Unable to deny it with the full force of his eyes on her, she nodded. Whatever spell he’d put her under was quite powerful. The trouble was, she didn’t truly want to be broken from it. Nor could she marry him. It was the worst, most frustrating position to be in.
“As much as I fight it, I do feel for you, Simon.” She swallowed. “You are a dear friend.”
He winced and dropped his hand from her face, but she pretended not to notice. She couldn’t give him more than that. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them. A marriage beginning in obligation would lead to resentment and misery. She didn’t need the former, and she would have enough of the latter all by herself.
“I don’t believe that term is entirely accurate to describe what we have shared together,” he pointed out, annoyance in his tone.
“True, but it is an appropriate term for our current relationship.”
His posture was rigid. He stared directly at her as if he were trying to see inside her mind. “And, if I don’t feel the same way?”
She let out a breath, attempting to settle the butterflies inside her. “I hope that one day I might earn your friendship.”
The growl he admitted in response sent prickles of awareness over her skin.
“You know what I meant. How do you expect me to deal with this, Kaylee? You want me to leave you alone and act like we don’t know each other, but I can’t do that.”
Unable to stand the pleading quality of his voice, she relented. “I know. Perhaps we can just be friendly and share an occasional dance, surely there is no harm in that.”
Simon’s eyes lit as if she’d given him a great gift. “That’s all I’m asking for. All I need is a chance.”
Kaylee gulped. He made it sound like she’d agreed to so much more. From the look on his face, she suspected she would soon regret her concession.
~ ~ ~
A joyful smile stretched across Simon’s face as he watched his cousin enter his study. The man seemed to hold a bit of the same happiness plaguing Simon, but he was trying to hide it. Clearly, matters were progressing nicely between him and Lana.
“Good afternoon, Weston. I trust you enjoyed yourself at the ball last night?”
As Simon predicted, his cousin could no longer hold in his grin. “Perhaps. I must thank you for trusting me with your sister’s care. She told me how you planned on remaining by her side. I want you to know I won’t betray the trust you have placed in me.”
Inclining his head, Simon leaned back in his chair. “I’ll hold you to it, now about the dress. What did she tell you?”
Weston chuckled. “You are rather cruel to make her tell me something like that. It makes me wonder why. Is your intention to embarrass her? If it’s to scare me off, you are going to be in for a surprise.”
“Nothing like that. I’m simply trying to discover if my sister trusts you enough to tell you the truth or not. After all, an embarrassing story can easily be lied about to turn it into something favorable.”
The joy drained away from the man’s face and Simon silently cursed. That wasn’t his intention, but he hadn’t wanted Weston to believe he was against this match. Now, he only had to pray that Lana had given him the truth about her dress.
“So, this was a test of her feelings, not mine?”
“Actually, it was for both,” Simon admitted. “Your persistence in obtaining an answer from her does you credit. So, what did she say?”
“The two of you were walking in the garden a few years ago. Then, for no reason she can tell, you put what she thought was a leaf on her bodice. When she reached toward it, in order to brush it off, she discovered it was a frog, and it . . . relieved itself on her.” Weston’s tone was dry.
Unable to help himself, Simon laughed. “The reason was her incessant lecturing on how she thought I should live my life, and in my defense, I had no idea it was going to do that.”
Weston’s eyes widened. “It’s true then? She trusted me with the truth?”
“I’m afraid so.” Simon grinned. “Didn’t think she would ever tell anyone that story. “I overheard her telling a maid that she didn’t like the fit or the style any longer.”
“That’s a relief to know. If truth be told, I wish you would hurry up and marry so I can make her mine. Do you have any idea how much she worries about you losing your birthright?”
Simon nodded. “She’s mentioned it.”
“Did she also mention how she would personally hold me responsible if it were to fall to me? I don’t exactly have a choice in the matter, but she doesn’t see it that way.”
“I know. I’m working on it, but the whole marriage concept is more difficult than it should be.”
There was less than five months left before the end of the deadline, and he was still unattached. However, after seeing Kaylee earlier today, he’d allow himself to hope like he’d never hoped before.
Whether she’d realized it or not, she’d admitted wanting to be near him. She didn’t have any desire for them to act as mere acquaintances. Although they had a long way to go, it was certainly a start.
Recalling how surprised she’d been to hear he had three sisters gave him an idea. Kaylee had met Lana, but the other two troublemakers could prove to be valuable assets. They’d never talked much about their families since there had been no possibility of a future together, but things were different now.
“I don’t understand why you can’t find a wife. My trouble was always my lack of a title. Now, I find a woman who I love, and she’ll only have me if the title doesn’t fall to me.” His chuckle was a nervous sound.
“I’m not simply looking for anyone, and you don’t need to worry over the title coming to you. One way or another, I’ll marry before I allow that to happen.”
