She licked her lips, earning a growl from him. “Why do you always leave?”
“To stop myself.” He leaned forward and ran his lips along her neck. “My point has been made. If I stay, I may not be able to leave.”
As he kissed her neck, she dug her fingers into his strong arms that had caged her in again. “What if I don’t want you to stop?”
He chuckled against her flesh. “Oh, my sweet Genny, you have no idea what you are asking for.”
“Perhaps not, but I just want . . .” She trailed off, not knowing how to finish that statement.
Abruptly, he pulled his head back, and he looked at her directly in her eyes. “What? What is it that you want?”
His raspy voice did strange things to her. “I—I don’t know.”
“Good.” He backed up a fraction from her. “It’s better that I don’t know. That I don’t hear those things from your seductive lips.”
Heat washed over her face at the compliment. “Well, thank you for saving me.”
He groaned and stepped away so that their bodies were no longer touching. “Bloody hell. What am I doing? This isn’t saving. Don’t you see? I’m just as bad as him.”
As he continued to move away, she saw disgust on his face. “No. Just as you said, you stopped. He wouldn’t have. Besides, I let you kiss me, whereas I wouldn’t have welcomed similar attention from another man.”
A strange look crossed his face before he closed his eyes. “Don’t say that.”
Shrugging, she moved away from the wall, testing her shaking limbs first. “It’s the truth. I enjoy your kisses just as I enjoy your company. You are unlike any gentleman I’ve ever known.”
His eyes opened and there was a longing in them that she’d never seen before from him. “Now, it’s time for me to leave. You may head back alone first, or I will. Regardless, we shouldn’t be seen leaving together.”
Although sad that their stolen time had come to an end, she nodded. He was right, after all. Besides, attending balls was about finding a husband, and she would not accomplish that in here, and certainly not with Christopher. As much as she wished matters were different, he was destined for another. And, judging by his reaction to her after their stolen kisses, she was not good enough to change his mind.
The next day as Genevieve sat waiting in the drawing room with Hannah, she couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened at the ball. She knew what was right for her to do, just as she knew how difficult it would be. After all, she couldn’t deny how much she enjoyed Christopher’s attention.
“And, I’m fairly certain Lord Collins will soon be offering for pineapple. I can’t say I blame him, it is a rather delicious fruit, but I can’t see it making a very good wife.”
Genevieve blinked as she stared at Hannah. “A pineapple? Whatever are you talking about?”
Her friend laughed. “I suspected you’d stopped listening to me some time ago. Regina believes you to be reserved, but I think you simply enjoy your own counsel.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to drift off. I’ve simply had a lot to take in lately and my mother gives me little time to process any of it. In truth, I’m finding all this attention overwhelming.”
“I can only imagine. You have every right to enjoy it. Now, tell me about the French Lord Goulet. He is rather attractive and seems to have surfaced suddenly.”
Clearing her throat, Genevieve tried to focus on the topic. “Yes. I understand the baron resides in the country primarily. He has come to London for a visit at the request of Lord Andel.”
With wide eyes, Hannah chuckled. “That is definitely interesting. I didn’t get the idea that the earl was pleased by your choice, but if they are close, perhaps I’d been wrong.”
“Why would you think that?” Genevieve sat forward. “Lord Andel has made no indication to me that he felt Lord Goulet wasn’t a good match for me. Did he say something to you?”
“It’s just a feeling. Why are you overly worried about the earl’s thoughts on the subject?”
Embarrassment flashed up her face. “To be honest, I wish matters were different between him and I. However, I don’t think he would ever consider me as someone to marry.”
A wide smile crossed Hannah’s face. “Then, we shall have to do something to make him see differently.”
~ ~ ~
Christopher moved down the hall to the room for his lessons, feeling nervous for the first time. This was all new for him, and he had no idea what he was doing. However, after being with Genny at the ball, he knew something had to happen. They couldn’t go on as they were any longer.
When he entered the classroom, he saw her standing off to the side, wringing her hands. The sight made him pause. What reason did she have to be nervous around him? Was she afraid he would maul her again? He immediately threw off the possibility as that couldn’t be the case. After all, she’d assured him she had welcomed his attentions. Which in part brought about his decision today.
“Genny, are you all right?”
She jumped, then turned to him, her eyes downcast. “Bienvenue, Seigneur Andel. Asseyez-vous, s'il vous plaît.”
Cringing, he shook his head. “Not in French. I think we need to talk in English. Although, I do agree sitting would be appropriate.”
When she sat on a chair, he claimed the one across from her. From her rigid posture and closed expression, he knew something was wrong. This wasn’t the best start for him, but he refused to be defeated before he had a chance.
“I understand the desire to talk after something like the other night, but I assure you, it’s unnecessary. As a matter of fact, we should simply forget it ever happened.”
