An Heiress for All Seasons (The Debutante Files #1.5)(9)

His hands opened and closed at his sides. “Are you so certain of that? He’s in your father’s employ. Perhaps he sees you as a way to further himself?”

She shook her head. “Not everyone is like you, searching for an advantage, cold calculation guiding every—”

He reached for her. This time his fingers closed around her arm through her cloak. “I’ve had plenty of opportunities to wed an heiress. You’re the first one I’ve asked. I assure you cold calculation does not guide me in this.”

She snorted, leaning back as he tugged her closer. “I’m supposed to believe you’re overcome with sudden love for me? I’m not that gullible.”

He winced. “I said nothing of love, but there are other considerations.”

“None worth me forgetting my Mr. Weston. Or myself for that matter and jumping into marriage with you—”

“This other man,” he cut in, his voice biting. “Weston. Where is he now?”

She blinked. “I told you my parents refused—”

“So while he’s in New York, you’re over here letting your mother parade you on the marriage mart. You might want to question his devotion to you.”

“Mr. Weston knows I won’t marry someone else. I told him I wouldn’t.”

“And still.” He tsked. “He let you go. What a weak and paltry love is his.”

The color rode higher in her face. “You know nothing of him!”

“Only that he does not deserve your loyalty.”

“What was he supposed to do? We didn’t have my father’s blessing. We both agreed to wait for Papa to change his mind.”

“I wouldn’t have waited.” He brought his face closer, lowering his head until his mouth hovered a mere inch from hers. “I would not have let you cross an ocean. You would already be mine. You would already sleep in my bed. You would wake with my mouth on yours every morning.”

She exhaled and he tasted her sweet breath. Her hazel eyes flared wide, more gold than green right then and he knew he was scandalizing her, but better she knew who he was. What he wanted.

How it would be between them.

“Of course,” she sneered, shaking herself slightly. “Because I’m an heiress. You couldn’t risk letting me slip away.” She cocked her head. “We wouldn’t even be having this conversation if I was just a simple girl without a dowry. Would we?”

He stared at her, unable to deny that. The only reason she was here was because he needed to wed an heiress and his mother had invited her. They would have never even met otherwise. He made a point to stay away from the ballrooms of the ton.

“I thought so,” she answered for him. Satisfied, she wrenched free and began slogging through snow in the direction of the house.

“Where are you going?”

“I think we’ve gathered enough holly.” She paused and turned to face him. “I know you like to win, but sometimes in life . . . you simply lose.” That said, she turned and began descending the slope toward the house.

He watched her go, certain she wasn’t talking about the holly, and equally certain that if they were playing a game, he would win.





CHAPTER FOUR



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He wanted to marry her.

The notion should not have left her so shaken, but it did. As did his words about Mr. Weston. She had never doubted Mr. Weston. Or herself. It wasn’t fair that a few words from one arrogant nobleman should suddenly make her question her feelings for Mr. Weston . . . or Mr. Weston’s ability to permit her to cross an ocean without him. Even if it was a ruse and she was pretending to go along with her mother’s matrimonial scheming, he had not appeared too bothered at the prospect of her entertaining the suits of other gentlemen. He’d accepted the situation with unflappable ease. Too much ease? She frowned, considering the possibility that perhaps he did not care for her as much as she believed.

Shaking her head, she pushed such thoughts away and loosened her lips lest anyone see her scowling. Sipping from her spoon, she avoided the earl’s gaze throughout the midday meal even though she felt his blue eyes assessing her across the table.

She attempted to listen to the Duchess of Banbury describe the months she had spent in Scotland following her marriage to Banbury. They had eloped and then remained there, returning to Town only a few months ago.

Violet felt certain there was more to the story of their hasty marriage, but none they were sharing.

Lady Peregrine pursed her lips. “Your wedding should have been the event of the year. I’m still most vexed with you. I wasn’t even present!”

“I was,” Lord Camden volunteered. “It was quite lovely. The bride was glowing.” Smiling, he saluted the duchess with a lift of his cup.

“I’m certain Rosalie was beautiful,” Aurelia chimed in, “Although the reminder that you were present while my mother and I were not is of no comfort.” Her eyes gleamed more topaz than brown right then as she glared at the viscount.

His smile slipped and he glared right back at her.

The duchess shook her head. “Be nice, you two. Remember, ’tis the season of goodwill and charity.”

The viscount nodded once at Aurelia. “Tell that to her.”