He palmed her damp cheek.
“I’ve fallen in love with you, Everleigh Chatterton. I shall wait as long as it takes, do whatever I need to do to convince you of that. I’ll help you overcome your qualms. My love will heal your fears.”
She swallowed, then licked her lower lip.
“You are a good man, Griffin, kind and decent and generous, but I cannot make any promises. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. I need to take things one day at a time. I don’t have your confidence. I’m afraid to trust my feelings for you.”
“I know.” He tucked the bedclothes around her shoulders in much the same manner as he did Sarah. “But I trust your feelings, and I have confidence enough for the both of us.”
“Humble blighter, aren’t you?” She attempted a wobbly smile.
“Go for a sleigh ride with me tomorrow?” Brushing the hair from her face, he paused and ran his fingers through the length before fanning the strands across the pillow. “Sarah’s never been.”
“Unfair.” She hit him with a pillow. “How am I supposed to deny her that fun?”
She didn’t look quite so tormented.
He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Madam, when I set out to win a woman’s heart and hand, you have no idea what I’m capable of. Erect your ramparts and battlements if you must, but I believe my love will tear them down.”
The next afternoon, bundled to their noses beneath furs and quilts, three sleighs full of the braver guests pulled into the courtyard that fronted Ridgewood. Jingling bells, the whoosh of the sleighs’ rudders, and laughter filled the air.
Under cover of the blankets, Griffin held Everleigh’s hand as he had most of the outing.
“Everleigh, the cold weather and these excursions agree with you. Why, you’re positively incandescent,” Miss Twistleton said, her face radiant as well.
Everleigh only smiled, but Griffin caught the furtive glance she sent him.
Hers was the complexion of a woman who’d been fully satiated and still bore the afterglow.
Miss Twistleton’s shiny countenance might be because Westfall had managed to seat himself beside her, the sly devil. Pennington on the other hand, brooded like a woebegone mongrel. Miss Gabriella had taken one look at the sleigh he was in and marched to another, her nose pointed skyward.
Pennington had best turn his attention elsewhere, for that door had slammed shut and was bolted from within.
Sarah, sound asleep and mouth parted, curled against Everleigh’s other side, Maya clutched in her mittened hand.
When they reached the mansion, Griffin climbed out first and reached for Sarah.
Everleigh laid her in his arms.
It had been on the tip of his tongue all day to ask if she’d thought any more about his marriage offer, but less than twenty-four hours had passed. He wouldn’t rush her. If need be, he’d continue to court her after the house party ended, for he was adamant Everleigh Chatterton would be his duchess.
Everyone bustled into the foyer where much stamping of feet to remove snow earned them a starchy stare from Grover, standing beside three footmen ready to accept the myriad of coats, scarfs, capes, gloves, muffs, and hats from the chilled adventurers.
He raised his patrician nose an inch and announced, “There are an assortment of hot beverages and dainties for your enjoyment in the drawing room. Her Grace begs you to forgive her absence. She’s feeling a trifle puny. She’ll be present for dinner, however.”
“I’ll only be a few minutes.” Griffin angled toward the stairs.
“I shall walk up with you,” Everleigh said. “I’d rather take off my outer garments in my chamber. I need to straighten my hair in any event.”
He thought she looked delightful slightly mussed and windblown.
Falling into step beside him, she turned to glance behind her as she removed her gloves. “The poor footmen and Grover are taxed to their limits with this many people.”
Griffin shifted Sarah so her head rested on his shoulder.
“True, but they also receive vails from everyone, and with a house party this size, that means a substantial bonus for each of the servants before the holidays.”
On the landing they parted; he continued on to the nursery and Everleigh to her chamber.
“Griffin?”
“Yes?”
One hand cradling Sarah’s head, he turned back toward Everleigh. She’d paused a couple of paces away.
She bit her lower lip and fidgeted with her gloves.
Were her cheeks still rosy from cold or was she blushing?
