Yes. That was it. If she handled everything with precision, she could be close to procuring a proposal from the baron by the end of the evening.
~ ~ ~
Christopher tossed back his whisky, then poured another. The damned drink always called to him in times of crisis as if it would provide instant relief, but the sensation never came. This time, he could only think about what the alcohol had driven him to do last time he’d over imbibed. The memory made him groan, especially with the damning letter sitting on his desk.
“What happened to you?” Philip laughed as he entered the study. “Since you’ve been in London, I’ve seen you express more emotions than I thought you possessed.”
“Laugh all you want. I don’t care. My entire life has become a grand jest, in any case.”
Philip’s smile disappeared as he sat down. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware this was such a serious matter. What is the trouble? Perhaps I can help.”
“No one can help. I’ve simply run out of time. I couldn’t make a decision about Miss Jubal quickly enough, and now I have no choice. I wrote to her. I intend to cancel my French lessons.”
With wide eyes, Philip stared at him. “What are you talking about? Unless you found out you are dying, there are no time limits. And, how do you expect to learn French if you don’t take lessons?”
“As it turns out, I don’t need to learn French. Jacques informed me yesterday that his sister speaks English. He thought learning the language would be good for me, so he lied.”
“Jacques lied? I didn’t know the man had it in him. Regardless, I do believe he was right. Learning French brought you to Miss Jubal, and I believe she’s been good for you.”
Gripping his glass, Christopher shook his head. “You’re wrong. It served for nothing. And, now I must send this bloody letter to tell her goodbye.”
“No, you don’t. You—”
“Miss Auclair is here. She traveled from France to meet me. Apparently, the girl is anxious to wed, and doesn’t feel our relationship is moving swiftly enough through the letters, so she surprised her brother by traveling here by herself.”
“I don’t see how that changes your decision regarding Miss Jubal. You don’t have to marry the French chit simply because she showed up here.”
Christopher let out a breath. After the girl traveled such a far distance, he couldn’t exactly turn her away. Philip was wrong. This changed everything. In the end, he knew marrying Miss Auclair was the right decision. One he would likely have made once his experiment was done.
“We are having dinner with Jacques tonight to meet his sister.” Christopher stood and picked up the damned letter. “I expect you to be ready and to keep your opinion to yourself tonight.”
With that, he left his brother. He didn’t look forward to what Genny’s response to his letter would be, so he decided it would be best to get this over with. Besides, with his soon-to-be bride more readily attainable, he had no reason to see Genny again.
Later that night as he walked into Jacques’s townhouse, his thoughts were still on Genny. More than once, he’d stopped himself from going to see her to explain his letter in person. Regret wasn’t a strong enough word to describe his feelings on sending his goodbye in written form. She deserved more from him.
“Ah, mon amie, there you are.” Jacques had a wide grin as he greeted them. “Please allow me to present my sister, Manquer Marguerite Auclair. Marguerite, this is Christopher Valentine, Earl of Andel, and his brother, Philip Valentine.”
Christopher forced his eyes to take in the petite creature at his friend’s side. Her sparkling, green gaze openly appraised him with a hint of mischief. Although he could clearly see the touch of youth in her features, the girl was even lovelier than her picture. Her blond hair was meticulously styled and it shone gold. The perfect skin of her cheeks would be the envy of any woman and the prize of any man. And, her body surely graced the dreams of a number of men. However, his mind still pictured Genny.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He took her hand and bowed, knowing what was expected and refusing to disappoint his future bride.
As the introductions and small talk continued, he couldn’t help but marvel over the differences between this girl and Genny. He cursed under his breath. He shouldn’t be thinking about her any longer. This had to stop.
The announcement of more guests had Christopher’s entire body frozen. It couldn’t be. He slowly turned. Genny. Her eyes didn’t meet his, and he couldn’t exactly blame her either. The air suddenly became stuffy as he focused on her while greetings and introductions were passed between Miss Auclair, Genny, and Lord and Lady Burleson.
He needed to talk to Genny, but he wasn’t sure how to get to her without being overheard by everyone. This was a nightmare. It was as if Jacques had set up the evening intentionally to ruin him. If so, his friend had succeeded.
“Dinner is served,” the butler announced from the doorway.
As the host, Jacques escorted Lady Burleson, leaving him to accompany Genny as the next highest-ranking woman as her father escorted Miss Auclair. Again, Genny didn’t look at him as she took his arm.
There were so many things he wanted to say. “It’s a lovely evening,” he blurted. That wasn’t one of them.
“I see your French lady is quite real.” Her back was perfectly straight. “I also hear why you don’t need lessons any longer.”
“Genny, I—”
“There is no need, my lord.” She turned her face away and he knew it was so that she would be unable to hear his whispering.
He gritted his teeth. They needed to talk. And, the way she had fallen back on using his title hadn’t gone unnoticed. He hated her need to put distance between them. But, at the same time, he knew they needed it right now.
