Christie Kelley (4 page)

Emory released a high-pitched, almost whiny sounding laugh. “Lady Susan Hythe?
And me?”

“No?”

“She is a sweet, young widow but hardly a suitable wife for a man like me. Her husband left her but a paltry sum.”

Avis scanned the room until she found Selby. A smug smile touched his lips as he stared back at her. Anger washed over her when he raised a sardonic eyebrow at her in question. She had no doubt he knew exactly what just transpired during her conversation with Emory.

“Congratulations on your accomplishment, Mr. Billingsworth. Excuse me, I must speak with Sel—someone.”

“I shall call on you after I return, Miss Copley. I’m quite certain you will wish to hear all about my month with the prince.”

She waved a hand at him in dismissal and walked toward Selby. Before she made it to the middle of the ballroom, he clasped her elbow and propelled her out to the terrace. A few people mingled in the shadows but Selby found a secluded spot for them before he released his grip.

“Is there a problem?”

Avis turned to face him. “Of course there is a problem. You deliberately lied to me about Mr. Billingsworth so I would be forced to accept your offer,” her voice lowered to barely a whisper.

“Oh? There is no betrothal?” He twisted his lips as if attempting to contain a smile. “No matter. I’m still the better choice for you.”

The arrogance of the man astounded her. “You are wrong on that point. Now that I know Mr. Billingsworth is unattached, I have decided to return to my original plan. I shall just delay my proposal for a few weeks. I no longer need you, Lord Selby.”

His mouth turned upwards into a wry smile. Why couldn’t she take her gaze off his full lips? Lips that had warmed her mouth, and entire body, only moments before in the study.

“I’m afraid you cannot do that, my dear.”

In the dim torchlight, she could just make out the darkness in his pale blue eyes. They reminded her of the sky just before a strong, summer storm.

“Why not?” she finally asked. She really needed to keep her concentration on his words not his eyes and mouth.

“Because I shall walk into the ballroom and tell everyone of your plan.”

Avis stood there, unable to say a word. The Selby name was held in far more esteem than the unmarried daughter of a viscount. If he did as he threatened everyone would believe him, and she would be completely ruined. Her perfect plan had come tumbling down because of him. She should tell him she didn’t care about a disgrace, but she really did care, and she was certain he knew it.

“Why? Why would you want to ruin me?”

“You made a bargain with me, and you will abide by it,” he said roughly.

“You can’t possibly want me—”

“I think I proved I do in the study.”

“You can have your choice of women. You don’t need me.”

“You’re right. I don’t
need
you.” He leaned in closer to her ear until she could feel his warm breath tickle her. “I
want
you.”

Banning Talbot, the sixth earl of Selby and quite possibly the most handsome man among the
ton,
wanted her. And he wanted her in a wholly improper fashion. A searing heat flowed through her body and centered between her legs. The only time she felt such desire was when he was around or in her dreams.

“There are just a few things you need to understand,” Selby said. “You are to stay away from Emory Billingsworth.”

“What?”

“Stay away from the man—”

“I will not!”

“There you two are,” Jennette said. “Arguing again. Just once I would like to see you both together and not fighting.”

If they didn’t fight, they kissed, and she doubted Jennette would like to see that either. Avis wondered what other conditions Selby wanted to put on her, but that could wait until tomorrow when he called on her.

She had a dreadful feeling their two weeks would be nothing but arguing and making love. Perhaps even arguing while they made love. It would be the most difficult fortnight of her life.

Banning sipped his tea and looked down at his congealed breakfast. Nothing appealed to him this morning. He dreaded his upcoming confrontation with Avis because he knew she would do anything to get out of their affair. The more he thought about it, the more certain he became that she would make a perfect wife for him. The last thing he wanted was her trying to get out of their arrangement.

“Are you unwell this morning, Banning?” Jennette’s lilting voice brought him out of his musing.

“I’m quite well, thank you.”

She sat down in the chair next to him and patted his hand with her own paint-splattered one. “Bloody hell you are. You look dreadful.”

“Jennette, how many times do I have to tell you it is completely unladylike to swear?”

“Probably a few hundred more,” she said with a laugh.

His sister might just be the death of him. At least that would spare him this valiant need to keep Avis from Emory Billingsworth. Banning had seen what Billingsworth could do when angry with a woman, but he knew Avis would not believe him…at least not yet.

He should have put a stop to her association with that bastard years ago. Not that he’d had any way of doing so. Until now.

He knew the real Billingsworth. The man who wore a mask of gentility while in truth was nothing more than a violent, cruel beast. The same man who had beaten a prostitute because she tried to take the money due her from him. Banning closed his eyes against the images that rose to the surface. Not even years could eradicate those haunting memories. That girl writhing and moaning in pain as he carried her to the carriage. The gasp from the physician when he saw Banning holding the battered woman out to him. His own blood-splattered clothing ruined over the few shillings the poor girl needed to survive.

And she wasn’t the only girl Billingsworth had beaten. But he would never lay a hand on Avis.

“I need to go out for a short while,” Banning said.

“At this hour?”

“This isn’t a social call, Jennette. It’s business.”