He drew nearer and spoke low. “What is it?”
“I . . .”
Staring at the buttons on his coat, she flicked her tongue out to wet her lower lip.
Even though he knew it was a nervous gesture, his body reacted with a surge of lust.
Her attention shifted to Sarah, limp as her ragdoll in his embrace.
“Never mind. It’s not important.”
Whatever she wanted to say, she was afraid Sarah might overhear, even though the child hadn’t so much as stirred for the last half and hour.
“Let me settle her in the nursery, and then we can talk. Do you want me to come to your chamber?”
Risky business that. But if she wanted privacy, her room or his was the best place to have a conversation.
Everleigh gave a short nod. “That’s fine.”
Twenty minutes later he rapped on her door. Sarah had awakened and fussed for a few minutes when he laid her down, and after she’d drifted to sleep once more, he’d taken the time to go to his bedchamber and remove his greatcoat as well.
When Everleigh didn’t answer, he knocked again.
Still no response.
He tried the handle and the door clicked open. Poking his head inside, he looked around.
“Everleigh?”
Curled up on the window seat, one hand tucked beneath her cheek, she was fast asleep, minus her cloak and redingote. Those she’d tossed on her bed.
A potent image of last night, her silken limbs entwined with his, immobilized him for a second. Common sense demanded he leave and let her have her nap.
Bugger that.
Common sense wouldn’t win this woman’s heart.
After checking the corridor, he closed the door. He sat beside her on the seat, and swept a curl off her forehead. She appeared so peaceful in slumber. He could watch her for hours.
What if his seed had found fertile soil in her womb?
Shutting his eyes, he pulled in a deep breath, both exhilarated and appalled at the prospect. Her first pregnancy revealed she was easily impregnated. He was an assling for agreeing to her request. Yet he couldn’t regret it, for she’d found she was able to reach fulfillment.
There was nothing for it. She might be carrying his child. He must convince her to marry him, and sooner rather than later.
She stirred, and her lashes fluttered open. Her drowsy smile held something more than sleep.
“I’m sorry. I must’ve dozed off.”
She scooted into a sitting position, resting her back against the window casements before patting her mussed hair. Several tendrils had escaped their pins and curled over her shoulders.
He glanced out the window. It had begun to snow again. They’d returned from sleighing just in time. If the weather pattern held, the Sutcliffes might have guests longer than anticipated.
“I shouldn’t have come in,” Griffin said. “You’re obviously tired.”
“Yes, I didn’t get a full night’s sleep last night,” she quipped with a saucy smile and a coy glance.
Now his Ice-Queen was flirting?
What next?
Perhaps she’d also laid awake the rest of last night.
“Indeed.” The seductive minx. He hadn’t come here to make love to her again, no matter how enticing the idea might be. “But was it worth losing a little slumber over?”
“Oh, very, very worth it,” she said.
She drew his head t
o hers and kissed him. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.”
“I’m only too happy to oblige, sweetheart.”
He waggled his eyebrows, and she giggled. He’d not deny himself her kisses.
Taking his hand between hers, she linked her slender fingers with his. “Will you come to me again tonight?”
So that was what she’d wanted to ask.
Her appetite had been whetted, and she was eager to practice more. No keener than he was to teach her, but not skulking about in darkened corridors and whispering clandestinely behind locked doors. No, when next she graced his bed, it would be as his wife.
He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.
She wasn’t going to like what he had to say.
“Everleigh, last night was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever experienced.” He squeezed her fingers. “But because I love you and won’t risk impregnating you unless we’re married, I must, with deepest regret, refuse.”
Her beautiful eyes rounded, and she pulled her hand away.
“Why must we marry? People take lovers all the time. Married people take lovers.” She poked his chest, then made a curt gesture with her hand. “Lord knows I witnessed enough fornicating and adultery while married to Arnold.”
Undoubtedly witnessed things no respectable woman could ever admit.