Dinner was an uncomfortable affair with his eyes traveling between the two very diverse women. Both would provide him different lives. One was the direction he’d always believed he preferred, but he feared so much had changed, he wasn’t ready to accept it. Or, perhaps, he wasn’t ready to give up Genny just yet.
His head hurt. Thinking like this wasn’t right. Miss Auclair was his future. He’d known it for quite some time now. And, judging from the way Jacques’s eyes kept straying to Genny, he suspected the man would see to Genny’s future. They would both be settled and mostly content.
When the ladies left so the men could enjoy their port, panic rose within him. He didn’t like the idea of Genny talking to Miss Auclair. And, judging from Lord Burleson’s constant glances, the man didn’t like this situation any better. Overall, Christopher couldn’t think of a more uncomfortable evening, and he didn’t suspect it would improve as the night progressed.
~ ~ ~
Genevieve sat with her back perfectly straight as she looked at the perfect woman before her. Miss Auclair was everything she was not. It was clear to see why Christopher had ended everything with her the second this French beauty had arrived.
She wanted to laugh at herself and her ridiculous accusation that Christopher’s French bride didn’t exist, but she hurt too much at this moment to feel humor in the situation. The truth of the matter was that she had deluded herself into believing she could have a future with him. Into believing he wanted something from her other than to learn French.
“My brother tells me you speak fluent French.” Miss Auclair sat down, her face aglow with pleasure.
The girl’s accent was musical and soothing. Genevieve forced a smile. Was there nothing wrong with this woman? Did she have to be perfect in every aspect?
“Perhaps not as well as a native speaker, but I am fond of the language.” Genevieve studied the woman’s face closely. “I can see your English is superb.”
With musical laughter, the girl moved an errant lock of hair from her shoulder. “Yes. It seems everyone
had the mistaken impression that I was ignorant of English. I assure you, I am as well-versed as my brother, more so, even.”
“That knowledge will serve you well during your stay in England. I hate to admit it, but the majority of people who claim to know your language don’t possess the necessary skills to truly communicate.”
“I have noticed that as well. However, considering I intend my stay to be permanent, perhaps I can help educate everyone.”
Genevieve froze. Although she knew the girl intended to marry Christopher, it stung to hear her talk about it openly. In addition, French lessons from her would be far superior to anything Genevieve had taught. She was feeling more inadequate by the minute.
“That sounds like an excellent plan,” Genevieve intoned.
When the men entered the room, Genevieve didn’t know if she should be relieved or more nervous. On one hand, she welcomed the ability to stop talking to Miss Auclair, but on the other, she couldn’t stand being in the same room with Christopher. Exactly like at dinner, her eyes wanted to seek him out. She couldn’t help the compulsion, but she did her best to stop herself from giving in.
“Miss Auclair,” Mr. Valentine said as he approached them. “Would you do us the honor of playing the pianoforte? Your brother has told us of your talent.”
The girl’s gaze shot questioningly to Christopher’s before returning to Mr. Valentine, and she smiled. “I would be honored.”
Once he moved away, Genevieve allowed herself a look at Christopher. He was staring at her as if in pain. She quickly glanced away, but he had already seen her notice him. He slid onto the sofa beside her.
“We need to talk.” His voice was low.
“I disagree. Your letter was quite clear. Besides, after meeting her, I understand completely. The girl is enchanting.”
“I didn’t expect this from you.” His tone hardened.
She narrowed her eyes. “I have done nothing wrong, my lord. Considering I have been fired from the position as your instructor, I don’t know how you would expect me to act. I think it would be best if we parted ways and behaved as though we didn’t know one another.”
“Best for who? Certainly not me. And, whether you admit it or not, not for you either.”
“My lord—”
“Stop doing that. You damned well know my name is Christopher. You used it before, and you’ll use it again. Now, your father told me you will be in attendance at the picnic tomorrow. We can talk there.”
With that, he rose and moved toward the pianoforte just as Miss Auclair finished a perfect execution of her piece. Genevieve gritted her teeth. He looked at the woman as if she were his prized possession. And, in truth, she did belong to him in a way Genevieve never would.
Luckily, he didn’t bother her the remainder of the evening. She suspected he thought since he’d said his piece, she would simply comply with his bidding. However, she would not. How could she? Being with him was far too difficult.
However, after the long drive the following day as they made their way to Lord Caston’s estate for the picnic, her resolve had worn down. In its place, curiosity had set in. After all, she had no idea what Christopher had wanted to talk to her about. It could be an apology over his curt letter or he could be intending to take her back on as an instructor. How could she not find out?
As she followed behind her mother through the milling guests, she wished Frank had come. On his arm, she knew her confidence would be significantly higher. From an early age, he’d given her strength, and she could use it now.
“Now, you need to find the gentlemen who have shown interest and recapture it,” her mother instructed after they had dined on the various offerings.
“Of course, Mother,” she capitulated, although she wasn’t sure if it was possible.
