by Burke, Darcy
Genie had forgotten that the viscountess had been married twice. “Would you consider it a third time?” She wasn’t sure she could risk it. The thought of losing another husband filled her with dread.
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Lady Clinton dropped her voice. “My second marriage wasn’t a love match. My boys needed a father, his daughter needed a mother.” She shrugged. “It was good enough, and he did give me my third son, whom I adore.” Her eyes lit with joy. “But I wouldn’t do that again, not after knowing how much better it is to be in love with your husband.”
Mrs. Grey brushed at one of the light brown curls against her temple. “You loved your first husband, then?”
“More than anything,” Lady Clinton said softly, her lips curling into a faint smile. “If I could have that again, I’d do it a third—and a fourth—time. But I don’t know if anyone can be that fortunate. Once is astonishing. Twice is…nearly impossible.”
Genie’s chest constricted. She felt precisely the same way. She’d loved Jerome so much. And he’d loved her. His experience had been the reverse of Lady Clinton. His first marriage had been arranged and bereft of affection. When he’d married again, he’d made certain he loved his bride.
“I know what you mean,” Genie said, giving her a look of support. “I’m not sure it’s possible either.”
“Well, I would just like to fall in love,” Lettie said with a laugh. “I cared for my husband, but there was no grand emotion.” She turned to Mrs. Grey. “What about you?”
“I did love him.” Mrs. Grey’s voice was quiet. “I don’t think he felt the same. At least not for me. His mistress may have had a different experience.”
Lady Clinton reached over and clasped Mrs. Grey’s hand. “Men can be awful. My husband had a mistress too, but I didn’t care. In fact, I’d been contemplating my own liaison before he died.” She gave them all a sly smile, and it lightened the mood once more.
Except Genie still felt as if she’d swallowed lead. She didn’t want to mislead Edmund.
She stood abruptly. “Please excuse me, I’m going to retire for the evening. See you all tomorrow.” She smiled then went to bid a quick good-night to her cousin before hastening from the drawing room. She didn’t want to be there when the men arrived.
As she made her way to her chamber, the kisses she and Edmund had shared earlier were at the forefront of her mind. She’d thought of little else since that afternoon. At dinner, they’d been seated on the same side of the table, though a few chairs apart, so she hadn’t been able to see him. That was probably for the best, as she didn’t think she could have kept herself from looking at him all evening.
She forced herself to consider whether she would marry again. Maybe? Especially if there were children for her to mother. Edmund didn’t have any because he’d never been married.
Why was she thinking of marriage to him? He hadn’t mentioned it. He’d only indicated that he wanted to kiss her again. Perhaps he was only interested in a liaison while they were here.
Would that be…bad?
Genie didn’t have an answer. Hopefully, tomorrow she would. As Lady Clinton had said, the party was almost half over.
She was running out of time.
Chapter 6
When Edmund arrived in the drawing room after dinner the night before and found that Genie had already retired, he worried he’d ruined things. Except, she’d initiated that first kiss and had been a willing participant in the others.
Thankfully, he’d seen her at breakfast, and she’d been her usual charming self. No, not usual. She’d been a touch enigmatic. Or, perhaps it was that Edmund was looking for behavior and attitude that didn’t exist. Because he wanted to see his longing—his desire—reflected back.
They’d played parlor games earlier and were now going to set off for a walk to the River Swift since the weather had dried. As they gathered just behind the house, the guests collected in groups. A couple of pairings seemed somewhat certain. Mrs. Fitzwarren and Sir Godwin, as well as Mrs. Sheldon and Lord Audlington, appeared to have formed attachments. Whether they would be permanent remained to be seen.
Edmund kept his eye on the door, waiting for Genie to appear. He was so focused that he failed to see Mrs. Makepeace approach him. “I’m so pleased the weather cleared so we could get outside,” she said.
“Indeed.” He gave her a smile while still trying to keep his attention somewhat on the door.