Her frustrated gaze impaled him. “You’ve had lovers. Probably dozens of them, and don’t tell me you haven’t.”
“Not dozens, darling, but I am flattered you think me so irresistible.”
She punched him in the shoulder. Hard.
“Arrogant, conceited jackanapes.”
Checking the grin that tickled his lips, he rubbed his arm where she’d struck him. By Jove, beneath that cool exterior, her blood and spirit ran hot. This Everleigh would keep him on his toes. What a delightful prospect.
Green sparks flew from her irises, and her anger gave him hope.
She was jealous.
“Maybe I’ll take a lover too.”
She flung her head back, giving vent to her frustration.
“I’m sure I can find a man to accommodate me.”
Over my dead body.
In a way, he was flattered she’d so enjoyed their sexual encounter that she had braved approaching him.
He forced calmness into his tone. “I cannot deny I’ve been with other women, nor will I apologize for what’s gone on before you. However, I shall never knowingly put you in the situation that forced you to marry Chatterton.”
“Since when did you get so blasted noble?” she snapped.
He cupped her shoulders and gave her the gentlest shake, forcing her to look at him.
“I’ll hear no more talk of you taking a lover. You could end up with someone who would abuse you. What we enjoyed is not typical.” No, it had been beyond extraordinary.”
“I have only your word on that.” Lips pursed, she tormented the tassels of the pillow beside her. “How do I know you’re not lying just to keep me to yourself?”
Not ready to concede defeat just yet, was she?
“I’m not, and I believe, deep inside, beyond your disappointment and frustration, you know that. Last night was something unbelievably special and it should be treasured. Even now my child might be growing inside you.”
Expression stricken, her mouth parted, and her gaze dived to her belly. She instinctively cradled her womb. Shoulders slumping, she shook her head.
“I thought . . .” She gazed out the window. “It doesn’t matter.”
Damnation. He hated seeing her so despondent.
“Everleigh, I’ll give you all the time you need to grow to trust me. Unless you are with child. Then we would need to wed at once.”
Fingering the locket at her throat she thrust her chin upward.
“I’ve been down that road once already, and I’ll be damned, damned I say, if I’ll do it again.”
He could almost hear the ramparts chinking higher and higher as she erected self-protective fortifications around herself.
“If I ever marry again, it will be because I want to. Not because I have to.” She pointed a shaky finger toward the door. “You should leave now. Last night was a stupid, stupid mistake. I apologize for imposing upon you.”
“Everleigh . . .”
She presented her profile, her Ice-Queen facade firmly in place once more.
“Please don’t approach me again. I’m leaving just as soon as the weather permits.”
Christmas Day. At last.
The past two days had dragged on and on since Everleigh had told Griffin to leave her alone. She hadn’t gone down to dinner that night, but instead had cried herself to sleep, something she hadn’t done since marrying Arnold.
Her frosty guise once more in place, she kept to the fringes of the activities.
Sarah’s two gifts tucked beneath her arm, Everleigh held her emerald empire gown up with her other hand. What had possessed her to accept an early birthday present from Theadosia?
Surely it was the least she could do to thank her dear friend, she told herself.
Maybe she’d wanted to impress Griffin as well?
Why, when she’d made clear her wishes?
She caught sight of herself in one of the corridor mirrors. The gown was truly lovely and befitting the season. It had been a long while since she’d worn anything so colorful, and despite her fragile heart, the gown lifted her spirits a notch.
Evening cloaked the subdued light visible through the windows. And beyond that, snow covered the picturesque landscape. A perfect setting for the holiday.
Griffin must’ve conspired with Fate to keep her at Ridgewood.
It had snowed intermittently since the sleigh ride, and a good two feet or more of white covered everything. It had been decades since anyone had seen a December with such deep snowfall in Essex. Leaving was nearly impossible, and even though she longed to flee to Fittledale Park, she wouldn’t jeopardize a driver’s safety for her own selfish wishes.
