Page 34 of When the Viscount Seduces
“I have an hour.” He could take the rest of the day and night, but he’d get to that when he told her about the literary salon. He’d received confirmation from Jo that they were indeed invited to attend this evening.
But first, he needed to talk to her about their ruse.
“I wanted to speak with you about a few matters before we begin our lesson,” he said.
She deposited her bag on the table and removed her gloves. “This sounds serious.”
“Part of it is, I suppose.” He smiled to put her at ease. It wasn’t bad news. On the contrary, it was a marker of their success. “Since things are going so well for you on the Marriage Mart, I think it’s best if we put an end to our public scheme.”
Setting her gloves on the table, she removed her hat next. She smoothed a few stray locks behind her ear. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve paid a good amount of attention to you, and the Phoenix Club ball has provoked deeper speculation as to whether we will make a match. I don’t want to deter other gentlemen from seeking to court you, and I’m afraid any perceived attachment between us will keep some of them away.”
She rested her hand on the back of the chair. “I suppose I can’t argue with that reasoning. I did speak with one of my callers from Saturday after church yesterday.”
Despite the stab of jealousy cleaving into his chest, Lazarus summoned a smile. “That’s wonderful. Exactly what we were working toward. Then yes, I think it’s time we call a halt to our faux almost courtship or however you would describe it. I confess, it worked more quickly than I anticipated.” Much to his chagrin.
“What will we do? You’ll just stop paying attention to me?”
“No, as that won’t help you either. You must tell people that you’ve decided we wouldn’t suit. I’m too much of a rake for your tastes.”
Her eyes rounded slightly. “Well, that’s not very charitable of me to say. Can’t I just say we don’t suit?”
Lazarus shook his head. “I want it to be clear that this isyourdecision. And don’t worry about me or my reputation.” He chuckled. “I’ll survive.”
“Yes, I suppose you will,” she murmured. “It’s not terribly fair, is it?”
“Because a woman would not survive such a reputation.” He pressed his lips together. “No, it isn’t fair.”
She frowned at him. “I still don’t like it. I would rather say I decided we wouldn’t suit.”
“You could, but referencing my already known and widely accepted reputation won’t cause anyone to think twice. Indeed, they’ll applaud you for your good sense.”
Taking her hand from the chair, she moved toward him, her sprigged skirts swaying. “It feels as though I’ll be disparaging you, and I hate to do that.”
Lazarus could easily have lost himself in the dark warmth of her gaze. “You must. And it’s not as if it isn’ttrue.” He waggled his brows at her, offering his most wolfish grin. “Iama rake.”
Miss Price sniffed. “You’ve behaved with nothing but decorum and propriety with me. I do wonder if you are as much of a rogue as people say.”
He fixed her with a heavy stare. As much as he enjoyed her kind thoughts about him, she had to accept who he was. “I am every bit that rogue,” he stated firmly. “If you must know, I’ve simply been on my best behavior with you. Don’t disillusion yourself about who I really am. If you were not my friend’s sister or a young lady I’ve agreed to help, I would have stolen a half dozen kisses—and perhaps more—by now.” Indeed, he was atthis moment contemplating the contour of her lips and the curve of her hip.
Her nostrils flared, and her lips parted. The pink in her cheeks had faded since her arrival, but now reappeared. “I didn’t realize.”
“Now you do.” It occurred to him that he wasn’t laying the groundwork very well for his next topic. Would she agree to attend the literary salon with him now knowing he was a dastardly rogue? “But be assured I would never overstep with you. You can trust me.”
“I’ve always known that,” she said without pause.
“Good. Because I’ve something else to share, and this is much more delightful.” His lips curved up.
She smiled in return, her eyes dancing. “Do tell me.”
“I’ve secured an invitation to a literary salon this evening being given by Mrs. Davenport.”
A surprised but clearly elated gasp leapt from her lips. “Her grandmother was one of the original members of the Blue Stockings Society.”
Lazarus had no idea what that was, but delighted in her excitement. “I take it that’s a good thing.”
“Oh, yes! This is wonderful! But how can I go? My mother is already engaged this evening.”