“I’m looking forward to the dancing competition later. Just when I think Lady Cosford can’t possibly come up with a new activity, she does.”
At last, Genie came outside. However, she was immediately followed by Sterling, and it was clear they’d met up inside and walked out together. Blast.
“Are we all ready?” Cosford called out from beside his wife. “On the way, we’ll stop at the new folly. It’s not finished, but it’s well underway. Then we’ll continue to the river, where we’ll have refreshments. Don’t get lost now!” He grinned, then pivoted to present his arm to Lady Cosford. They led the procession.
Edmund didn’t see how he could possibly escort Genie as he’d hoped. Resigned, he offered Mrs. Makepeace his arm.
“Thank you,” she said, curling her hand around his sleeve. They started through the garden, which had been designed by Capability Brown fifty years earlier. “I would love to have seen this garden in the summer.”
“I have—not this year—and it’s stunning,” Edmund said as they walked through the rose garden.
They walked in silence for a minute or so before she asked, “Are you enjoying the party?”
“Yes, you?”
“More than I anticipated, actually.”
“Why is that?”
“I worried I would be the youngest person here.” Mrs. Makepeace smiled. “I suppose I am, but I don’t feel as if I don’t belong. Everyone’s been married before.” She glanced at him. “Not quite everyone. The women I mean. You are unwed, are you not?”
“I have not married, no.”
“And are you here because you wish to change that, or…” She let the rest of her question hang in the air.
Or was he here for an assignation? Or perhaps more than one assignation. He didn’t think anyone here would try that, but he had his suspicions about Howell. Edmund chose his words carefully. “I’ve never been opposed to marriage. I just haven’t met the right woman yet.”
“That’s admirable you’re waiting for a love match. I hope you find it.”
Edmund suspected he already had.
He turned the conversation to the colors of autumn, and they soon arrived at the folly. Designed to look like a ruined Grecian temple, the structure was maybe half finished.
“Will you have a hermit?” Lord Pritchard asked loudly. “If so, perhaps young Dryden here will apply for the position.”
Dryden was the youngest gentleman in attendance. Slightly shy, he’d recently inherited a fortune. He’d come here in the hope that he’d avoid the Marriage Mart next Season when he would almost certainly be overwhelmed with attention.
“How much are you paying?” Dryden called toward Cosford.
“For you? Nothing!” Cosford returned with a laugh. “You can pay me!”
This was met with guffaws and laughter.
Lady Bradford and Mr. Emerson joined Edmund and Mrs. Makepeace. “I was just telling Mr. Emerson that all of you unmarried gentlemen should apply to be Cosford’s hermit,” Lady Bradford said with a laugh.
Emerson shook his head with a chuckle. “And I explained that just because we aren’t wed doesn’t mean we wish to live alone in a faux ruin.”
“Precisely,” Edmund agreed. “Where would be the fun in that?” He scanned the gathering and found Genie standing closer to the folly. She was still with Sterling, dammit.
“I wonder if they’re pairing off,” Lady Bradford said, moving close to Edmund as Emerson spoke with Mrs. Makepeace.
Edmund wasn’t certain the countess had seen where he was looking. H
e would pretend she hadn’t. “Whom are you speaking of?”
“The dowager duchess and Mr. Sterling. Weren’t you looking at them?” She paused only briefly before continuing—thankfully, so that he didn’t have to actually answer the question. “Seems as though some are doing that, which makes sense as we are at the halfway point of the party.”
“Lady Cosford should feel very accomplished,” Edmund said.
“Honestly, this is a brilliant idea for a party—no simpering misses with their overbearing mothers.” Lady Bradford laughed. “I should be careful. I may be one of those overbearing mothers in the not so distant future.”
Lord and Lady Cosford started toward the river once more, and Edmund again presented his arm to a woman who wasn’t Genie. He kept up a conversation with Lady Bradford despite Genie occupying a large piece of his mind. If the purpose of this party was to meet someone you wanted to spend time with—whether temporarily or permanently—Edmund was already there.
