To Teach A Gentleman

by Langston, Jenn

  He was so angry, his desire had faded into nothing. “I’m sorry that couldn’t be more pleasurable for you.”

  The words came out harsh and bitter, but he couldn’t bring himself to care at the moment. This was not a conversation they should be having only seconds after their encounter. Not after what he had witnessed.

  Her gaze shot to him. “What? That’s not what I’m saying. For me, it was . . . Well, glorious. But, you didn’t get anything. You didn’t even have to undress for the occasion.”

  Realizing what she was talking about, his anger evaporated. “If that’s what you think, you are wrong. I enjoyed myself a great deal. However, I didn’t take your innocence. That involves much more.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “But, you said we would take things as far as we could. Why did you stop?”

  “Because, when that happens, you deserve to be in a bed, not on the floor or sofa and certainly not on my desk.”

  “You tricked me. You—”

  The door opened and Jubal stuck his head in. “I better not be interrupting anything.”

  Without so much as a glance at him, she stomped from the room. Jubal chuckled then offered a bow before following her out of the study. Shaking his head at the two of them, Christopher took a seat behind his desk. As he looked at the smooth wood surface, he smiled. He would never again be able to look at it without thinking about her. His body stirred. It was going to be a long time before he’d get any satisfaction, but he could wait. He knew it would be worth it.

  Those very thoughts sent him to Viscount Burleson’s townhouse not an hour after Genny had left his study. The fact that she had gone to him had made him happier than he cared to admit. However, he had no intention of allowing the viscount to know how pleased the situation had him.

  “Lord Andel, please come in.” Burleson got to his feet and smiled. “Have a seat. It has been a good while since you’ve visited. The ladies have remarked upon it several times.”

  Christopher lifted an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

  “Yes. I believe you’ve made quite an impression on both my wife and my daughter.”

  Knowing what the man was trying to do, Christopher leaned back in his chair after accepting a glass of whisky. “Ah, yes. Miss Jubal. I wonder, have you made any offers to other men to enjoy a sampling of her?”

  A hint of anger tinted the man smile. “No, but I have noticed her rising popularity within certain circles.”

  “Then, you have received offers for her hand?” Christopher kept his face uninterested, but the question posed some problems he hadn’t anticipated. If Genny had been mistaken about her prospects, he could be denied. That would only leave him one option. One he didn’t want to have to resort to.

  “Not exactly, but I’m expecting a few.”

  “That’s surely a relief for you.” Christopher set his glass down and stood. “I can see I’m no longer needed. I apologize for taking your time.”

  The viscount leapt to his feet. “What are you talking about? Wait a second. Did Callum tell you I paid him to make my daughter look desirable and you thought to offer your services? Can’t you tell she doesn’t need help any longer? His attention and a few carefully phrased comments have been all the help she needed.”

  Christopher clenched his jaw to fight the fury inside him. How could a man do that to his daughter? At one point, Genny had been expecting an offer from Callum. How would she have felt if things had been different and an offer or any other attentions never came? The thought turned Christopher’s stomach. And, carefully phrased comments? Could that be the rumors Genny had heard? He sincerely hoped her father had nothing to do with that. If Christopher found out otherwise, he would not be able to control his actions.

  “No. I hadn’t heard that Callum’s interest had been fabricated.” Christopher kept his voice as monotone as possible. “I have contemplated your offer to negotiate a dowry for your daughter and had thought we could discuss an arrangement. However, with multiple offers coming, I can see you are not inclined to negotiate in my favor. Therefore, I shall return to seek out an heiress.”

  “There is no reason to think like that. Please sit down. I’m sure I can be more generous with you considering you are the first to offer.”

  After taking time to show reluctance, Christopher sat back down. “I suppose we can at least talk. I have a few demands that I’ll not waver on.”

  With a smile, the viscount sat down. “Very good. Let’s begin.”

  “The first is the timing. I shall wed her in one month’s time. I will expect you to have her ready by then.”

  “That is reasonable. I agree.”

  “Before then, I want unrestricted access to her. I will not have you or the viscountess denying my request on a whim. And, you will do whatever necessary to avoid gossip, but I will not have a chaperone hovering over my every conversation with her.”

  Lord Burleson laughed. “Yes. I heard about your dislike of chaperones. I understand you and my daughter escaped one in the garden.”

  Not changing his facial expression, Christopher stared at the man. “I don’t believe I should have to slip away to hold a private conversation. I intend for my wife to be an innocent on the wedding night. If that is not applicable for your daughter, our discussions are done.”

  “I understand, and I agree to this point as well. Actually, I can have the doctor check to give you proof if you prefer.”

  “Absolutely not,” Christopher responded without hesitation. “That leads to my next point. In my opinion, the second you and I come to an arrangement, she belongs to me. From that moment forward, she is not to be touched. In addition, she should be treated with all the respect due to the position of Countess of Andel.”

