He bowed upon entrance. He appeared much the same as he had in London, his expensive taste evident in the well-tailored clothes, the pristine cravat, and the gold watch fob looped below his flamboyant waistcoat. “Miss Gresham, you appear the epitome of comeliness.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She gestured to the chair adjacent to her. “Won’t you sit?”
He did so without taking his eyes off her. “I would inquire after your father, but I have already spoken with him.”
“So I have heard.”
“He appears in the utmost health. He was going for a ride when I encountered him upon my entrance.”
“Yes. Father has always been most vigorous in activity.”
“A worthy trait.”
“Indeed. And your family, my lord?” She struggled to keep a smile in place, though the conversation lacked any originality. “I have not yet heard you speak of them.”
“They are well. Thank you.”
“Have you siblings?”
“No.”
“Father and mother?”
“My mother is deceased. My father is yet living. But let us not talk of such things any longer.” He leaned forward, and a cautioning sensation shot through her at the sight of his gaping lips.
The lips that had once claimed hers.
“There can be no confusion as to why I am come.”
“On the contrary. I am quite baffled by it, my lord.”
“The life seeped out of London the second you departed. I could stay not a moment longer.” He pushed to his feet quickly enough to make her jump. “I shall not hide my feelings. I am in love with you.”
In love?Her toes squirmed in her slippers as heat burned a trail of embarrassment through the length of her. No one had ever declared love to her. No one had ever even hinted at such a thing.
She would have laughed at them if they had.
But she could not laugh now. Not at a face so serious, so intense, so powerful that she stood without meaning to. “My lord, I—”
“Do not say anything, for I know you would only discourage me.” He shook his head and took one step closer. “And I shall not be discouraged for anything. I am quite set on winning you. I came to make you aware.”
She clasped her hands in front of her, eyes widening to the point of discomfort. “I do not imagine that I could be won. I am sorry that in such a short acquaintance you should have been afflicted with love, but—”
“Miss Gresham.” Fire lanced his words. Another step. They faced each other, close enough he could have reached out and captured her for another kiss if he was a fool. “You apparently have understood none of what I have told you.”
“I fear you misunderstand me as well.”
“I shall win you. I must have you.”
“We do not always get what we wish, my lord.”
“I do.” His gaze roamed her person before settling back on her eyes. “I attain everything I desire. Good day.” With a step back and a stiff bow, he left the room, the door sending a jarring thud throughout the drawing room.
Isabella sank back into the sofa. She glanced at her hands. They shook in her lap. Was she so affected by his declaration of love?
No, his attachment meant nothing. Especially when she did not even believe love existed. Likely, his affection for her was no more than sensual lust and a potent need to obtain that which was not easily had. So why did she shake?
She didn’t like to admit the truth to herself.
