Never Deceive a Bluestocking, page 5
He was probably making something out of nothing. Falling in love wasn’t some sort of disease, and the Neverhartt women hadn’t cast a spell of any sort. They'd tempted his friends, and that had been enough to set their course, and the end result was love and marriage, and for Graystone, children soon.
The idea of marriage still didn’t sit well for him. He was happy for his friends, even if he didn’t quite understand their urge to enter into a union designed to be forever. He didn’t know if he’d ever be ready to make that step. Wes would have to someday, but he planned on pushing that off as long as possible. He didn’t have time for a wife and children.
He needed a drink. Wes stood and went to the decanter of brandy he kept in his study and poured a snifter. At the rate he was going, he should be inebriated. He’d had at least two full glasses before he’d left the academy, and he planned on having a few more before dinner. This was what he’d been driven to in order to make it through the day. Wes had started to really hate his life, and he couldn’t see a clear path to rectify it. He doubted his grandfather would allow him to make any changes, either. Perhaps he should run away. If he disappeared, then no one could bother him or force him to do something he didn’t like.
Wes stared at the brandy he’d poured. He had yet to take a drink. What was he doing? Drinking until he couldn’t feel anything was not the answer to his dilemma.
“Are you going to drink that?” a woman asked.
Wes glanced up from his brandy and met her gaze. She had brilliant blue eyes and golden hair, high cheekbones that were slightly pink, and her lips were plump and inviting. Wes tilted his head to the side and studied her features. There was something familiar about her, but he couldn’t quite make out what. “I had intended to,” he told her. “That is what one does when they pour brandy into a glass.”
“That was my assumption as well,” she replied. “But you were staring at it as if it might poison you.”
Who the hell was she, and why had she come to his study? He probably should ask her, but he was fascinated. “Not at all.” He set the brandy down. Wes honestly didn’t want it any longer. “I changed my mind about drinking it, is all.”
“Really?” She lifted a brow and sashayed toward him. She snatched the snifter off his desk before he could stop her. He met her gaze as she lifted it upward and took a long drink, then slowly licked her lips before setting the empty glass down. “It’s delicious. You shouldn’t waste good brandy.”
Good God, she was perfect. “Would you like another glass?”
“No,” she said, and then smiled. “One shouldn’t overindulge either.”
“What can I do for you?” He should ask her what her name was, but he found he liked this exchange as it flowed out. She’d tell him when she was ready. Wes lifted his lips upward. It occurred to him then she could only be one person. Poppy’s friend… He wished he had asked Poppy more questions now. “Shouldn’t you be with my sister?”
“Poppy is still preparing for dinner.” She waived her hand dismissively. “She told me to entertain myself, and here I am doing as she suggested.”
Wes should not be lusting after his sister’s friend. She was a proper young lady, and any sort of misbehavior might lead him to a predicament he hoped to avoid. He might find her lovely, but that didn’t mean he wanted to marry her. “It’s nice you’re making yourself comfortable, but perhaps you should have stayed in the sitting room. It’s not proper for us to be alone.”
“Trust me, you have nothing to worry about where I’m concerned.” Her tone was full of derision. “I hope you don’t think I’m in here because I hope we might make an excellent match. Marriage is the last thing I want.”
He lifted a brow. “Then what is it you do want?”
Wes might regret asking her, but he was intrigued. Young ladies did not usually speak so frankly, and he hoped the more time they spent together he’d discern why she was so familiar.
She smiled again, but there was something wicked there. It sent a jolt through him he couldn’t ignore if he wanted to. Damn, she had a gorgeous mouth. She walked around the desk and trailed a finger down his cheek. “My lord, I want something inherently more precious to me than a husband. Men are often a disappointment.”
He swallowed hard. “People in general are, in my opinion.”
She shrugged. “That’s true enough.” Her laughter echoed around him. Wes had the urge to pull her into his lap and press his lips to hers. He was a man on the brink of desperation and barely in control of his desires. She would do well to back away from him. “Most of the women in my life I can depend upon, though. All the men have let me down in some fashion.”
“I am not acquainted enough to agree or not with you.” He needed to know what her name was, but didn’t want to be rude, either. If she didn’t offer it soon, he’d ask. He had to. There was something familiar about her…
“You are,” she insisted. “But that’s a discussion for another time. There is something much more pressing we need to speak about.”
“And what is that?” He did not know what she might need to talk with him about. He was fairly certain they’d never met before; however, he could be wrong. Wes couldn’t shake the feeling he had met her somewhere.
“You’re lying ways,” she told him.
“I don’t lie,” he insisted, and was a little affronted by her claim.
She lifted a brow. “Never?”
The tone of her voice had him standing as she wandered around his office. She hadn’t met his gaze again, and he found himself wishing she’d glance in his direction. Did she honestly think he went around deceiving everyone? Why would she think that?
“I’m not going to repeat myself,” he told her. Wes didn’t owe her any explanations.
“So,” she began, then turned to meet his gaze. Her eyes were so blue and fiery at the same time. As she said her next words, he finally realized why she was so familiar. “When you said I had no talent, you didn’t lie?”