He lifted one eyebrow. “Forget? That is not possible. How can I forget the single most satisfying kiss I’ve ever experienced in my life? Not only would it be impossible, but I don’t think it’s fair to ask me to try.”
Her eyes widened. “But, we can’t do it again.”
As excuses went, it was rather weak, he grinned. “I may have been a tad overenthusiastic due to the amount of spirits I had consumed, but no harm was done.”
She burst from her chair and crossed to the other side of the room. He stood, but didn’t approach her. Then, she faced him, her expression unreadable.
“This is not at all what I expected from you. What is it you want from me?”
“I don’t know,” he answered truthfully as this question was more complicated than he could explain to her. “I just want to spend time with you. That’s all. And, not simply as your student. Can we do that?”
Her frozen posture didn’t change. “I don’t see how that is any different than what we’ve been doing.”
Letting out a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. He had no idea how to explain what he wanted without encouraging her to believe wrong assumptions. Considering he knew marrying her wouldn’t be a good idea, he didn’t want to put the idea into her head. But, still, he couldn’t rule out the possibility.
“Why don’t you come back over here and let us sit down? You told me you had questions you wanted to ask me. Let’s begin there. Just talking and asking each other things the way friends do.”
Her shoulders sagged as she nodded before returning to her chair. “Yes, of course. We can certainly do that.”
Belatedly, he realized using the words ‘friend’ wasn’t the best idea, but perhaps it would be the most helpful in his current situation. Besides, she’d finally felt comfortable enough to return to her chair. He only hoped that would help her open up to him. Part of him filled with excitement at the prospect.
Deep down, he knew this would never work. That the feelings he was experiencing now would only cause him trouble should he marry her, but he couldn’t help himself. Something inside him had become addicted to her. The idea of having her beside him
as his wife appealed to him more than he wanted to admit.
“Very good. Ask me anything. I will deny you nothing.”
She bit her bottom lip, and he tried to ignore it. The woman would be the death of him. Did she have any clue how deeply such a small movement affected him? He suspected not. Otherwise, she would probably wield it more often.
“What about your French lessons? If we are answering questions, when will I teach you?”
Of course she would worry over him. “I’m not concerned about that right now. I have the books you gave me, and I’ve been studying. I don’t intend to stop.”
Her mouth fell open. “Not concerned about that? What happened to you needing to learn so you can marry quickly?”
“Perhaps my haste was exaggerated.” He shifted, hating how this was beginning to feel more like an interrogation than a mutual exchange of information.
Genny narrowed her eyes. “Really? Tell me, my lord, is this mysterious Frenchwoman real? Or, was she fabricated in order to prevent a female instructor, such as myself, from having designs on you?”
Coughing, he nearly choked on the absurd thought. “Of course she’s real. I’m stunned you would believe otherwise.”
“It makes perfect sense. It’s an incredible ploy to ensure I keep my distance. I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner.”
“This is ridiculous. Miss Auclair is Baron Goulet’s sister. I assure you, she’s real.”
“Very well.” Her voice was full of anger. “Assuming she does exist, why did you choose to marry her? A woman you don’t know, with whom you can’t communicate with?”
The skepticism in her eyes told him she would accept nothing less than the full truth. He let out a sigh, not liking anything about this conversation. “You may or may not know this, but I’ve been married before.”
She sucked in her breath as her anger melted away. “I had no idea.”
“Leslie and I grew up together, so I knew her very well. Losing her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. That’s when I decided my next wife and I would have a very different relationship.”
“I’m so sorry.” Her face was full of sadness.
“It was quite a few years ago.” Feeling weary of her onslaught of questions, he leaned back in his chair. “I think that’s enough for today. We can get back to our lessons.”
Genny didn’t hesitate to return to speaking French. He suspected she hoped to erase the tragedy she had unwittingly brought up. It was another thing he had to admire about her. The more time he spent with her, the more he began to question his decision to marry a woman he didn’t know.
As he returned home, he realized his brother had been right. He did owe it to himself to explore matters with Genny. And, if she proved to be perfect for him, how could he sit back and allow her to wed another? Truthfully, he couldn’t.
At the door, he was told Jacques had been waiting in the drawing room to see him. Confused at his friend’s change in behavior, Christopher wasted no time in heading to see the man. He sincerely hoped it had nothing to do with Genny. At this point, Christopher was prepared to fight for her.
“Ah, there you are, mon amie.” Jacques got to his feet. “I’ve been waiting.”
“I see. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Jacques gave him an uncomfortable smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought it best to inform you straight away. My sister didn’t feel the letters were progressing your relationship well enough, so she has decided to come to London herself.”
Nodding, Christopher tried to think of a way to prevent this. “I see. So, when does she plan to arrive?”
“Now. Or rather, that is to say, she’s here. She arrived this morning.”
