A Lord For The Wallflower Widow

He said nothing. Why didn’t he say anything?

She was hopeless at small talk.

She kept her back firmly pointed in his direction, until finally there was no more excuse to avoid his gaze. She carried the tea tray to the table and set it down. She sat opposite and poured his tea. She recalled he liked lots of sugar and cream and put plenty in before handing him his cup.

‘Thank you.’ His deep voice resonated around the room.

‘I—I don’t have any biscuits, I’m afraid. I gave them all to Jeb. For his journey. To Kent. I haven’t had time to bake more.’

He stirred his tea, took a sip. ‘Excellent.’

She blushed like a schoolgirl at the compliment.

He leaned against the chairback. Relaxed. Confident. Elegant. Whereas she felt as if her hands were too large for her arms, like an ungainly colt.

‘Was there something you wanted?’ she blurted. So awkward. And her blush went from warm to scalding.

He put down his cup. ‘I have been considering your proposal.’

The blood drained from her head. ‘No. I mean I made a mistake. I wish you to forget it.’

A brow lifted. He tilted his head. ‘I wish you would hear me out.’

She turned her face away. Embarrassed. Mortified. Angry at her stupid impulse. ‘I beg you will say no more on the matter. You were clearly insulted by what I asked.’

‘Mrs Greystoke, I apologise if I was rude. I ought to be used to the gossips by now.’

She drew in a shuddery breath. ‘But I think ladies do not generally ask for your services so bluntly.’ She tried a smile. It felt weak. She straightened her shoulders. ‘Let us say I have changed my mind.’

‘Have you?’ His voice sounded wistful. Almost regretful.

Again the horrible blush. She’d done nothing but dream about the what ifs all day. What if she had flirted with him? What if she had enticed him? What if she had been someone other than Carrie Greystoke, daughter of a merchant and as blunt as a darning needle?

He reached across the table and took her hand, gently, lightly, his thumb brushing across the back of her fingers. Tingles shot all the way up her arm. She drew in a quick breath. Never had she felt anything so startlingly sensual. Her inner muscles clenched.

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