Page 25 of The Lyon and the Lamb

“You’re far too sure of everything, sir. We made a business arrangement, not a legal one, so there is no reason to adhere to it. Especially if one of us will have to make so great a sacrifice.”

That was too much to bear. He turned and grasped her by the shoulders.

“How can you speak of sacrifice, after the night we spent together? Did that mean nothing to you? I’ll have you know that I’m a gentleman, not a despoiler of virgins. I mean, I know you are no virgin—what I mean is, that you have been married. Oh, dash it—you know what I mean!”

He was gabbling like a love-struck youth. It must be her closeness and the heady delight of touching her. It was time to rein in his emotions—he couldn’t afford to make a mull of this.

“I don’t misunderstand you, Leo.” Her expression was grave. “And I can tell there is more to you than I first imagined. But you’re a very stubborn, determined man. Even if we could resolve our current problems, would our union be happy? I’ve suffered too much under the rule of my late husband and would struggle with being a wife again. I’ve thought about it long and hard on the journey here, and have decided to go with my original plan, to adopt a baby and pass it off as my own. I mean to disappear to some remote seaside place for my health, then return with a newborn—”

She paused and frowned up at him, a storm brewing in her hazel eyes. “At least, that was my intention before you informed Mr. Bilson that you were engaged to me. By meddling in my affairs, you’ve spoiled everything. It’s unforgivable.”

His fingers gripped harder as if by holding her, he could make her understand. She had no idea what she was doing—she needed a husband to protect her from the vultures that were circling. And not just any husband. Him.

“There’s one significant difference between your late husband and myself. He didn’t love you.”

Her hands clung to his elbows and for the first time since she’d entered the room, she met his gaze fully. Her eyes were wide and moist, and her lower lip trembled. It was all he could do not to pull her into his embrace and kiss her until they were both gasping for breath.

Her eyes searched his face. “You love me?” Her voice was a mere whisper, sending delicious shivers across his skin.

“Yes. I believe I do. I’m besotted. Does that make a difference?” He felt dizzy, but whether it was from elation or fear, he couldn’t tell.

“Yes. It makes all the difference in the world.”

Chapter Twelve

Araminta was so deeply engrossed in the glorious rediscovery of Leo’s lips that she ignored the clatter of hooves in the courtyard outside. So, apparently, did he, for he pulled her against him and immediately took mastery of her body, igniting flames of desire wherever his hands touched her. It was thus most fortunate that the next person to arrive at the parlor knocked on the door and waited.

With a gasp, Araminta flung herself away from Leo, tucked her hair into place and smoothed down her dress.

“Leo—take that foolish grin off your face. Everyone will know what we’ve been doing!”

His eyes shone so brightly that she was tempted to tell the visitor to come back later while she explored this fascinating man further. This was the first time she’d seen the touch of blue in his eyes, like the promise of summer. Her heart fluttered, and her voice sounded strangled when she called, “Come in!”

Mrs. Aldridge entered. She glanced at the earl, gave him a brief curtsy, and informed them both that there was a gentleman in the hallway. “He says he is the Honorable Roland Chetwynd and is enquiring after yourself, your lordship.”

Araminta exchanged glances with Leo. His brother had followed him to Forty Court—this could not augur well.

“With your permission?” Leo sought Araminta’s gaze. He looked grim—he must be thinking the same thing.

She nodded. “Of course, he can be shown in.”

“Don’t be alarmed, my love. I’m used to dealing with Roland. He’s probably here about some mess in which he’s become embroiled that has nothing to do with you or me.”

The next moment, a tall, blue-eyed, golden-haired Adonis strode into the room. Araminta stared at him in amazement. He was so like Leo, and yet totally unlike him. He was a man who could easily break a young girl’s heart. Thankfully, her own was now accounted for. It was?

The young man looked to be in excellent spirits. It must be good news, after all.

“Araminta, allow me to introduce to you the not-at-all-honorable Roland Chetwynd, my scapegrace brother. Roland—this is Lady Lamb. I beg you to be on your best behavior in this house, as I won’t have her opinion of me, or my family, tarnished in any way.”

At that moment, Belinda swept into the room, announcing that tea was on its way. She fetched up short as soon as she laid eyes on Roland.

A shiver of alarm trickled down Araminta’s back. She glanced helplessly at Leo but received a reassuring smile in return.

“I’m delighted to meet you, Lady Lamb.” Roland came forward with an outstretched hand. “My brother has told me so much about you.”

She sincerely hoped he hadn’t! It was a battle to retain her composure. “Mr. Chetwynd. This is my sister, Miss Bellamy.”

Roland stared in open appreciation, then frowned. “Bellamy. Where have I heard that name recently? Oh, I say!”