The Viscount in Her Bedroom

by Gayle Callen

  “I haven’t seen the locals in ages. Might we have a dinner party?”

  Louisa saw the tension in Simon’s shoulders, but he said nothing.

  Lady Wade simply shook her head. “Not right now, Leo.”

  Mr. Wade stiffened, but to his credit he didn’t look at Simon. “Surely enough time has passed—”

  Simon opened his mouth, but Lady Wade spoke first. “Leo, you misunderstood me. You’ll see everyone tomorrow night. There’s a dinner party at Lord Strickland’s and the entire family has been invited. I’ll send word that you’re coming, too.”

  Simon smiled at his grandmother. “I’ll have to decline, I’m afraid.”

  Lady Wade looked exasperated. “As you wish, Simon.”

  “I’ll go,” Mr. Wade said cheerfully.

  To distract everyone, Louisa rose and approached the piano. “What shall we sing?”

  Georgie brightened. “I’ve found a lovely duet that will compliment your voices perfectly.”

  “Do sing for us, Simon,” his grandmother said softly.

  Simon obediently came to the piano, and Louisa guessed that he could not refuse her a second time this evening.

  Louisa looked only at the sheet music as Georgie played the introduction. She found herself terribly nervous, not because she was singing before the family, but because she was singing with Simon. Lady Wade and Mr. Wade were intelligent people, who would very easily see her feelings for Simon if she wasn’t careful.

  When they began the song, she once again felt a chill at how beautifully their voices melded together. She never once looked at him, but it was as if he sang just for her. She was embarrassed—but also so caught up in the pleasure his voice gave her.

  “Well,” Mr. Wade said when they were done.

  Louisa bit her lip.

  “I certainly couldn’t have done that song justice,” Mr. Wade continued. “Good to see you singing again, Simon.”

  Louisa let out her breath in relief.

  The next evening after everyone had gone to Lord Strickland’s, Simon found himself prowling the lonely house from end to end. Manvil caught up with him in the library.

  “You should have gone to the dinner,” Manvil said. “Mr. Wade will have the advantage.”

  “The advantage in what?” Simon asked crossly. He ran his fingers along the wall of books as he paced.

  “With Miss Shelby. Strange room for you to be in, by the way.”

  “Manvil,” Simon said almost with a growl.

  “I’ll go prepare your bath.”

  Simon wasn’t a fool—he knew that Leo had every advantage over him. But it was obvious that Louisa had not taken to Leo when they’d last met.

  He reminded himself that this had not turned into a competition for Louisa’s affections. She had agreed to be his friend.

  A friend he wanted in his bed.

  With a groan, he stalked out of the library and went up to his room.

  But of course he couldn’t sleep. When he heard the family returning, he waited an hour, then walked carefully down the balcony, relieved that Leo’s room faced the front of the house.

  He knocked softly on Louisa’s door, and after a moment, it opened.

  “So you’re knocking now,” she said softly.

  “May I come in?”

  “You just can’t wait to hear about the dinner?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Very well.”

  He entered and heard her shut the door behind him. Though he knew she was near, felt her warmth and the brush of her arm as he passed, he made himself go to his usual seat before the hearth. Maybe visiting her wasn’t such a good idea.

  But Simon needed to know how things had gone with Georgie. Leo had promised that he would watch over their sister, but Simon wasn’t going to get a full accounting from Leo.

  “How did Leo’s triumphant return go?” he asked when Louisa had sat down beside him.

  “If you’re so curious, why didn’t you attend?”

  He said nothing, and for the first time he felt more like a coward for refusing, rather than a man who understood that he would be the main attraction.

  She sighed. “Never mind, I understand.”

  And she really did, which made him feel worse.

  “Your brother was well received by his old friends,” she said. “In fact, right after dinner several of them monopolized him in a card game, so he didn’t get into any trouble—if that’s what you were worried about.”

