bedding acold lady who is only performing her wifely duty, or will I have an intense love affair with the woman of my dreams?â
The woman of my dreamsâ¦
Charlotte squirmed in her seat, now feeling the steady heating of her blood to the roots of her hair, her heartbeat quickening. She had no idea how to answer his question in a manner that would satisfy. Instead, she asked, âI assume you want the love affair, your grace?â
He watched her for a second or two, giving nothing away, then fairly whispered, âOnly if itâs mutual, Lady Charlotte.â
She swallowed, then allowed herself to admit what she felt deep inside. âI think, sir, that you are the most handsome man Iâve ever personally known, or even seen from afar.â
His eyes lit with a trace of amusement, even pride, and he almost grinned.
âBut then all the ladies think so,â she added matter-of-factly before he could comment. âYou already know that, Iâm sure.â
His features tightened; his shadow of a smile gradually hardened. She carried on before she lost her nerve. âI have every intention of being your lover, your grace, giving you what I can intimately, but I wonât do it without marrying you first. Itâs your choice.â
He looked irritated again, and certainly he had to be, for she was more or less baiting him, forcing him to choose between his rational needs and those desires of a baser nature.
âAnd one more point, sir,â she said carefully, eyeing him closely.
He fairly snorted, then drawled, âI can only imagine what that might be.â
She brushed over the sarcasm. âIâm a very understanding lady where men like you are concerned.â
He frowned, crossing arms over his chest. âMen like me?â
She absentmindedly straightened her skirts at the knees. âMen like you who haveâ¦trouble remaining faithful to one lady for any length of time.â
That audacious comment irked him again, but he didnât say a word to counter, only stared at her blatantly with cool, appraising eyes.
She offered him a reassuring smile. âI have no illusions about what married life will be like for us, sir, and I will remain ever practical. That is, of course, should you decide to take me up on my offer.â
He rocked back, his head tilted to one side. âOf course.â
After only the slightest hesitation, she asserted, âIâm an intelligent woman, and I understand that men have certainâ¦instinctive needs. You may rest assured that I will always look the other way when you tire of me and choose another. Iâve never been, nor shall I become, a lady prone to fits of jealousy.â
He didnât even blink. âThatâs very good to know,â he returned, his tone contemplative. âAnd quite generous of you, Lady Charlotte.â
She beamed, relaxing to her bones at his gracious understanding. âYes, I think so. But then I plan to travel and itâs more than likely we wonât see much of each other, which Iâm sure youâll agree is for the best.â
âIs that what you think?â
âNaturally.â
He studied her for a moment, once again lowering his gaze to her breasts, and she had to thank God then and there that at least sheâd been blessed with a full bosom. Her voice was undoubtedly her greatest asset, but she very well knew men didnât much care about how well a lady could sing. They always, however, cared about breasts.
âAnd what if you take a lover, Charlotte?â he asked thoughtfully, rubbing the side of his jaw with one large palm.
That flustered her. âI beg your pardon?â
He straightened a little in his rocker. âWhat if I want you all to myself? Am I to let you out of my sight on a European operatic tour that gives you opportunity to take lovers in France, Italy, Spain?â He snickered and folded both hands in his lap. âIs that what you
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