Master of Love by Catherine LaRoche Page B

leaned in to close his trap. “I’ll just move my desk in here with you for the duration of the renovation. It should only be for a couple of months—that is, if Graves can arrange for the craftsmen to start right away. I think you’ve proposed an excellent solution.”
    She opened her mouth to protest, those lovely bow lips teasing him for a moment with a perfect O, before she gathered her wits to protest. “Surely there is a less public chamber somewhere in the residence, one more conducive to the quiet and privacy you need when you concentrate so hard on your work?”
    He grinned. Oho! You’ll have to sharpen your arrows more than that to scare me off, Miss H . “Certainly, when I have meetings to conduct, I’ll do so in one of the parlors or the morning room, but for my meager writing tasks—lists of my upcoming social obligations, for example—I do enjoy being around my books. I’m sure you understand.”
    â€œIndeed, my lord.”
    â€œAnd this way, when you have need to consult me about the collection, I’ll be close at hand.”
    â€œA definitive advantage, I’m sure,” she muttered darkly.
    He smiled, the grin of the triumphant. “That’s settled then. I’m off to tell Graves and Danvers of your suggestion, and to consult with them about the renovation. We’ll see if we can’t get started right away. Remember the carriage when you’re ready to go,” he tossed over his shoulder.
    â€œWait, if you please,” she called out to him. “There is one final matter.”
    He turned back toward her, but she merely paused, clenching her hands in front of her skirts. “Yes?” he prompted.
    He watched her take a deep breath. “I would ask to be excused from any further luncheons with you or your guests,” she said in a rush. “I’m afraid Lady Barrington does not approve of me. It poses a problem, since she serves as your hostess.”
    From comments Anna and Lady Vaughnley had made at their social calls this afternoon, he had some idea what was going on—especially after a wave of twittering gossip spread out behind teacups and fans in the ladies’ wake. His new librarian was no doubt correct that Lady Barrington meant her no good. Callista’s struggle to maintain her composure in face of the slights she’d endured under his roof deepened his sting of conscience. Even so, he found himself unwilling to give up her company.
    And caught rather by surprise at the rush of pleasure he felt knowing that his position of power over her meant he didn’t have to give her up, either.
    â€œI’m afraid I can’t grant your request,” he said. “When the officers of the Philosophical Society took their leave, they expressed hope that they’d lunch with you again. Rexton House functions as their London headquarters, you see, and I’ll be hosting a series of meetings as they plan the upcoming Edinburgh conference.”
    She swallowed and turned away. “If you’ll forgive me for being blunt, luncheon was somewhat trying. I have not only my own reputation to look to, but that of my younger sister as well, since I am her guardian. Your reputation as Lord Adonis, Master of Love, will not help my own, I’m afraid, if certain people choose to make an issue of my presence in your household.”
    He read the quiet desperation of her situation in her tense shoulders. For the first time, he truly hated that skein of stories about the “Master of Love.” It had originally served his purposes, but lately he’d begun to wonder if it was all worth it. The truth would blow away the cobwebs in an instant, yet he had woven the tale so well, none would believe him now.
    Frustration sharpened his tone. “I expect my sister will be doing more of the hostessing, now that she’s back in town and the Season is picking up.” It was the most he’d