He hadn’t. Not exactly. But Mr. Healey had intimated that he wouldaskto call upon Aurora soon.
“Did he?” Something glinted in those sapphire depths before fading and he smiled once more. “He’s rather staid for you, isn’t he, Aurora?” Worth had managed to put Priscilla between the view of Kenebruke’s carriage and the woods along the path, caging her in. The trees surrounding them created a thick canopy overhead. No one else was out due to the hour.
She and Worth were quite alone.
“I’ve brought you something to help—with your situation.” The cool, sharply patrician tone softened. “I’ve debated over loaning this to you, but—I think it may satisfy some of your curiosity.”
“But not you. You won’t satisfy it.”
Worth slid down from Priscilla and shook his head. “It isn’t proper, Aurora. But I don’t want you ruining yourself by asking questions or demonstrations of other gentlemen. They may not have your best interests at heart. I’ll—do my best to answer some of your questions.”
That was something, wasn’t it?
Worth’s eyes had darkened to indigo as he looked down at her, although it could have been merely an effect of the dappled sunlight coming through the trees. He appeared annoyed, but uncertain. Angry, but reluctant.
“We should talk about—” He looked away. “The maze. I apologize for not taking you seriously. But you smelled of rum punch.”
Aurora clasped her hands behind her back and studied him, looking for any cracks in those perfectly shuttered features. Any indication of the same desire she’d glimpsed in the maze.
“You are here because of Lady Marmont’s recital. You are concerned I would engage Mendenhall as a tutor, and not for the piano.”
“I thought you might be foxed, as you were that day in the maze.”
“I meant to kiss you, Worth,” she stated plainly. “I wanted to for some time. And you kissed me back.” Aurora’s eyes drifted down the length of him.
“Don’t do that.”
Aurora raised a brow.
“You can’t go about regarding a gentleman in such a manner.”
“You aren’t a gentleman.”
He pierced her with a look, one that held a sharp flare of anger. “I most certainly am. Most of the time.” Worth shrugged. “I was the day in the maze. A lesser man would have lifted your skirts. One who didn’t care about you or your reputation.”
Worthcaredfor her. Another something.
“You must know that I cannot agree to your request, Aurora. You are mad to think I would.” Elegant fingers drummed along one thigh. “Simply because you think me safe and incapable of ruining you because I am your brother’s friend.” He paused. “Yourfriend.”
“You are safe because you abhor the thought of marriage, and would take great care to be discreet and thus avoid that circumstance. You are vastly experienced. Satisfying my curiosity on you is far safer than say, Grisham, who I’m not sure I would wed if given the opportunity, though I find him appealing.”
Worth shook his head.
“You need not fear a romantic entanglement with me, Worth.”
A frown pulled at his lips. “Do not make such a proposal to anyone else. I mean it, Aurora.”
Her natural inclination to disobedience almost had her informing Worth that he had no influence over her affairs, but Worth looked so stricken as he said the words. “I promise. Now, answer me one question. Why do you refuse to touch me?”
“I’m not refusing.”
Aurora snorted. “You won’t even take my hand in greeting. You didn’t dance with me, not even at my come out.” Her fingers trailed along the knuckles of one of his hands, feeling the elegant shape of his fingers beneath the leather gloves.
Worth inhaled sharply but did not pull away.
“Am I so unappealing?”
“Is that what you think? Foolish girl.” Worth brought up his hand, jerking off one glove. “The truth is, I’m quite angry with you, Aurora.”
