Page 13 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

Ralston’s gaze never left hers and his thumb circled her hand. ‘I’m aware and it is of no concern to me. Rather, I find it intriguing.’

She stared, wordlessly. Many titled bachelors had rejected her Arab blood as unsuitable. Umbridge would have looked past it in exchange for a young bride. ‘And what of your political aspirations?’

‘Like I said, it does not concern me. You will be my wife, my Countess, and no one would dare offend my wife or your sisters, fearing the consequences. Scandal, on the other hand, would hurt my aspirations in the House.’

A knot eased in her stomach. He was not prejudiced and would shield her and her sisters. She was beginning to understand him more. He prided himself on following the rules, not so much to appease society, but for his work, which he held to be most important. In this fashion, they were alike since her work was just as important to her.

She cleared her throat. There was one other concern that was worth bringing up before the announcement. The physical aspect of their marriage had been on her mind. Their one experience was tainted. Neither had known the other’s identity. What if—now that he knew it would be her in his bed—he found her lacking? What if she became frozen in fear?

Her voice was whisper soft. ‘What if we don’t suit?’

Still holding her hands, his gaze leisurely travelled her features. ‘I believe we will suit just fine.’

She immediately felt flushed. Her eyes were drawn to the distracting divot in his strong jaw. She had a ridiculous urge to press her lips there.

‘If you still have doubts,’ he said, ‘we can conduct an experiment. You are a scientist, correct?’

She eyed him cautiously. ‘What kind of experiment?’

‘A kiss.’

She gaped. ‘You can’t be serious.’

‘Why not?’ There was a maddening hint of arrogance about him. Releasing her fingers, he reached out to cradle her cheek. ‘Don’t tell me you are suddenly shy?’

Her pulse pounded. Something intense flared through his gaze and her stomach tingled. She could see his freshly shaven jaw and smell his shaving soap of sandalwood. ‘I—I…’

They were down the hall from her mother and the rest of the party. Rather than be frightened, it added to the anticipation.

‘I’m going to kiss you, Nora. If you don’t wish it, you can walk away.’

She froze. Unable to move, her slippers felt filled with lead. Inch by inch he lowered his head. At last, his lips brushed against hers, feather-light and completely engrossing. It was as devastating as a lit match to dry hay. The attraction she’d felt the prior night flared to life. He tasted of rich wine and virile male, a heady, intoxicating combination. Her breasts tingled in her tight bodice, and she was achingly aware of every point of contact, the tantalizing touch of his lips against hers, the heat of his solid chest, and his fingers splayed against her back. She wanted more, craved it. Her arms rose to clutch his shoulders, and she sagged against him.

He lifted his head. She was confused by his sudden withdrawal, the tensing of his body. Perhaps it was as she’d feared, and he wasn’t as affected by their shared kiss? As for herself, she was a quivering mass of nerves.

‘Do you now agree that we’ll suit?’ His voice was gruff.

She met his gaze and changed her mind. There was a wild look in his eyes, a smoldering promise of more to come. The tensing of his body was not from cold detachment, but from measured restraint.

Still, by suitability, he meant a sexual attraction, not an emotional one. She’d not sought his love either. Then why did a pang center in her chest?

He offered his arm. ‘Shall we return to the drawing room for the announcement of our good news?’

He was asking her, giving her a choice. ‘Yes,’ she found herself saying to both his questions. And for the first time, she wasn’t thinking of science.

The Duchess clapped her hands to gain everyone’s attention. ‘I’ve wonderful news to share.’ Her gaze swept the drawing room where everyone had gathered before dinner. ‘We have an engagement announcement I’d love to share before our evening meal! Our lovely Miss Nora Magarian and the Earl of Ralston are to wed.’

Guests clapped. On cue, liveried servers carried out trays of bubbling champagne. Nora’s mother smiled beside the Duchess.

Nora’s stomach was in knots again. She accepted a glass and swallowed the champagne. The bubbly drink tasted overly sweet. Her eyes met the Earl’s. He smiled as if this was planned all along, not a ruse, and he was thrilled to celebrate their betrothal. Everyone was behaving as if this was the most natural announcement in the world.

Her breath seemed to have solidified in her throat. Ralston moved to stand beside Nora and glanced at her. ‘I came to the house party not expecting to meet a lady who would charm me with her intellect and draw me with her beauty. I am in debt to Her Grace for the house party invitation. And even more indebted to Mrs Magarian as Nora’s mother.’ He grinned, flashing even, white teeth.

The Duchess beamed. Nora’s mother looked almost smug.

Nora felt faint.

As if he sensed the extent of her nervousness, Ralston reached out to take her gloved hand in his. ‘Everything is falling splendidly in place. Wouldn’t you agree, darling?’ he asked her.