After Weston left, Simon decided to set his plan in motion. He wasn’t exactly sure what Kaylee wanted in a husband, but he wanted to be certain she found it in him, for he saw everything he wanted in her.
“You sent for me?” Gina appeared in the doorway.
He nodded. “Please come in and take a seat.”
Although frowning, she did as he requested. “Wendy was very put out that she wasn’t called as well. Have I done something wrong?”
“No. It’s nothing like that.”
From her calculated glance, his sister was trying to figure him out. Gina was always that way, which made her perfect for his plan. Their youngest sister tended to lead more with her emotions and less thought. That wasn’t something that would work well with Kaylee.
“Then, you want something from me. We can discuss that first, or what you intend to give me in return. If you need suggestions, I have a few.”
He rolled his eyes. “If it has anything to do with your entrance into society prior to your coming out, forget it.”
“Why?” She pouted. “I don’t know how a few weeks can make such a difference.”
“Until you have been properly presented, you will not attend any such event. The discussion is over.”
She narrowed her eyes as her chin lifted in defiance. “What if there is nothing else I want?”
Tired of having to fight with every woman he came in contact with, Simon let out a sigh. “You don’t have to help me. But, I do feel obligated to remind you that if I don’t marry, you will be forced to look upon our cousin’s goodwill for your future.”
With a gasp, Gina sat up straighter. “We can discuss my payment later. What do you need me to do?”
~ ~ ~
“I can’t thank you enough for coming.”
Kaylee smiled at the young girl who looked quite a bit like her older brother. “It’s no trouble at all, Miss Gina. I’m honored that you thought to call upon me to help you.”
The smile Miss Gina gave her in response made her look even more like Simon.
“Please, call me Gina. And, how could I not call upon you? Simon has told me nothing but wonderful things about you. Even if I didn’t need your help, I wanted to meet you.”
“The viscount has been talking about me?” The thought sent flutters to her heart. She wondered why Simon would mention her to his family. His offer had only been out of obligation, not to mention the fact that she had refused his suit already.
Gina rolled her eyes. “Of course he’s been talking about you. I think he likes you.”
Heat flushed Kaylee’s cheeks. She would not have this conversation with his sister. “I believe you are mistaken. Now, where is the pianoforte? If you hum the piece of music you remember to me, I can try to play it. Then, I’m sure we can figure out the tune.”
As Gina led the way to the room where the instrument sat, Kaylee took the time to survey Simon’s house. Part of her wondered where he was and even hoped to see him. Did he know she was here? The idea that she could run into him at any moment excited her. If truth be told, she liked the feeling.
However, the second she sat down at the beautiful pianoforte and her fingers stroked over the keys, she focused her attention on the task at hand. Gina deserved nothing less. Kaylee had been surprised to receive the missive from the girl, but she would do anything in her power to help Gina fully recall the melody that her mother had sung to her as a child.
After they’d exhausted everything Kaylee could think of that would sound remotely close to the few notes Gina could remember, she began playing pieces that her own mother had sung to her. In the middle of one particular song, Gina’s eyes widened.
“That’s it. That’s the one right there.”
Thrilled, Kaylee launched into the full melody and Gina closed her eyes. “That’s the very one she used to play for me. I can’t believe you found it.”
“I told you she could help you.”
Immediately, Kaylee stopped playing as she spun around to see Simon leaning against the door frame, a proud smile on his face. Flames raced up her cheeks. How long had he been standing there?
“You’re right, Simon! She truly is amazing.” Gina was almost bouncing up and down. “I have to tell Wendy. Will you please excuse me?”
Not wanting to dull her joy, Kaylee nodded as she stood. She felt awkward to be left alone with Simon in his house. Now that he was here, she felt as though she were infringing upon his privacy. Although, judging from his smile, he didn’t seem to mind.
“You have to excuse my sister, she gets overexcited at times.”
Kaylee smiled at the fondness in his voice. “Think nothing of it. She seems like a wonderful girl. I adore that she asked me to help her.”
“There was no doubt in my mind that you could. Besides, you said you wanted to meet her so this seemed like a perfect opportunity.”
Realizing he had set this up, Kaylee pursed her lips. “If you recall correctly, it was my mother who wanted to meet her.”
Simon shrugged. “You had every right to bring her.”
Suppressing her shudder was difficult. When she talked to her mother about her desire to remain unmarried, the conversation hadn’t gone well. If she told the woman of her intention to visit Simon’s townhouse, her matchmaking skills would have exploded with activity.
“I didn’t see a need as I was visiting a friend.”
He grinned. “I’m glad you didn’t bring a chaperone. That being said, I have something for you. Come with me.”
Her eyes widened. “Where do you want to take me? There are still servants and your sisters who would see us alone together. I’ll not have gossip spread about.”
The look he gave her smoldered. “As much as I’d like to take you to my bedchamber, I have something else in mind at the moment.”
“Simon! That’s not what I meant.”