She’d endured marriage to Arnold for two years; she could certainly abide a few more days here. The company was pleasant, the food exceptional, and Theadosia made sure no one was bored or overlooked. Still, even in a house this large, with the guests confined indoors, unless she stayed in her chamber, she couldn’t help but encounter Griffin.
Seeing him across the room hurt like a mule kick to her innards each time, but he’d respected her wishes and hadn’t approached her. His gaze never left her though, and the hurt and frustration in his eyes caused hers to get misty more than once.
He was a good man, and he did love her.
She didn’t doubt it.
Lying awake at night, reliving the passion they’d shared, recalling his witty rejoinders and the tenderness he showed her and Sarah, she’d come upon a startling discovery.
She might very well love him too.
No. She did love him.
Fear had crippled her, warped her emotions, until she didn’t even recognize what was before her. Shame infused her as she made her way to the drawing room where the great decorated pine tree stood. She’d used Griffin in the basest, meanest manner. Had their situations been reversed, she’d have thought him a monster for asking to bed her.
Her slippers whooshed on the marble floor as they had that first night. It seemed much longer than just over a fortnight ago.
What if she did carry his child?
An unwed woman ought to be dismayed at the thought, but she wasn’t. She’d welcome a child—his child—no matter what.
She paused at the entry to the drawing room. As expected, guests milled about the room and extra chairs had been placed throughout. Candles winked on the grand tree, beneath which were stacked mounds of presents.
“Everleigh! Your gown is stunning.” Gabriella grabbed her sister’s arm. “Look at Everleigh, Fee-Fee. She’s finally out of mourning.”
That caused several heads to turn in her direction, one of which loomed above all the others.
; Ophelia sent a not-so-covert peek toward Griffin. Everyone probably thought the same thing she did, that Everleigh had set her cap for him.
Appreciation quirked his mouth the merest bit, as his hot gaze trailed over her, and from across the room she could almost hear him begging her to give them a chance.
“Evlee. Evlee.” Bum upward, Sarah scrambled down from the settee. She ran to Everleigh and held out her arms. “Up.”
Everleigh passed her gifts to Jessica. “Could you please give these to Mrs. Schmidt for me? They are for Sarah.”
The gifts for her cousins and the others had been brought down earlier in the day, but she’d needed to put the finishing touches on Sarah’s frock and doll.
“Of course.” Jessica smiled, catching the nurse’s eye. “You look lovely. Green is definitely your color. It matches your eyes.”
Everleigh lifted Sarah. “Hello, darling. Happy Christmas.”
“Happy Chris’mas, Evlee. I has a puppy. She has sharp teeth.” Sarah twisted, and looking over Everleigh’s shoulder, inspected the floor. Her little face crumpled. “I think Papa sent Claire to the nurs’ry.”
“I met your puppy. She’s adorable, just like you.” Everleigh hugged Sarah to her.
She’d miss the little mite.
She felt Griffin’s gaze caressing her again as he murmured something to Hampton while accepting a glass of champaign.
Mrs. Schmidt accepted the packages and extended her hand. “Let’s go for a walk and check on your puppy, shall we, love?”
A delicate way of saying it was time for Sarah to go to the nursery.
“Papa said I stay up late.” Sarah’s face contorted into a pout.
“You will, pet. You have more gifts to open.” She held them up. “And after supper, you’ll have plum pudding!” Mrs. Schmidt said. “Besides, this is Claire’s first night in the house. She’ll be afraid and lonely, and your puppy will want to cuddle with you.”
Everleigh passed Sarah to her Nurse. “I’ll come say goodnight to you too. I’d love to see your puppy again.”
Sarah stuck her lower lip out. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
She should’ve taken the gifts directly to the nursery, and had she been speaking to Griffin, she’d have known what his plans were for Sarah tonight.
Seductive Scoundrels Series Books 1-3: A Regency Romance Page 28