Ever since the attention to her had increased, Lord Callum had not pursued her any longer. And, besides Baron Goulet the other gentlemen never seemed interested in getting to know her as Christopher had or talking about their plans for the future. It was a strange and different relationship. Then, there was Christopher. She hadn’t seen him yet today, but he was no longer a possibility for her.
“Miss Jubal.” The low timbre of Christopher’s voice affected her on the inside. “The garden here is quite beautiful. Would you allow me to escort you to see it?”
“I’d be delighted,” she heard herself responded as if on instinct as she took his offered arm.
“Lady Burleson, there are a number of other couples already enjoying the sights, so she will be protected. And, I promise to bring her back to you.”
Her mother smiled. “That is quite all right. I trust you, my lord.”
A sick feeling formed in the pit of her stomach at her mother’s words. In truth, the woman had no thoughts on saving her virtue. She would give Genevieve over to Christopher if it meant being able to marry her off.
Genevieve cast the thought aside as she walked through the garden with Christopher. There wasn’t any point dwelling on it. After all, he wouldn’t take her virtue even if she’d offered it. She couldn’t decide if that fact bothered her or not.
“Thank you for agreeing to talk to me. Everything has been happening so quickly, and I feel overwhelmed by it all.”
Her eyebrows rose. “So, you are betrothed already?”
“Good God, no. I just didn’t expect the girl to show up here. She’s just so . . .”
“Perfect,” she finished for him. “I could easily see that from my one encounter with her.”
“I was going to say something more in the lines of eager.” He pulled her into an alcove and faced her. “I know my obligations, and I know how I feel.”
She stiffened, realizing what this was about. “You don’t need to tell me this. As I told you last night, I understand. You came to me to learn French so you could be with her. This day was going to come sooner or later.”
“I don’t need to learn French any longer, as I told you in my letter.”
Nodding, she cleared her throat. “You were quite clear.”
“There was something I was wrong about though.” His eyes pleaded with her. “I thought it would be best for us to sever all ties to one another, but I was wrong. Last night I realized I wasn’t ready for that. Our friendship has become too valuable to me.”
An ache formed in her chest. She’d never had anyone feel so strongly about her, and she loved that it was Christopher who was experiencing it. However, his friendship wasn’t enough. Besides, they’d never shared a normal relationship and she didn’t even know what he wanted from her.
“What do you propose?” She forced through her dry throat.
“I don’t know. This is all new to me.” He took a step toward her. “I just know that if I walk away without ever feeling the beauty of your lips on mine again, I’ll regret it forever.”
She gasped, utterly shocked by his confession. In her experience, kissing and friends didn’t exist in the same category. However, she couldn’t complain as she wanted him to kiss her just as much as he claimed he wanted to do it.
“What are you waiting for,” she demanded, a little out of breath.
He smiled then clutched her around the waist and maneuvered her backward and out of direct view of the path. “Your permission.”
As his lips closed over hers, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in tight against her. Joy welled up inside her as his tongue delved into her mouth as if he’d had a desperate need of her. Perhaps she’d been wrong about him.
His desperation spoke to a part of her, and she moaned as an unknown desire swamped her. A confusing and consuming need filled her. If Christopher was going to keep being her friend and sharing kisses, she would allow him to for as long as he was willing.
As the amazing and confusing feelings swamped her, she pressed
herself closer to him. Until he was betrothed, she would allow herself the pleasure. He would have his friendship, and she would have her kisses.
Chapter 10
Christopher swirled his port in his glass, watching the thick liquid coat the sides, then run down. Ever since the picnic, he’d kept his own counsel. Luckily, his brother had noticed his preoccupation and respected his wishes.
Kissing Genny had been a mistake, but he couldn’t bring himself to regret it, and he would do it again. In fact, he was already plotting ways to get her alone so he could get his hands on her. It was shameful, but he couldn’t stop himself.
When he had brought her to the garden, his intention had only been to honestly continue as friends. He simply wanted the ability to talk to her at gatherings without her looking upon him as if he were the enemy. Or, to dance with her at a ball. That had been it. Then, with the light hitting her brown hair, showing off her hidden sparkles of gold and those perfect lips taunting him, he’d been struck by her beauty. He’d been lost and powerless. Asking for a kiss was the most civilized thing he could think of at that moment as his every other suggestion would have been far more scandalous.
“I don’t know what happened to you yesterday, but I’ve been patient. Now, we need to talk,” Philip broke the silence.
Clearing his throat, Christopher set his port down on the table, then poured his brother a glass. “Very well.”
“You asked me to deal with Miss Auclair for you. How long do expect this to go on?”
“What are you talking about? I only wanted you to take her to the pianoforte the other night so I could speak to Miss Jubal. That was all.”
Philip’s eyebrow lifted. “Really? Then, why didn’t you tell her you were going to be unavailable yesterday?”
“Don’t tell me she sent a message for me. She saw me just the other night.”
To Teach A Gentleman Page 12