“Oh, well then have a marvelous time,” she drawled. “I believe Mother and I have some shopping that must be completed.”

“You might wish to use a bit more turpentine on your hands before leaving.” He stood and smiled down at his little sister. “The shopkeepers might get distressed if you touch their fabric with those hands even with gloves on,” he teased.

Jennette laughed as she stood to leave. “Followed by a course of rose scented lotion to hide the foul odor. Never fear, no one shall learn of my scandalous secret, brother dear.”

Banning shook his head. Her scandalous secret was far from scandalous and far from secret. Most people knew of her painting, though few knew she painted the most beautiful oil landscapes he had ever seen. And even fewer people knew she planned to move to Italy after she gained Grandmama’s inheritance. He sighed. Jennette’s future was an issue for another day.

He decided to skip Parliament today and rode straight to Bruton Street and the house where Avis lived. His coachman stopped a few houses away from her home. As Banning stepped down, he looked up at her white, brick home and noticed it looked no different from any other on the block.

Except an unmarried woman occupied this house.

After skirting a couple out for an early stroll, he walked up the steps to her door. Reaching for the knocker, he let it slip from his hand to bang against the brass plate.

An older man with a stern expression opened the door for him. “Lord Selby?”

“I am here to see Miss Copley.” Banning gave the butler one of his cards.

“Please wait inside, my lord. I will see if Miss Copley is at home.”

Banning entered the small receiving room and smiled. This room suited Avis perfectly—functional furniture with no frills. He strolled around the small room idly as he waited for the servant to return.

“My lord, Miss Copley will see you in the study.”

He followed the butler down the hall and into the study only to find Avis sitting behind a large, masculine mahogany desk. With her stern gray dress and dour expression, she looked as if she were prepared to transact a business arrangement, not determine the location and details of an illicit affair.

“My lord, thank you for coming by on such short notice,” she said as the butler closed the door. Once the door was firmly shut, the Avis he knew so well went on the attack. “You are such a beast. I cannot believe you think to blackmail me into an affair with you.”

“Do we really need to discuss this again?” Banning sat in a soft leather chair on the other side of the desk. He glanced around the room, impressed by the décor. “Lovely rooms, by the way.”

“Thank you, your sister helped me with the colors.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I have decided not to go through with this.”

“Oh?”

She tilted her head slightly. “I don’t believe you mean to go through with your little blackmail scheme.”

Banning gave her a half-smile and leaned in closer to the desk. “I wouldn’t wager on that if I were you.”

“Why?” Her face paled in the sunlight streaming in the windows.

“Because I have every intention of making love to you.”

Her eyes darkened but he doubted it was anger causing the change. Whether or not she wanted to admit it to herself, he knew she was attracted to him.

“What?” she sputtered.

Banning stood and leaned over the desk. “I am going to make love to you, Avis. I’m going to touch every inch of your body. Taste your skin with my lips. Fill you completely and then I will watch your face as you cry out in release. And then,” he paused, leaned closer and whispered, “then…”

“What?” She whispered with wide eyes.

“I’m going to do it again.”

Avis whimpered.

Banning sat back down into his seat and watched the play of emotions cross her face.

She gaped at him and finally blinked. As if realizing any more arguing would be futile, she cleared her throat and said, “Shall we get down to business, then?”

“That may be your first problem, Avis. An affair such as ours has nothing to do with business.”

She cocked her head and raised a tawny brow at him. “When blackmail is involved, I believe it becomes a business arrangement.”

Banning casually leaned back in his chair and laughed. “I hardly think what I did was blackmail.”

“And what would you call it?”

“Getting my way.”

“And what about my way?”

He glanced at her and almost laughed again. Her amber eyes glared at him. But even from his seat, he could smell the sweet fragrance of her jasmine perfume. The scent gave her a totally feminine air that was in direct contrast to her masculine study and stern clothing.

“I believe my solution lets us both get our way,” he finally replied.

“I chose Emory Billingsworth for a reason.”

“Are you in love with him?”

“No,” she mumbled.

“Then what reason?”

She looked away from him. “He’s a writer like myself. I believe he would be able to help me with more than passion.”

“Being a writer doesn’t qualify him as a lover,” Banning retorted.

“He can also help me with my characters…to make certain they have enough depth and—”

Banning’s chuckle cut her off. “Sounds like you want a reader, not a lover.”

“Well I don’t want you,” she retorted.

She had issued a challenge. He rose from his seat and rounded the desk. Avis scrambled out of her chair but couldn’t move fast enough to avoid him. Pulling her up against his chest, he smiled down at her.

“You do want me, Avis.”

She struggled against his grip. “I do not!”

He brought his lips to the outer shell of her ear and whispered, “Yes, you do.”

He moved his lips down her jaw until he reached her full mouth. She trembled slightly as he lowered his head to kiss her. Dear God, he wanted her. He deepened his kiss, letting his passion run free for a moment, imaging her naked against him. With only a slight hesitation, she kissed him back.