  Damn, when Leo played cards, nothing else mattered—including their sister. So much for Simon being able to count on Leo’s help.

  “Why are you so worried about him?” Louisa asked.

  “I’ve always had to be concerned about Leo.” He couldn’t very well tell her that it was Louisa and Georgie he was worried about—lately, Louisa most of all. That realization startled him. “I know how close you are to your sisters, but Leo and I aren’t like that. I’ve sort of…taken care of Leo, probably too much.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Once again he heard the interest in her voice. She was always so compassionate, so ready to be of help. And he found himself wanting to tell her things that he’d never confided in anyone.

  “If you haven’t guessed by now, our parents were usually too busy to be bothered with us when we were young. But Leo always managed to need their attention the most, whether it was being reminded to study when he received a poor review from our governess, or when they had to rescue him from the schemes he concocted.”

  “Schemes?” she asked with amusement.

  “Foolish things like organizing wrestling matches among the grooms, and then losing the pool of betting money.”

  “But you weren’t like that.”

  “I was too busy being the dutiful son. I was the one who did everything for Leo, from teaching him to cut his meat to overseeing his schoolwork so my parents wouldn’t have to be bothered. He could make you want to help him. Maybe I did too much for him, which is why he’s so carefree now.”

  “But he also wasn’t the heir, so he wasn’t burdened as you were.”

  ”Making excuses for Leo now?”

  “Oh no,” she said quickly.

  “Then you’re trying to make me feel better for my role in Leo’s irresponsibility. It’s generous of you, Louisa, but unnecessary.”

  “I could say it’s your parents’ fault. Would you prefer that?”

  He found himself hesitating.

  “Because it’s really the truth,” she continued. “I can’t imagine that your mother reacted to your accident well.”

  “No, but even there, I might be to blame.” He continued before she could erupt with her usual indignation on his behalf. “Oh, not about becoming blind, of course. But I had a role in the family. I used to think of myself as ’the entertainer.’” He sighed. “I can’t believe I said that aloud.”

  “Maybe you needed to. Go on.”

  Louisa stared hard at Simon, who was lit by the candle she’d been reading by. He wore a rueful expression as he tried to make everything into a joke. But she could see the hurt inside him.

  “So you want to hear all the sordid details about my past,” he said, wearing a grin.

  “Yes. I want to see how you can be positive about people who treated Georgie poorly—if you aren’t offended that I said that.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. It’s ridiculous, really. But I was very good at making everybody laugh.”

  “I’ve noticed that about you.”

  “When I was younger, I organized Leo and later Georgie into acting in plays and singing songs. I could keep our parents amused for hours in the evening. I was a lot older by the time I realized it was the only time they seemed happy together.”

  “It sounds like you did a good thing for your brother and sister.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  “So how could you blame yourself for your mother’s reaction to your accident?”

  “She didn’t k
now how to handle it, of course. I kept trying to show her that I would be fine, but she seemed uneasy. When she went off to visit her sister, it was actually a relief.”

  Louisa saw him as a man who tried to please everybody. ”The entertainer” was a designation that seemed shallow to her, as if he could never have any quieter, more difficult emotions. But when it was his turn to need help, his mother had abandoned him. She was probably used to him as a sought-after member of the ton, and when he couldn’t be…

  Louisa hid her anger on his behalf and tried to be practical, which he’d appreciate. “I could understand why your mother’s departure was a relief. Your grandmother seems much easier to get along with.”

  “Oh, she is. And I think we’re good for her, too. It’s terrible to lose a son.”

  To distract him, Louisa said, “I know this discussion has turned from your brother to your mother, but let’s return to the subject of Georgie. I’m worried that my teaching is not having enough effect.”

  She saw his immediate concern. “Did something happen?”

  “I still cannot seem to ease her from this shyness. Around you and old friends and even other ladies, she does well, but with men…she seems tongue-tied. I’ve taught her things of interest to men, and it’s begun to help. And then Lord Keane, who was seated next to her at dinner, made it a point to sit beside her when the men came to the drawing room.”