But was Genie? She’d retired early last night, and so far today, he’d had no opportunity to speak with her. Did she regret kissing him? He hoped not. Those kisses had been everything he’d dreamed and more.
At the river, a table had been set up with an array of food and drink. Edmund didn’t care about any of it. His primary focus was getting to Genie and making sure she walked back to the house on his arm.
He managed to take care not to walk directly to her. Chatting with people as he went, he made his way toward her. Annoyingly, Sterling was still at her side.
But unannoyingly, her eyes sparked with pleasure the moment she saw Edmund. He couldn’t help smiling in response.
“Good afternoon, Lord Satterfield,” she said.
“Good afternoon, Duchess.” He glanced toward Sterling to acknowledge him. “Sterling. I believe Lady Bradford was hoping to have a word with you.” Edmund didn’t know where that lie had come from and didn’t care.
Sterling turned to Genie and took her hand. “Thank you for the lovely company. I hope to see you later.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, then nodded toward Edmund before taking himself off.
Edmund hoped he would walk straight into the river.
“You’re glaring at him,” Genie whispered.
Blinking, Edmund moved his attention to her. “Was I?”
Genie’s mouth tipped into a sly smile. “I think you know you were. Did Lady Bradford really want to talk to him?”
“Probably?” Edmund lifted a shoulder as he stepped closer to her. “I’m sure she will by the time he arrives.” He was relieved to see Genie wasn’t upset with him for sending Sterling away. In fact, she seemed to be flirting. “You don’t mind that he left?”
She shook her head. “How was your walk with Lady Bradford and Mrs. Makepeace?”
“Tolerable.”
Genie’s shoulders twitched.
“How was yours with Sterling?”
“Also tolerable.” She inhaled. “No, that isn’t fair. It was nice actually. He’s quite charming. He spoke of his children.”
“Mrs. Makepeace and Lady Bradford both speculated about the matches that may or may not be going on. Lady Bradford suggested you and Sterling were perhaps pairing off.” He didn’t ask the question, but held his breath, hoping she would refute it.
“I’m not pairing off with anyone,” she said, which was both a good and bad answer.
“I was rather hoping you might be.” He looked into her eyes, his voice soft.
She cocked her head slightly so that her mouth was nearer his ear. To anyone glancing in their direction, they would likely appear to be having an intimate conversation. But then, they were.
“Just because I may be interested in a small…indulgence this week, doesn’t mean I’m part of a pair.”
His heart began to race. Was she saying…? “If it matters to you, I am most interested in an indulgence.” Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly, and he wanted to be explicit. “With you. And only you.”
“I see.” Her tongue peeked out and wetted her lips. Edmund went completely hard and shifted his body toward the river.
“Aren’t you going to come have refreshments?” Lady Cosford asked as she approached. “Come, there’s a special ale that Cosford had the brewer make.” She smiled brightly, and they had no choice but to go with her. To do otherwise would have been rude.
Except that Edmund had a troublesome erection to deal with. “I’ll be there shortly. I just want to take in the river for a moment.”
“It’s a beautiful vista,” Genie said. “We were just discussing that.” Definitely not how they both wanted to have an affair. That was what she’d meant, wasn’t it? God, he hoped so.
Lady Cosford nodded. “We do love to spend time here. Did I mention there are lavender cakes? I know how much you like those, Genie.”
“I do indeed.” She looped her arm through her cousin’s and gave Edmund a long look before departing.
Edmund exhaled as his body finally began to listen to the urgings of his mind. Later, there would be ample opportunity to let himself go. He hoped.
He was almost completely certain that was what Genie had meant—that she wanted to conduct a liaison. But was that all? He wanted more.
Patience.
Yes, patience. He’d waited this long, and she was well worth it.
