Page 50 of As the Earl Likes
“No. Only look at my parents. I don’t believe they were ever in love, though my father claims he was. Whether that is true or not, he wasn’t able to remain faithful to my mother, to uphold the covenant of marriage.”
Her expression was sympathetic. “Many men—and women—don’t.”
“While that is true, I have seen firsthand what it has done to both of them. I won’t put my wife through that, nor do I want to endure it myself. I think some people aren’t meant to marry.”
“That you would be so thoughtful about it says to me that you may, in fact, be the opposite of your father.” Her features softened. Her breathing had returned to normal. “Try celibacy. Try not thinking you are like your father. Try finding what will make you happy.”
Sheff’s body had begun to settle—enough that he stood. “You are incredibly wise. How is that?”
She shrugged. “It’s easier to give advice than to follow it.”
He laughed. “What advice aren’t you following?”
“I don’t know. Probably what I just said to you.”
“Are you going to look for happiness too?”
“I have to think about some things,” she said slowly. “My mother wants me to take over the club, which I’ve always known. But she seems to be accelerating that plan, and I’m not ready. I’m not sure I will ever be.”
He saw apprehension in her gaze and noted that she fidgeted with her fingers. “You don’t want to run the club?”
“I’m not sure. But now, thanks to you and your payment for my services as your fake betrothed, I have the freedom to do what I want. I just need to determine what that is.”
“It sounds as though we both have work to do.” He picked up his brandy and finished it, then moved to take her empty glass. After depositing them on the tray, he faced her.
She was watching him intently. “Are you certain you still want this agreement? We could call a halt at any time.”
“I know. But I think I may take another piece of your advice and just leave London.” Not just to avoid his parents, but to remove himself from temptation. It was becoming difficult to be with Jo and not pursue a deeper connection.
“Will you go to Scotland?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. I need to be in Weston in August, so I may just go there. Or perhaps I’ll travel to Wales first. It’s not as far as Scotland, and the Prices have a beautiful estate there.”
“That sounds like an excellent plan. When will you leave?”
“Not immediately. That will look strange. My departure would raise questions. I think we must endure everyone’s focus for a bit.” He knew they should return to the ball, but he was enjoying this time alone with her. “Will you permit me a personal question?”
Her brows climbed. “That depends. How personal?”
“You noted my arousal earlier, so I am curious about your experience. Are you a virgin?”
Her lips quirked. “No. Though I could be and still be knowledgeable about a man’s arousal. In fact, my mother taught me at a young age what I could expect from men. I am grateful for her tutelage, for it has saved me from a great many awkward situations—and worse.”
“I can imagine. And I’m glad.” Sheff didn’t like to think of her having to defend herself from unwanted attention, but he knew she could. He’d seen it firsthand when she’d elbowed his father at the Siren’s Call.
“I’m glad to hear you aren’t a virgin. I confess I worried that as a spinster, you would miss out.”
She stepped toward him, her hips swaying in a most distracting way. But then she could just stand there and say and do nothing, and he would be distracted by her. “You think I’m a spinster?”
“I meant no offense. You are twenty-five and unwed, are you not?”
“Twenty-six, actually, as my birthday was at the end of April. I am unmarried by choice. Surely you must realize that spinsters have a certain freedom. Without everyone watching us, we can do things nonspinsters cannot. Indeed, I could recline on that settee and invite you to do all the things you mentioned earlier.”
Sheff groaned. “You’re breaking your own rule.”
“I am not being explicit. But perhaps you’re right. I was merely trying to make a point: that spinsters are to be celebrated, not disparaged.”
At that moment, Sheff wanted nothing more than to celebrate her in every way imaginable.