  Simon straightened in his chair. “Keane?”

  “Well, you said you didn’t mind him.”

  “But not chasing after my sister!”

  “He asked her for a dance at the ball this coming Saturday night, and she didn’t refuse him. She later said she wished I were nearby so she could signal.”

  “Damn. Well, I’ll just have to attend to protect her.”

  Louisa’s mouth dropped open. “You’ll attend? Your grandmother will be so thrilled.”

  “Georgie needs me.”

  She promised herself that she would help him realize that an evening with friends could still be enjoyable.

  “I should let you sleep,” he said.

  At the reluctance in his voice, she wondered what these nights meant to him. To her, they were a way to be with him, to understand him, to pretend that they could be friends when beneath all their words lurked a passionate intensity that colored everything between them. The more she was with him, the more she regretted that there could not be more.

  She followed him to the door, and when he stopped suddenly, she ran into his back. He turned, catching her arm, focusing on her in that Simon way that never failed to thrill her. And for a moment, she was on the verge of asking him to stay. The stranger she was becoming frightened her.

  His hand slid up her arm, barely touching, until he could cup her face in one hand. Her heart beat loudly when he leaned down and kissed her cheek. At the last moment, she almost turned her face so their lips would meet as if by accident.

  They hovered there for a silent moment, their mouths close, their breathing loud.

  Then Simon straightened. “Good night,” he whispered.

  When the door closed behind him, Louisa put her face against its cool surface and prayed for strength. Giving in to her desires would only lead to worse loneliness for herself when she had to leave him. Because he was not courting her, and she knew he did not want to marry.

  And she wouldn’t let herself imagine being a wife to him.

  Chapter 15

  On the night of the ball, Simon and Leo waited in the drawing room for the ladies. Simon tossed back a drink, and by his brother’s silence, knew he was being watched.

  “What?” Simon finally asked. “Does my coat look all right? It’s been a while since I wore it, and it feels tight in the shoulders. Manvil insists it’s because I’ve been rowing—”

  When Leo started to laugh, Simon stopping rambling and put his hands on his hips.

  “Look at you,” Leo said, “as nervous as a girl fresh from the schoolroom.”

  “Not very flattering.”

  “Sorry. You don’t need to be nervous. Just the fact that you’re attending has the family beyond excitement. If I wasn’t so secure about my place, I’d be jealous at all the attention you’re receiving.”

  “Believe me, I don’t appreciate the attention. Luckily, I won’t know when I’m being stared at.”

  That wasn’t true. He could feel people staring—or was he imagining it? After all, they were bound to be curious, since he’d been holed up here for months.

  “Tell me what I look like,” he suddenly said.

  Leo sighed loudly. “Manvil did an excellent job.”

  “No, I mean—”

  “You look so natural, sometimes I forget you aren’t really looking at me.” Leo’s sober voice became playful. “But then I remember that I can get away with things.”

  Simon hit him in the arm.

  “Hey, how did you know where I—”

  “I can hear where you are,” Simon said dryly. “You might want to remember that.”

  “Hmm,” Leo answered. “For a man who can’t see, you seem to pay a lot of attention to Miss Louisa Shelby.”

  Simon tensed. “She’s our grandmother’s companion, and she’s helping our sister. Am I supposed to ignore her?”

  “No, but she likes watching you as much as you ‘listen’ to her.” Leo chuckled. “That’s pretty good, if I say so myself.”

  “Promise me that you will not be pushing women on me tonight. I don’t plan to marry.”

  “That is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said,” Leo scoffed.

  His carefree brother was actually angry?

  “Leo—”

  “No, you listen to me. Maybe not every woman would be able to deal with your moods, but you would have no problem finding a bride. You’re a viscount, for God’s sake.”