  The viscount’s jaw clenched. “And, what makes you believe she isn’t already being treated well?”

  “I never said she wasn’t. The lady appears healthy, so I can assume she is treated fairly. However, I don’t know how you handle your property, but I expect certain things for mine.”

  “I can see.” Burleson let out a sigh. “I remember when this was a more simple matter. When I offered for my wife, I simply asked for her hand, and her father gave his blessing.”

  “If I’m making too many demands, I can leave,” Christopher offered, knowing the man wouldn’t allow him to walk away at this point.

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Christopher let out the breath he was holding. Waiting a month to have Genny as his own would be difficult, but he knew if the viscount could keep to the demands he laid out, the time would be much easier. As far as he was concerned, Genny already belonged to him and he would see to her safety.

  “I admire your efforts to ensure your property remains intact. Do you have any more stipulations?”

  “Not at the moment.” Christopher inclined his head, not wanting the man to see how pleased he was at how this interview was moving along. And, after they argued over the size of Genny’s dowry, which Christopher truly didn’t care about, Burleson smiled and agreed to every point.

  As the difficult part was done, he knew he had a more pleasant one ahead. Genny had no idea what he’d meant by his consequences earlier, but it was time for her to find out.

  Currently, she was on an outing with her friend, but he was to be notified the second she returned. He would be the one to tell her the wonderful news. He smiled, greatly anticipating her response.

  Chapter 12

  “Please tell me you spoke to Lady Constance.” Genevieve couldn’t keep the concern from her voice as she watched Hannah calmly pour the tea in the drawing room of her townhouse.

  “As you know, no business shall be discussed until tea has been served.”

  “Very well.”

  Resisting the urge to tap he
r foot, Genevieve linked her hands together in her lap. Her situation had become dire. Although Christopher had kept her innocence intact, his talk about consequences had rattled her more than she cared to admit. She wished she would have taken the time to talk to him about them first, but it was too late now. She needed to have her future secured before whatever he’d referred to could befall her.

  Her thoughts about their time in the study were still too jumbled for her to decipher how she truly felt. The scandalous things they’d done together had been wonderful, and even now, hours later, her body hummed at the memory. She swallowed, surprised at how she wanted to repeat the experience so soon. However, that was an impossibility. Not only was he destined for another, but she knew he had no desire to marry her.

  Hannah handed her a cup of tea, then sat back with her glass, taking a sip and closing her eyes. “So wonderful. For some nonsensical reason, my brother hates tea, but I couldn’t live without it.”

  “That’s great, but do you intend to tell me now?” Genevieve pressed.

  With an exaggerated sigh, Hannah set her glass down. “Yes. I spoke to Constance. Although she was concerned over the rumors, considering no one has heard any mention of them, she has agreed to take you in. However, you are going to have to learn something other than French. She needs instructors that are more flexible in their teaching.”

  Relief washed over Genevieve, and she dropped her shoulders as she leaned back in her chair. “Thank you. I am so relieved. Even if I only heard idle gossip between two solitary people, I shall need to secure my future. I don’t see an offer for marriage coming from anyone.”

  “I understand. This isn’t such a bad thing. In my experience, marriage can be a ghastly thing. I will never give another man that power over me. Although, I will admit, my brother treats Miranda very differently than the way Lord Rivers did to me. Regardless, why take the chance?”

  Even knowing very little of what her friend endured during her marriage, she couldn’t bring herself to agree. Lord Rivers had been a horrid man, and it was very likely Hannah wouldn’t experience the same troubles with a different husband. But, on the other hand, Genevieve could no longer imagine herself marrying a random gentleman who proposed.

  The things that she’d done with Christopher hadn’t been something she’d expected. He had touched her in places he shouldn’t have, and she had let him. Welcomed him even. How could she do such things with another man? She didn’t think she could.

  Genevieve took a sip of her tea then coughed as the liquid burned her throat. “Is that whisky in here?”

  Her friend smiled brightly. “Isn’t it divine? The flavor is not to be rivaled. And, there are great benefits.”

  Setting the cup aside, Genevieve studied her friend. Hannah always appeared so well put together and relatively happy, but her misery ran deep. Genevieve wished she could have known the woman before years of marriage changed her. Had she been an optimistic young lady with dreams? Had she been like Genevieve?

  The thought of her life ending up like Hannah’s made her ill. For years the only thing her friend had to look forward to was the death of her aged husband. And, now she was alone with all the hateful memories. It made Genevieve truly glad she wouldn’t be getting married.

  When she returned home an hour later, her mother greeted her with an unusual amount of enthusiasm, then instructed her to go to her room and change. Although she had no idea what her mother’s purpose was, she had no desire to upset her current happiness.

  Her maid not only dressed her in her nicest day dress, but she styled her hair as if she were attending a ball. The only explanation the girl would give was that she had her orders. And, by the time Genevieve made it back downstairs, she was told she had a guest waiting for her in the drawing room.