He chuckled. “As you say. Now, are you going to accompany me, or not?”
Biting her lip, she weighed her options. “Very well.”
Once she took his arm, he escorted her through the hallways, and she couldn’t help but feel saddened by it. If she had accepted his hand, this would be her future. His house to run, and this man to lead her and take care of her. But, that wasn’t what she wanted, she reminded herself. Especially not because he felt obligated to her.
When she reached his study, she inhaled the scent of leather and ink. The familiar smell filled her nostrils, reminding her of her father. She would forever recall him behind his desk, positioned much like Simon’s. However, on Simon’s desk was a box. A hat box.
Excitement rushed through her, but she tamped it down. He said he had something for her, but he surely wouldn’t have purchased her a hat. When he picked the box up and held it out to her, she didn’t move.
“This is for you,” he announced.
She made no move to take it from him. “What is it?”
“Why don’t you open it and find out?”
Very cautiously, she lifted the lid, and gasped. The hat was covered in pale purple ribbon and lace. The weave pattern was intricately detailed. Never had she seen anything like it before. It was truly breathtaking.
“What is this for?” She worked to keep her voice even, unaffected.
“Don’t you like it?” He looked down into the box as if trying to determine what it was that would bring pleasure in the piece.
She took a deep breath. “It’s very lovely, but I can’t accept it.”
His mouth dropped open. “Why not? You had no trouble accepting one before.”
Reality dawned, and her anger ignited. “Did you expect me to act in the same manner? How dare you? No. I’ll not accept it, and I’ll return the last one you gave me as well.”
“That’s not what I want.” Horror colored his tone. “I merely wanted to give you something nice to show you what you mean to me. You owe me nothing in return. You should be cherished. Showered with gifts. I’m just asking for the opportunity to do that. If you let me.”
She didn’t understand him or any of this. Replacing the lid on the box, she straightened her shoulders. Not for the first time, she longed for the easier days she’d spent at the House of Reform. She couldn’t handle this. Or him.
“You should save that for your future wife.” She praised her voice for remaining impassive. “Please excuse me. I should go find Gina.”
Leaving him in the study with the look of dejection was one of the most difficult things she had done, but somehow she managed to see herself out. This needed to end as every moment was chipping away at her heart. She feared before long she would have nothing left.
Chapter 10
“Do you have any intention of telling me what’s going on with you?”
Simon groaned at the irritated sound of Lana’s voice. After his disastrous afternoon with Kaylee, the last person he wanted to see was his oldest sister. He simply hoped Gina had kept their arrangement a secret.
“I have no idea what you are referring to.” He leaned back lazily in his chair as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
“You should have an idea as I have a number of things we need to discuss. The first being the ball the other night.”
Realizing this wasn’t to be a lecture as was her usual way of discussing matters, he lifted an eyebrow. “Did you come to thank me for being less attentive than I should have been? Or, for telling the chaperone to allow your walk? I’m still greatly curious as to why the rigid Lana would want a bit of privacy.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Perhaps because my brother has been doing his best to make my life difficult. Over the years, it hasn’t been easy to be your younger sister, did you know that? But, this is the worst thing you could possibly have done to me.”
Unsure as to how he offended her this time, he leaned forward in his chair. “I’ve made your life as difficult as you’ve made min
e, no more, no less. But, please tell me what I have done this time.”
“First, you have done nothing to move the issue of your marriage forward. Now, you made the man I shall be forced to marry think I’m some kind of joke.”
“And, my dear sister, how have I done this?”
Fury unlike he’d ever seen from her before turned her cheeks red. “Why did you tell him my favorite dress was the yellow one? You wanted me to be forced to tell him about the horrible incident didn’t you?”
Simon raised his hands out in front of him. “It was your favorite. And, I may have mentioned the garment, but it was your decision to tell him what happened to it, not mine.”
Her eyes rounded. “You wanted me to lie to him? Weston has done nothing to deserve being treated like that, besides, what if he is to be my husband? I don’t want to begin our marriage with falsehoods between us.”
Nodding, Simon studied Lana’s face. Clearly the idea of marriage to the man didn’t disgust her as it had at one time. He sincerely hoped Lana hadn’t been putting up a façade with Weston due to the chance that Simon may fail in his quest for a bride.
“Would you be happy with him?” The question escaped before Simon could think better of it.
“I would make the best of the situation.” There was no emotion in her voice, and Simon didn’t like it.
“Bloody hell, Lana. For once, can you just talk to me? We aren’t enemies. We should be working together here. How can I help you if you don’t tell me what you want?”
She crossed her arms and looked down her nose at him. “I could say the same thing to you. I suppose we can come to some sort of agreement.”
“I’m willing to try anything at this point.” He let his exasperation show.
“Then, I’ll tell you where my mind is in regard to my future if you tell me what your plan is regarding securing Father’s line.”
To Tame a Viscount (Reformed Rakes Book 2) Page 12