.”
Lazarus wasn’t sure it mattered, but he was still sensitive to his problem. Though his reading had improved—slightly—in the time they’d been meeting, he didn’t feel confident enough for anyone to know that he required help to memorize and deliver a speech he’d written. He was beginning to wonder if he ought to try just speaking without memorizing it. If only he could have a person beside him who could murmur something to him if he lost the thread of what he was saying or had missed a point that he wanted to make.
He closed the door and went to the table, standing behind his chair so he was not close to her and there was furniture between them. He saw that she’d already put out parchment, pencil, and a book for their work together.
“I hope you have been well,” she said, smiling tentatively. He could tell she felt strangely. He did too.
“I’m not sure we can act as if nothing happened,” he said.
“We must try,” she said gamely. Slipping into her chair, she motioned for him to sit. “Let’s begin. Focusing on our work will ensure we aren’t distracted.”
Did that mean she was having difficulty not thinking of kissing? Lazarus should not contemplate that. Better to do as she said—focus on their work. He sat down and willed himself to relax.
“How have you been coming with memorizing the speech?” she asked. “Would you like to practice and show me your progress?”
The truth was that he’d been so distracted since the salon that he’d barely made any. “I suppose I could try.”
“Let us practice reading first, and perhaps that will put you more at ease.” She gave him an encouraging smile that made him want to kiss her. Hell, everything made him want to kiss her.
He needed to pull himself together. If he could not, his chance at improving his reading would be gone.