  “That and money would be the only reason a woman would marry me. Sooner or later she would realize her mistake, and it would be too late. No, thank you. I’ll let you and your eventual son carry on the title.”

  Before Leo could respond, they heard the ladies coming down the main staircase. Leo walked past him.

  “This discussion isn’t over.” Leo paused. “I’m impressed.”

  “What?”

  “The women are on the landing above—some ribbon in Georgie’s hair came loose.”

  “You’re impressed by that?”

  “No, by how she looks. I never thought our little mouse could look stunning.”

  Simon warmed with pride. “I never doubted it. Her old wardrobe did not flatter her.”

  “Oh this one does. Even the neckline.” Leo cleared his throat. “Guess she really does look like a girl.”

  Simon frowned. Had Louisa allowed a dress that was a bit too daring for a young lady? Surely his grandmother would have objected if necessary. And he knew Louisa had Georgie’s best interests at heart.

  “And then there’s Miss Shelby,” Leo said in a soft voice.

  At Leo’s admiration, Simon felt uneasy. Was he actually jealous that his brother could appreciate Louisa’s stunning beauty? It wasn’t Simon’s place to be jealous—he had no hold on Louisa.

  “Her dress is golden,” Leo continued.

  Simon really didn’t want to know, although it would appear suspect if he told his brother to stop.

  “And if you think Georgie looks like a woman—”

  Simon closed his eyes. He might not be able to see her, but he remembered exactly how her breasts felt in his hands, the sweet taste of her skin.

  “Boys, you look splendid,” their grandmother called. “Are we ready to go?”

  And then Simon realized something he’d forgotten—Manvil. Should he take his loyal valet and lean on him as he’d done for so many months?

  “Hello, Simon,” said Georgie, putting her arm through his. “I’m so glad you’re attending with me. We’ll have fun together, I promise.”

  Together? he thought. He was not going to allow Georgie to spend her evenin
g taking care of him. He shouldn’t even be going—but Keane was sniffing around her.

  He smiled at his sister. “I have plenty of people to be with, Georgie. You will dance and have fun and not worry about me, do you understand?”

  “But Simon—”

  “We’ll take turns,” Leo said. “There’s always a card game I could drag him to. Simon, I’ll position you on my opponent’s side of the table, and since he won’t know who you are, he’ll get nervous, thinking you’re reading his cards. I’ll win easily.”

  “Leo!” their grandmother said, taking Simon’s other arm. “How terrible to use your brother like that.”

  But Simon found himself laughing, and his tensions eased.

  “And Simon will know everyone there,” Grandmama added. “It is a country ball, not a London crush.”

  Simon’s smile faded. He wondered what Louisa was thinking. Did she look forward to this, or would she be too preoccupied about Georgie, as he was? And he worried for Louisa, too. If these men had heard the London rumors, she would be vulnerable, and he could do nothing to help her. He wouldn’t even be able to see what was going on. He wanted to tell his grandmother to keep an eye on Louisa, too, but he never got the chance.

  How did he think he was going to protect either woman?

  He was stuffed into the family carriage with everyone else, where he listened to Louisa’s last-minute instructions to Georgie, and Leo’s opposite advice.

  After they arrived, and the footman had helped Simon down, Lady Wade said, “Simon, as my eldest handsome grandson, you must escort me inside. Louisa, you can remain with us, while Leo escorts Georgie.”

  “Georgiana,” his sister hissed.

  Simon smiled as Grandmama put her arm through his.

  “There are only two steps up to the ground floor right here,” she said.

  He felt them with his cane. He knew he’d been at Lady Perry’s home before, but he couldn’t remember the layout. He was used to his grandmother’s home, but now he was entering a giant blank, and he felt adrift.

  “We’re in the entrance hall,” Grandmama continued, “and we’re going to follow stairs that circle here to the right, up to the second floor. Do you remember this two-story entrance hall? It is quite stunning.”