He kissed her until he moaned from the simple pleasure of his tongue caressing hers. Knowing she would be his was a heady aphrodisiac. He pressed her back until she was stuck between the desk and his chest. Slowly, he trailed hot kisses down her slender neck until the idea of making love on a desk in her study overwhelmed him. He could lift her up onto the desk, strip her of all those damned layers of clothes, and find her sweet warmth.

He wanted to forget her innocence, but could not. If he didn’t stop soon, he might not be able to stop until she surrendered to him.

He drew away from her, trying to catch his breath. “Seems we have a penchant for kissing in studies,” he said lightly.

She turned away from him, but not before he noticed her high color. “So we do,” she whispered.

“Still believe you don’t want me?”

She only shook her head.

“All right. Shall we finish our arrangements?”

This time she nodded.

He smiled, satisfied anew with this decision.

“Parliament should be done in a week, so I will be free to leave London then. I have a place near Southwold we can travel to and have some privacy. My family won’t think of going there because they don’t care for the place. Since I tend to take a holiday there every summer, it won’t seem odd to them.”

“You don’t wish to meet here, after the servants retire? Surely you could find a way to sneak in?”

“Too risky. Southwold is more secluded.”

Her eyes widened and color tracked across her cheeks. “Shall I meet you there?”

“Meet me at the Wayside Inn in Chelmsford next Tuesday. You can tell your servants you are meeting Lady Elizabeth and going away with her for a few weeks.”

“What if someone discovers the truth?”

“No one will. And who would suspect the two of us going away together?”

“Very well.” She glanced down at her desk before continuing, “Selby, just how many servants do you have at this estate?”

He smiled down at her. “Only two and they can be trusted to keep quiet about who I bring with me.”

“Only two?” she whispered with a frown.

“Would you prefer more?”

“No—no, I just assumed a large house would have many more servants,” she said in a quick odd tone.

“For the most part it will just be the two of us. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway stay in a cottage on the estate.” Banning circled back around the desk and picked up his hat. “I must be off. I’ll see you in a week then.”

Avis slid into the leather chair as Selby closed the door behind him. One week to prepare herself for a fortnight with only him. She could not stop the shiver from enveloping her. What if he was like her father?

She knew she wasn’t like her mother and would never allow a man to strike her, but with no one there to protect her….

When she had planned this affair, she knew she would have to spend some time alone with a man. Only she had assumed it would be a night or two in her home and the man would leave during the day. She could always call up on her servants if she needed them. Selby’s arrangement meant two weeks with him, and him alone. All day and all night.

Perhaps she should bring a pistol with her. Not that she imagined she could shoot him, but at least she might threaten him with it. She laughed aloud at the image of her holding a gun to Selby’s head. He was several inches taller than she and outweighed her by several stone.

She was being ridiculous. He was Jennette’s brother. Selby wouldn’t do anything that might make Jennette angry with him.

Avis pushed aside all her negative thoughts and concentrated on positive things. Which brought her back to Selby’s kiss, definitely an optimistic thought. She had never imagined kissing could be so—so intense. Today, he could have taken her right here on her desk, and she might not have stopped him.

A light knock sounded on the door to her study.

“Yes?”

Grantham opened the door. “You have callers, ma’am. Your friends.”

“Show them into the salon, Grantham. And set out some tea and biscuits.”

She hadn’t expected a visit, but knowing Sophie, she wanted to discover what happened at the ball last night. With a deep breath to steady her frayed nerves, Avis walked to the salon.

All four of her friends were seated in the room, waiting expectantly for her.

“Well?” Sophie said before Avis even sat down.

Avis leveled Sophie a glare.

Sophie waved her hand at Avis. “Oh, of course I told them. They are our dearest friends and would never tell any soul. We all care about you, Avis.”

“Mr. Billingsworth is otherwise occupied this summer,” Avis replied as she dropped onto the settee.

“Good. Now you can forget all this nonsense and get back to your writing,” Victoria commented.

Avis looked away but not before she noticed Sophie’s prying stare. “Perhaps I shall do just that, Victoria.”

“Of course, this is God’s way of telling you it is wrong,” Victoria added. Leave it to the daughter of a vicar to bring God into this mess.

Avis knew she had to get this discussion on to an ordinary topic. “What is everyone doing during summer?”

“Father has decided we should leave for the summer,” Elizabeth said, thankfully changing the subject. “Apparently, even though it has been a cool summer he’s packing us off to the Lake District.”

Thankfully, it worked. “I have decided to start a new book to put this whole plan out of my mind. So I will need some time alone.”

“Oh?” Jennette murmured. “What will you write about this time? I would love to hear more.”

“It’s too soon to talk about it. I am not certain where it is heading yet and besides, I’d rather get a bit of it on paper before talking it out. Emory is always telling me I shouldn’t diffuse the muse. When I see you in a few weeks, I shall let you know more.”

“At the Kesgrave summer party,” Jennette said. “You promised me you would pay no heed to your sickness and come. I’m certain Mother will want to go to Talbot Abbey for a few weeks this summer so I will be there with her.”

Avis had forgotten about the country party, and her dreadful motion sickness. She seemed to forget everything with Selby near. How would she manage in a carriage with Selby for hours? She would have to do what she always did, sleep. Assuming she could sleep with him so near.