Page 49 of The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere
He didn’t touch her. He wanted to—wanted it more than he’d ever wanted anything—buthe didn’t dare.
He imagined it as he stood there behind her, inhaling her scent, taking it inside himself in one rough breath after the next, his gaze on her hands, the fingertips of her gloves damp with condensation as she toyed with the stem of her champagne glass.
Imagined touching her…
In some strange, fevered dream he saw himself leaning over her, opening his mouth against her smooth, pale neck, teasing the loose tendrils there with his tongue, sinking his hands into her hair, plucking out her pins one by one until the soft, thick locks spilled into his palms, and he drew her head gently back so he couldtake her lips…
A low, frustrated groan rumbled in his chest. Good Lord, what was happening to him? He hadn’t even touched her, but he’d never been more aroused in his life.
He wasshakingwith desire,drowning in it—
“Well, Lord Haslemere, here you are at last. I’d begun to believe you’d remain in Surrey forever. What a delight to have you back inLondon again.”
Benedict tore his gaze from the back of Georgiana’s neck to find Lady Archer at his elbow, an amused smile on her lips. “How do you do, Lady Archer? It’s a pleasure to see you.”
She pouted as he raised her hand to his lips. “Is it really, my lord? If I hadn’t spoken to you, I doubt you would have noticed me at all.”
Benedict let his lips linger just a touch too long on her glove. “That would be impossible, my lady. Why would I have come tonight at all, except to see you?”
“You’re a shameless creature, Haslemere, but I’m inclined to look favorably upon you, as you seem to have done the impossible.” Lady Archer nodded at Lady Trowbridge. “I can’t conceive how you managed to get her to the tables. I’ve been trying for an age, with no success.”
Benedict shrugged. “My masculine wiles, of course.”
Lady Archer let out a trill of laughter. “If it was anyone other thanyou, Lord Haslemere, I’d say that was utter nonsense, but you’ve always been far too charming for your own good. Still, I’m not inclined to question my good fortune. Lady Trowbridge has plenty of money to waste, and she’s dreadful at faro.”
Benedict hesitated. He didn’t like to leave Georgiana, but she was safe enough with Lady Trowbridge, and he wanted to seize his chance to pry information out of Lady Archer while she was pleased with him. “You could return the favor, my lady.”
“Oh?” Her eyebrows rose. “Is there something I can do foryou, my lord?”
“A quick word or two in private,nothing more.”
“Private? You intrigue me. But of course, I’m pleased to indulge you. No lady would ever refuse Lord Haslemere a favor. Will you come to my privatesitting room?”
“Thank you, my lady.” Benedict rested a hand on Georgiana’s shoulder to get her attention, then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Stay with Lady Trowbridge, and don’t stir from your seat. I’m off to have a word with Lady Archer. Once I’m finished, I’ll returnto fetch you.”
Georgiana nodded. “Yes, all right.”
She sounded slightly breathless, and Benedict just had time to wonder if she was as affected by him as he was by her before he was obliged to leave her, and follow Lady Archer.
“Now, Lord Haslemere.” Lady Archer closed the sitting room door behind her and gestured Benedict to a chair. “How can I help?”
“I have a few questions about Lord Draven I thought you might be able to answer.” Benedict didn’t mention the rumor he’d heard from Lady Wylde about Draven having been Lady Archer’s lover. Lady Archer was a worldly woman, and would likely understand right away why he’d chosento come to her.
“Poor Lord Draven. You did hear about his, ah…accident, did you not?”
“Are we pretending it was an accident, my lady?”
Lady Archer sighed. “I don’t suppose there’s much point in that, is there? I won’t insult you by asking if you had a hand in it, though I’ve heard whispers to that end.”
“Whispers? Is that all? I’ve had accusations hurled directly in my face,” Benedict said, thinking of Mrs. Bury. “London does love their rumors, and thetonmust have their gossip, regardless of whether there’s any truth to it.”
“Indeed. But I’ve known you long enough to know there’s not a morsel of truth in this case. You may be a rake, Haslemere, but you’ve never been a villain.”
“I thank you for that, my lady.” Benedict paused for a moment over his next words, but there was no delicate way to say it. “I suppose you’ve also heard Draven’s meant to be having an affair with my sister, the Duchessof Kenilworth.”
“Ah. That rumor is not, I’m afraid, quite as easily brushed aside. Thetonhas long believed Lord Draven is nursing a desperate passion for the duchess. That rumor has endured these six years or more, and is so entrenched people regard it as fact.”
“I don’t trouble myself much with what thetondoes or doesn’t believe, but I think you, Lady Archer, may have more insight into the business than most.”