* * *
When the clock in Genie’s room struck one, she finally deemed it late enough to leave. As she stepped from her chamber, she hesitated. What if he wasn’t in his room yet? How late did the gentlemen stay up?
She should have planned this with him!
Except, she hadn’t wanted to commit. She’d been too afraid she’d change her mind. Even now, she was vacillating.
Just go. You want this. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting it. Wanting him.
Inhaling sharply, she recalled the path to Edmund’s room. She’d stared at the map so much, it would have been impossible for her to forget where his chamber was located. Thankfully, he was on the same side of the house. She just hoped she didn’t encounter anyone on the way.
Because of that, she walked quickly and found herself at his door far sooner than she’d anticipated. Again, she hesitated.
You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now!
She lifted her hand to knock on the door. What if his valet answered?
Freezing in horror, she almost turned. But the insistent throb between her legs kept her still. All during dinner and the outrageously entertaining dance competition, she’d watched him—and he’d watched her. It had seemed there was an unspoken communication, a mutual desire swelling between them.
What if she was wrong?
Knock. On. The. Door.
Genie rapped her knuckles briskly against the wood before she could talk herself out of it. Then she squeezed her eyes shut and prayed it was him—and only him—who answered the door. Oh God, what if he had another guest?
She began to pivot just as the door opened. Whipping her head toward the room, she saw that it was, in fact, just Edmund.
Surprise flashed in his gaze, and he opened the door wider. “Thank goodness it’s you. Come in.”
She didn’t move right away. He took her hand and gently tugged her inside, then closed the door behind her.
He gave her an apologetic smile. “I don’t think you want to be seen standing out there. In case anyone happens by.”
“No, I wouldn’t. Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m… I don’t know what to say. Or do. Or…anything.”
“Let’s start with good evening, shall we?” He squeezed her hand. “Good evening, Genie. I’m so pleased to see you. Surprised, but pleased.”
“Are you really? Surprised, I mean. I thought…” She exhaled. “I don’t know what I thought. My thoughts change with every moment.”
He took her other hand and looked into her eyes. “Why don’t we just sit and talk. Would you like brandy? Port? Madeira?”
“You have all those things here?”
�
�No, but I could get them.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll have whatever is convenient.”
He nodded once. “Would you like to sit by the hearth?” He gestured to where a small settee was situated in front of the low-burning fire.
“Yes, thank you.” Genie went to sit down, her legs wobbling nervously. She turned her head to see where he’d gone to pour the drinks. The bed, standing against the wall opposite the hearth, loomed large and intimidating.
This was a mistake.
No, it isn’t. Sit down!
Genie lowered herself to the settee and told herself she was being utterly foolish. She was as agitated as a new bride. Thinking back to her wedding night, she tried to recall if she’d been this nervous. No, she hadn’t.
Then why was she now? Was it because they weren’t married? Or perhaps this wasn’t nervousness but anticipation.
Edmund appeared in front of her. “Here. It’s brandy.” He handed her a glass, and she registered what she hadn’t in the fog of her discomposure. He wore his breeches and shirt, which was open and revealed dark hair on his chest—possibly more hair than was on top of his head, which she found absurdly amusing, likely due to her current state of apparent lunacy.
He sat down beside her on the settee and sipped his brandy. “To answer your query, yes, I am truly surprised to see you here.”
Genie took a drink to fortify her nerves—if that was even possible. “You made it clear you are interested in a liaison. I am not…uninterested.”
He laughed softly. “I might have hoped for more enthusiasm.”
She blushed. “I am enthusiastic. I am also nervous.” She took a longer drink of the brandy. “I thought this was a regular house party. When I learned it was being held to afford widows the opportunity to make a match or just have an assignation, I wanted to leave. But the weather interfered, and I could not. Then I met you.” Her gaze connected with his. “I didn’t expect…” She didn’t know what to say next.
“You didn’t expect to be attracted to me?” He sounded hopeful.