Chapter 9
Genevieve moved through the garden feeling both helpless and lost. A dusting of mist covered her from the rain, but she refused to go into the townhouse. Her body ached from the sound lashing she’d received from her father, and the last thing she wanted was to anger him again by her presence. She couldn’t take this any longer.
She suspected she would have to accustom herself to such treatment until she married or made the decision to leave his house. After all, his current complaint was that she had been purposely discouraging her potential suitors. Why he felt that, she couldn’t fathom.
Then, she recalled telling her mother of her concerns over Mr. Neuville, and she groaned. Likely, her mother had relayed the information and that was why her father was upset. Her eyes burned as she fought back the urge to cry. Surely her mother knew what punishment she would endure. It was clear she simply didn’t care.
Shaking off the thought, Genevieve allowed her mind to drift to Christopher. That man confused her more than anyone she’d ever known. The question of why he made the decisions he did still plagued her like nothing else. Sometimes he acted as though he truly wanted to get to know her, while other times he seemed to want nothing to do with her.
In addition, the thought he’d been married before troubled her more than she cared to admit. With his unknown, and possibly untrue, French bride, his attention had been focused on her. It was pleasant and made her feel special. Now, to find out he’d had already had a wife, and perhaps loved the woman, made her chest tighten uncomfortably. She didn’t like the idea.
“Genny? Are you out here?”
The familiar, yet unexpected male voice had her freezing in shock before a smile broke out across her face. Could it truly be him? Tossing aside propriety and decorum, she lifted her skirts and ran toward the sound of his voice. It had been so long.
When Frank’s tall, lanky frame shown through the bushes, she dashed toward him. He pulled her tight into his embrace, and she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. It wasn’t from the pain of his arm squeezing her sore back, as her outburst was happy. She hadn’t seen him in five years, and his absence had been dreadful.
“Wait a minute.” His voice was thick, clearly overcome as well. “Who is this emotional wreck? Surely not my Genny who didn’t even cry when I left.”
She pulled away from him. “I cried, just not in front of you. What are you doing here? I didn’t know you were coming back. And, when did you get taller than me?”
Frank laughed, then took her arm like a gentleman. As they walked, she couldn’t help but notice how much he had changed. It made her sad to see how much of his life she had missed. This man before her was a complete stranger.
“Father decided that since I was eighteen, it was time to come home. He has decided to allow me to learn how to run an estate as well as all other duties as his heir.”
Happiness welled up in her chest. “Then, you are here to stay?”
“I’m afraid so, dear sister. You’re stuck with me. I may even be bothered to chaperone you at an event or two.”
She laughed. “I don’t think Mother would allow that. She takes her duties rather serious. Besides, Father has an idea of how he expects me to behave.”
“What does that mean? He mentioned you in his letters as well. I haven’t talked to him yet, but I take it he wants you to marry soon.”
“I will.” She stiffened beside him. Her future would not be a burden on her father or her brother. She refused to live like that.
“Then, you have a particular man in mind?”
Heat rushed up her cheeks. At this point, she would take anyone who offered for her. She couldn’t live as she currently was any longer. However, she knew very little about the gentlemen who were currently pursuing her. In the end, she imagined it didn’t matter much as her choice didn’t hinge on anything other than opportunity.
“You finally return home after five years, and this is what you wish to talk about? I would think you would want to know more important things like how I’ve kept the tree you planted alive this
whole time.”
They spent the remainder of their conversation catching up on the past five years. Genevieve was pleased to see that although years had passed, their relationship moved back exactly to how it had been before he’d left. It was nice to have her brother again.
An hour later as she sat in the drawing room with her mother, she still felt the glow from Frank’s presence. It was as if he’d brought a light back into their home that had been missing. Even her mother had seemed to be in better spirits.
“I hope you don’t think you will be able to use Frank’s return as a way to shirk your responsibilities.” Her mother pinned her with a stare.
Shocked, Genevieve met her gaze. “What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m referring to. With all this attention you’ve received lately, your father expected one gentleman to stand out above the rest. Yet, none have moved forward. He believes you haven’t been clear in your interest. They should all feel as though you would accept an offer should they present one.”
Swallowing, Genevieve nodded. “I’ve been doing my best, and I don’t intend to fail.”
“Good. I just received word that Baron Goulet has invited us to dine at an intimate gathering tomorrow night. The invitation with such a select party is an honor, and I expect you to behave accordingly.”
“Yes, Mother.”
The idea of the dinner party brought on a round of nerves she didn’t expect to feel. Considering the exclusivity, she should be pleased, but the emotion didn’t come. She suspected deep down she had decided on a different man. To marry any other would be difficult and depressing. However, she didn’t have a choice.
She would attend this dinner party and show the baron her interest. And, since he had no lady to manage as hostess, she would step in should the situation call for it in order to show him she was capable.
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