Page 74 of The Viscount’s Vice

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

He stopped walking, causing her to stop as well. His dark eyes stared deeply into her own.

“That wasn’t a request,” he said, “but a demand.”

Her eyes widened. He’d used her exact wording from the maze. She remembered because she’d practiced the line before she’d used it on him.

“Not fair,” she said. “You can’t use my words against me.”

He raised his brows. “Haven’t I told you life isn’t fair?”

She pursed her lips.

He placed a warm, gloved hand over hers. “If you must, use my words against me in response.”

She’d relived the exchange over so many times she didn’t have to concentrate to recall. She mimicked his dangerously soft voice.

“And if I will not comply?”

“Blackmail,” he continued the repeated exchange. He glanced back at Eliza and Cassie. “I’m sure your sisters would be very interested in our kiss.”

Her lip quivered. “Asquith.”

“Simon.” He bent forward, as if to bow. “Call me Simon. And meet me in the stables tomorrow at the usual time. May I anticipate a yes?”

Slowly, she nodded, unable to speak. “I will meet you in the stables.”

Simon. Her love. Her bane. Her deep confusion.

How much could a lady resist?

Chapter Eight

Asquith approached his mews gate. The November sky was blanketed with gray clouds and pale light settled on bare branches, giving them an aged appearance. Everything felt muted. Everything but his anxious, rapid heartbeat.

He slipped into the stable and closed the door firmly against the chill. The horses’ heat had warmed the building. He rested his satchel on the bench beneath the window and then moved to greet each horse.

He examined Montgomery last. Health had returned to the horse’s eyes.

“You’ll always be a plodder, won’t you, boy?”

Mont exhaled, blubbering his lips. He glanced curiously at the door.

“Looking for Lenora?” Asquith understood. “Hopefully, you’ll encounter her more often during the upcoming years.” He had a thought. “She may even choose you for her own.”

Montgomery would suit Lenora...the new Lady Asquith. If all went well.

Lady Asquith. He would need some time to get used to calling her by her title. Though, perhaps, not as much time as it had taken him to be comfortable being called Lord Asquith.

She, on the other hand, had probably been practicing writing the name for years.

He took a deep breath, collected the valise, and then began the climb.

Likely, she had some expectation that he was going to propose. And likely, she would be relieved. Perhaps even joyful.

He had no clear plan for initiating the discussion. He’d just follow her lead.

Perhaps he’d even kiss her again. Chastely, he added. He turned the corner and stepped inside Barker’s room. He stared at the bed. Chastely... or not.