  Her heart stopped. The only reason her mother would insist on such a high level of perfection from her appearance was for a gentleman. Was this another man her mother was trying to get to notice her? Or worse? Had one of the gentlemen spoken to her father?

  With her heart in her throat, she moved toward the drawing room, and was relieved to find Christopher inside. Likely, her mother hoped she would recapture his interest. She should tell her mother to just give up.

  A rush of heat touched her cheeks to see him so soon after their encounter earlier. And, to her surprise, her body remembered and desire washed through her simply at the sight of him. That wasn’t good. She was glad he would be betrothed soon, and she wouldn’t be forced to see him anymore. The thought brought a bitter taste to her mouth, but she ignored it. She had a plan for her future, and she no longer wanted marriage.

  “Lord Andel, how good of you to visit.” She glanced around and didn’t see a chaperone. “I see I have arrived too soon. Please excuse me.”

  “That won’t be necessary. Why don’t you come in and sit?”

  “My mother—”

  “Will not be arriving,” he finished for her. “Please sit.”

  Letting out a sigh, she knew she didn’t have a choice. She moved toward a chair, but he caught her hand and led her to sit beside him on the sofa. The slight touch brought a wave of sensation and her heart accelerated. Did he have any idea what he was doing to her?

  “I didn’t expect to see you again today.” She kept her voice low in case someone was lurking outside and could overhear. “Is there something wrong?”

  “Not at all. I spoke to your father earlier today, so naturally, I’m here to speak to you.”

  Shocked, she jerked back and met his gaze directly. “Why would you go see my father? Please don’t tell me you told him I snuck out to see you.”

  “Of course not. Why would you believe I would do that?”

  “I really can’t say. Just as I can think of no reason for you to pay him a visit today.”

  “You can honestly think of no reason why I would go to see him? Have you so quickly forgotten our conversation? I had believed I had been quite clear when I told you there would be consequences.”

  She frowned. How could he want to make her suffer for what they’d done together? She didn’t realize the consequences would be coming from him. She felt ill.

  “Now, I’m more confused. If you didn’t tell my father what I did, how do you expect me to suffer the consequences? And, I do want to point out your threat was for taking my innocence, which you did not.”

  “That’s where you are wrong. My warning was if you proceeded any further with me, which you did. And, furthermore, the consequences aren’t to be punishable by your father. It’s much more permanent than that. You are going to marry me.”

  The air rushed out of her lungs. That was the last thing she had expected to hear from him. Part of her wanted to rejoice to hear the words that she’d lived to hear for so long now, but the other part of her panicked. He was supposed to marry Miss Auclair.

  She swallowed, trying to make sense of everything. When she had gone to him, she’d never considered he would do something like this. She couldn’t do this to him or Miss Auclair. But, more importantly, she didn’t want to end up like Hannah. Would that happen with Christopher? She didn’t know.

  “I’m sorry. I can’t marry you.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Christopher pinched his lips tight as he narrowed his eyes. Although shocked at Genny’s reaction, his anger superseded all other thoughts. The woman had been consumed with the one goal since he’d met her. Now, she finally achieved a proposal, and he wasn’t good enough. The thought brought pain that only fueled his fury.

  “You can’t marry me, or you won’t?” He kept his voice emotionless, not allowing her to see how badly her rejection affected him.

  With her bottom lip placed between her teeth, Genny looked down. “That’s not a fair question to ask.”

  “Considering you just rejected me, I’ll argue that is not only
fair, but it’s justifiable.” This time his frustration seeped into his words. “Just answer the question.”

  She let out a large sigh. “You know very well that I can’t. If nothing else, think about Miss Auclair. The girl traveled a large distance for you. How can you possibly turn her away now?”

  Raising an eyebrow, he studied her. “She should have no bearing on your decision. However, as you mentioned her, I’ll tell you, the lady is no longer a concern, for she has found another gentleman who suits her.”

  Her eyes widened. “I’m so sorry. Does she have any idea the trouble you have gone through for her? Treating you like that is unconscionable.”

  Not sure if he should be pleased by her decision to defend him in this particular matter, he leaned back on the sofa. “I don’t blame her. She wanted attention, and mine was . . . otherwise occupied.”

  She shook her head slowly as if disappointed. “Then, I suppose you earned it.”

  Did she have no idea where his attention had been? He imagined his obsession with her could be seen from miles away, so surely she knew. However, the innocence in her eyes told him otherwise.

  “Do you have no other objections?” He willed her to say no.

  At her nod, he groaned and jumped up from his seat and began pacing the room. He knew her agreement was only a formality as her father would insist she honor their agreement, but damn, he wanted her consent. How could he even consider marriage to her without it?

  “What is it, Genevieve?” he demanded. “Clearly, I’m good enough for you to give your innocence to, but not good enough to be your husband.”

  She stood as well. “That’s not it. I—I’m just scared.”