Page 48 of As the Earl Likes
He knew that sultry, feminine voice. Setting the decanter down, he pivoted to face Jo. Though he’d seen her already tonight, she still took his breath away in her stunning new gown. The blue was ravishing on her. Had she chosen it to match the betrothal ring? His gaze moved to where it flashed on her finger.
“How did you know I was here?” he asked.
“I was next door having a respite—Ellis took me there. I was going to return to the ball when I saw two men helping your father toward what I assume were the back stairs.” Her expression was full of sympathy, her gaze warm and just what he needed at this moment.
“Yes, I found him in here in a…state. Suffice it to say, he is not fit to return to the ball.”
Jo came toward him, her skirts making a faint rustling sound as they moved about her ankles. “Were you going to have a drink?”
“Brandy. Like you, I was seeking some quiet.”
“Only you found the opposite. I’m sorry this is a recurring problem for you.”
He turned and picked up the decanter once more. “Do you want a glass?”
“Why not?”
Sheff poured brandy into two glasses and handed her one. Their hands touched, but since they wore gloves, it lacked the intimacy that he wanted from her.
Yes, he wanted that.
From her.
His body had begun to stir the moment he saw her. Now that she was close and they were alone, it was all he could do to keep from becoming fully aroused. He could not let that happen.
Jo went to sit on the settee. She sipped the brandy, and Sheff tried not to stare at her lips pressing against the glass.
Sheff joined her, careful not to sit too close. He probably ought to have taken a chair so as to avoid temptation, but apparently, he enjoyed the sweet torture of her proximity.
“I want to apologize for my mother,” he said. “I didn’t think she would be this disagreeable.” He should have, though. He’d chosen a faux bride who would upset his parents and, in doing so, had subjected Jo to their chaotic natures. It had somehow taken this situation for Sheff to realize just how aggravating his parents were.
Jo surprised him by laughing. “I think your mother is very set in her expectations, and I do not meet them in any way. She is not going to be pleased when I don’t stop working at the Siren’s Call. And she’ll know. Do you know how many gentlemen coming through the receiving line were familiar to me from the club?”
“A great many from what I could hear.” He sipped his brandy and set his glass on a table behind the settee as he angled himself toward her, resting his arm on the back of the settee. “I don’t want you to stop working at the club. That was not part of our agreement. My mother will have to learn to accept your employment.”
“Except I couldn’t continue to work there after we are wed—not that we are actually doing that. I just think you should have a story for your mother since one of your goals is to make her happy.”
He blinked at her. “You think that’s what I want? My goal was for her to leave me alone.”
“It’s become apparent to me that your mother is not happy, and I don’t think it has much to do with your lack of marriage.” She took a drink of brandy. “But I could be wrong. I don’t know her very well—or you, really—and I am merely making observations.”
Sheff considered what she said. “You aren’t wrong at all. Do you know why she’s not happy?”
“I would guess it’s to do with your father. I can imagine it’s difficult living with someone who is unfaithful and constantly does things that are both humiliating and devastating. She’s also had to live with his illegitimate offspring, although I had a very interesting conversation with Ellis, and she insists she is not his child.”
“You asked her?” Sheff hadn’t wanted to upset Ellis. On the contrary, he cared for her like a sister.
“I did not. We were talking, and she offered the information. Perhaps I should not have shared it with you.”
“It’s likely that she doesn’t want to think of herself as his daughter—illegitimate or otherwise—and I can’t blame her. Often, I wish he were not my sire.” Sheff gripped the back of the settee as a wave of anger passed through him. If he’d had a different father, perhaps he would not be the way he was.
Jo touched his thigh. It was just a light brush of her gloved fingertips, but the rush of desire that assaulted him was devastatingly thorough. “You seem upset. I hope you aren’t with me.”
He met her gaze. “Absolutely not. You are a very bright spot. It’s just…my father. I look at him, and I see what I could become.” His voice nearly broke, and he looked away from her.
She scooted closer to him, her body turning toward his. “Why would you think you would be like him? I don’t see that.”
“Not now, but what’s to say I wouldn’t, particularly after I’m shackled to a wife?”
