Page 71 of As the Earl Likes
“That’s what you typically do?” he asked. “I often use a French letter.”
“I’ve used those too, but the sponge is my preference. What a lovely conversation to have with a gentleman.” She sounded as though she were smiling.
“I do not wish to sire any children out of wedlock. I think I’ve been successful so far.”
“You think?”
“I am not aware of any children. I’d hope that their mother would have told me.”
“What would you do if that happened?” She’d turned to her side to face him, her hand bracing her head as her elbow rested on the bed.
Sheff rolled to his side and met her gaze. “Panic?”
She rolled her eyes, her mouth curving into a smile. “Really. What would you do?”
He propped himself on his elbow, mirroring her position. “Care for the child the best I could.”
“Not marry the mother?”
He coughed. “In most cases, that wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Because they could not be a duchess someday. I fall into that category, don’t I?”
“I don’t think so.” He imagined marrying her. The idea made his heart speed again. He took a deep breath. “I am very careful. I am sorry I wasn’t just now. I highly doubt anything will come of it. I was outside your body before my seed released.” He was almost completely certain.
“I’m not concerned. Besides, it’s not as if I don’t know how to…manage things if necessary.”
He knew what she meant. The courtesans at the Rogue’s Den used a number of preventions. “Have you had to do that before?” he asked.
“No, and I hope I never do.” She tucked her hair behind her ear with her free hand. “When will you leave?”
“Here or London?”
She smiled briefly. “Both, I suppose.”
Though he was loath to depart her bed, he knew he must—and soon. “I should return home shortly. I need to pack. I don’t imagine I’ll be on my way until afternoon. Spears will be in a dither.”
“Your valet?”
He nodded. “How will you manage things while I’m gone? Will you attend any Society events? You don’t need to.”
“I think I will—a few here and there. I can go with Min or Gwen. Or Tamsin. That will hopefully keep your mother at bay.”
He narrowed his eyes slightly. “She is not to trouble you. If she does, you must write to me at once.”
“And where will you be?”
“I’m going to visit Bane north of York, but then I’ll travel to Weston. I don’t know how long I’ll be in the north. I suppose it depends on Bane.” He locked his gaze with hers. “Min will help if you need it.”
“I know.” Her expression softened. “It’s nice that you’re visiting your friend while he’s grieving.” Her brow creased. “It must be a terrible time for him.”
“I can’t really imagine what he’s feeling. I didn’t even know he was going to marry Lady Isabel until he already had. It was all very strange.” Sheff reached over and caressed her arm from shoulder to wrist. Her hand lay flat on the bed in front of her chest. “You’re sure you want to attend events while I’m gone? You really don’t have to.”
“Just certain invitations—things like Sir Alfred’s rout. I need to assure people that all is well between us, that we are madly in love.” She fluttered her lashes at him and gave him a sultry smile.
Sheff’s pulse sped once more as his heart flipped over in his chest. He was madly in love.
But it wouldn’t last.
