Page 44 of The Notorious Lord Knightly
She nodded. “I should hope so, but he does seem rather determined to see me ruined. I’ve often wondered if I’d been the legitimate one and he not, if I’d have hated him as he does me. All I’ve ever felt is a measure of sadness and loss that we couldn’t at least have tolerated each other. And I’ve regretted having no relationship with the duke’s other daughters. I suspect they might be around here somewhere, but I’ve never met them.”
“You were playing cards with one of them the other night at the Twin Dragons.”
Aware of her losing her footing as her eyes widened, he held her more tightly, steadying her without his own steps faltering.
“Not Lady Leticia, surely?”
Based on the tone of her question, he had the impression she rather liked the girl. “No. Lady Warburton.”
“I suppose she married while I was away. My father never mentioned her new name. However, she gave me a heated look every time I won. I assumed she was simply a sore loser. But why would she sit at the table? I was there first.”
“Maybe she didn’t recognize you either.”
“The dealer called me by name. Why didn’t she leave in a huff once she knew who I was? I wonder if she was spying for Bremsford.” She sighed. “I don’t know if I’ll ever become accustomed to being disliked for something that wasn’t my fault.”
“It’s not an easy thing with which to deal, to be sure, but I found it helps to recognize that the shortcoming is in the person who has no valid reason for the disliking.”
She tipped her head slightly. “I recall your father didn’t favor you.”
“Can’t stomach the sight of me.”
“Because you’re a reminder of the son he lost?”
“Among other things.” Things he wasn’t going to discuss with her. “As people are seeing us conversing more than we did the last time we danced, I think we may be off to a good start with our scheme. In orderto make our reconciliation more believable, we should probably make an appearance together at the park.”
“I’m not sure that’s really necessary.”
“Are you willing to risk it, Reggie? Where’s the harm in one afternoon where many will view us together?”
She rolled her eyes in obvious frustration. “Very well.”
“Excellent. Why don’t you have your driver deliver you to my residence tomorrow afternoon? Dress appropriately for a ride. I’ll have a horse ready for you.”
“And one for my maid, Millie. She’ll be serving as chaperone.”
“Your maid rides?”
“She was raised on a farm, and I’ve never objected to her taking a horse out for a trot now and again.”
The music faded, and they slowed to a stop.
“Any particular time?” she asked.
“Whenever it is convenient for you.”
After escorting her to the edge of the dance floor, he walked away feeling triumphant, a condemned man who’d just been granted a reprieve.
Chapter 13
I could not help but touch him in return. His dark hair. His broad shoulders. His strong back. His taut buttocks. Yes, I even dared to squeeze there. His attentions were setting me free from any inhibitions.
—Anonymous,My Secret Desires, A Memoir
June 19, 1875
The following afternoon, as her coach carried her into the heart of London and Millie sat opposite her, a weariness deep enough to make her bones feel as pliable as melting wax settled over Regina. As much as she enjoyed riding, she wasn’t looking forward to this outing. She’d not slept after returning home from the ball. Every time she closed her eyes, Knightly was over her, his hair brushing her forehead, his eyes heated, his voice rough as he assured her,Everythingwill be all right.
And her body would grow warm and ache in places that longed for a man’s attentions. She tried to think of Chidding. Why couldn’t visions of him come to herwhen she had these dreadful yearnings? Because he’d yet to kiss her? Because she had no sexual experiences with him to draw upon?
