Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Mr. Compton,” Lady Wellington replied, turning fully around to face me. “You’re leaving so early?” I could see the sly look in her eyes as she asked it. I had given my full attention to Lydia tonight and no doubt Lady Wellington noticed. I saw the flash of challenge in her gaze as if she were about to take me down in the most ladylike of fashions. I did like this American.
“I’m afraid the evening has become a bore,” I replied with a smirk then turned my gaze to Miriam, who was studying her gloved hands as if she were the one bored. “Your dance card was full before I arrived. My loss I’m afraid,” I said trying to soften her. Last we had spoken, there had been laughter and something more I had been careful not to dwell on. However, that had been days ago and she’d heard nothing from me. The reception I was getting now was indeed deserved, but I wasn’t going to be able to let it go. I missed her smile… all of them. Especially the slightly wicked one.
“Yes, well, we must be going. Our carriage has arrived. Good night, Mr. Compton,” she said with a tight smile that very clearly told me to go to hell. That smile I could have done without. I had the sudden urge to grab her and press my lips against hers until they softened and moaned in response. I didn’t, of course, but the desire stirred none the less.
“You are leaving quite early,” I said, trying to stop her long enough to find the right words to make her smile at me again. The way she had on our walk.
“As are you,” she said then turned from me.
“Miriam has a headache,” Lady Wellington said in way of explanation.
I doubted that very much. Miss Bathurst was angry with me and possibly hurt. The idea of her being more than just angry made me feel unsettled in my gut. I wasn’t sure I could deal with the reality that I had caused her any pain. Yet another weakness she had revealed in me I didn’t know existed.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I replied, looking back to Miriam as she placed her hand in the footman’s and he helped her up into the carriage.
“Goodnight, Miss Bathurst,” I said when I knew there was nothing more I could do to hold her here.
She took a seat and her gaze found mine once more. She gave me a small nod then again looked the other way. The regret that consumed me was something new. I wasn’t accustomed to this emotion. I acted and accepted my actions. I wasn’t one to regret them. Yet, not being able to coax one real smile from Miss Bathurst did indeed cause remorse. If only I hadn’t spent time with her. If only I hadn’t gotten to know her more than just the outward beauty. However, if it were even a possibility, would I go back and not go on that walk with her?
We had enjoyed our day in the park. At least I had so much so that I’d stayed clear of her after. She was dangerous for me, to my plans for my brother. Too appealing, too unique, too damn beautiful.
“Goodnight, Mr. Compton,” Lady Wellington said with an amused grin on her face. She was enjoying my situation and didn’t mind letting me know just how much. Her aunt made it clear she wanted Miriam happy more than she wanted to see her make a fine match.
“Goodnight,” I replied with a slight bow. “I shall see you soon, Miss Bathurst,” I promised then stepped back as the carriage pulled away, leaving me with only the warmth of the evening breeze.
Her sharp look at my last words caused me to grin when I truly had no reason to after that encounter. Miriam Bathurst would not make it easy on me to regain her good favor. However, I did so enjoy the challenge. Damn, if this wasn’t a predicament I was in. If only it was Miriam my brother had his sights on. My job would be more than the satisfaction of revenge; yet then again, I didn’t cherish the idea of using Miriam. Hurting her in any way seemed unforgivable. There was no clear answer to this. If I reacted so fiercely to the slight I had given her tonight then how would I live with myself if I truly hurt her? Could I make Miriam Bathurst fall in love with me then walk away? I wasn’t sure I could.
“She’s not your type, Brother,” the last word coming out in a disgusted drawl from Ashington.
Turning, I faced my brother, standing only a few feet away. He was the last person I expected to escape the ballroom tonight, especially after his late arrival. Was he not here to woo Lady Ramsbury?