He cursed under his breath. Poppy must have told her about the school, and that was why she’d auditioned at the last second. “I didn’t.” The muscles in his cheek clenched.
Her lips formed a thin line, and her cheeks were a little redder than they had been when she had first strolled into his office. “I don’t believe you.”
“Do you think you are so wonderful you cannot take any sort of criticism?” He had wondered what she’d look like in a gown, and now he wished he’d never met her again. Wes still itched to kiss her. The difference was now he understood how big of a mistake that would be.
“No,” she answered. There was a hint of defiance in her tone. “But I know you’re lying.”
“And how could you possibly discern such a thing?” He shook his head. “That is wishful thinking on your part.”
He prayed she would let this anger go. If she was Poppy’s friend, they would cross paths again. Wes didn’t want there to be any disagreements between them that might make anything unpleasant for his sister.
“You’re wrong,” she told him. “I am not one prone to fanciful notions. I’ve worked hard to learn the violin, and I want to learn more.” She glared at him. “But if you had told me the truth, I wouldn’t be standing here now. It would have hurt, but I would have accepted that I had a mediocre skill.”
“What makes you believe it’s more than that?” She was talented, damn it, but he couldn’t say that to her.
“Because you said I was.” She tilted her head to the side. “Not to me, of course. I am a mere woman and beneath you, but you cannot ignore the truth any more than I can.”
Wes frowned. How could she have heard him say that when he hadn’t? Wes started to deny it again, but then he remembered. He had said it aloud. “What did you say your name was again?”
Her lips twitched as she fought a smile. “Trying to figure out how I could have heard you say the words you wish to deny now?”
What had Graystone said earlier? If Christiana had been in London, and had a talent for music, he’d have believed it would have been her auditioning. Her twin was home, though. Could this enchanting woman be Lady Carolina? It had been a couple years since he’d last seen the twins, and even then, he hadn’t paid much attention to them.
“No,” he replied wearily. “I know exactly how you heard me.”
“You’re done lying to me now? How refreshing.”
Wes closed his eyes and shook his head slowly. He should apologize, but he wouldn’t. He had made the right decision, and he wouldn’t change his mind. “The academy is no place for a woman.”
“It’s clear you believe it,” she agreed. “I’m not here to argue with you about it. I have something else in mind.”
God help him… “And what is that?”
“You’re going to teach me.” Her grin was so wide, it almost frightened him. “Poppy says you’re a brilliant musician and are more than proficient on the violin.” She winked. “You could play professionally if an earl could do such a thing.”
He swallowed hard. Her proposition was too tempting. To teach her, be alone with her, it was a scandal in waiting. Wes didn’t know if he could keep from kissing her or touching her… God, he’d have to touch her to teach her. What if he needed to reposition her posture or how she held her bow? “I cannot teach you.” He shouldn’t curse, and he didn’t, but hell, he wanted to. “I am too busy.”
Her smile faded. “You owe me.”
“I do not,” he countered.
“Fine, you want me to play dirty?” That evil grin returned. “I’m not above extortion. You can either teach me, or I’ll tell Graystone that you compromised me.”
“You wouldn’t…” Wes couldn’t keep the horror out of his voice. “You would force a marriage on us both? One neither of us wants?”
“I’d do anything to get what I wanted.” She held up her hands and shrugged. “The choice is yours. Instruct me or start planning for a wedding.”
This time he did curse. He gritted his teeth together and then reluctantly said, “When would you like to start?” He wished he didn’t desire her. That was the worst part of all of this. He would have to keep his distance when he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless. At least then she’d have something better to do with her mouth than berate him.
“That’s more like it.” She nearly bounced with happiness. He clenched his hands into fists at his side. Did she have to be so bloody happy about it all? “I’d like to start tomorrow. I will come here to visit Poppy, but we’ll actually have our first lesson.” She wandered to the door, then turned to meet his gaze. “Don’t forget. It was wise of you to agree to teach me. I do believe we would make each other miserable. This way, you don’t have to be with me forever.”
With those words, she left his study. Wes didn’t bother with a glass. He picked the decanter up and swallowed several gulps of brandy. She was the most hateful woman he’d ever met, and he’d have to spend a lot of time with her for the unforeseeable future. His life had taken a turn he hadn’t seen coming, and damn it all, he wanted to escape more than ever.
Lady Carolina had declared war. She may have won this battle, but he would win it all in the end.
Today was her first lesson with Lord Sheffield… Carly was nervous. She didn’t know what to expect from him. She hoped he would not be too difficult, but she did believe some residual resentment might play a huge part in their interaction. She went up to the door and knocked. A butler opened the door and greeted her, “Lady Carolina,” he greeted. “Lady Penelope is expecting you. She is in the salon.”
“Thank you,” she told the butler and went to the salon. She was there for her lesson, but they had to keep up the ruse she had only come to visit Poppy. She went to the salon and found Poppy pouring tea.
“Ah,” Poppy said, then smiled. “There you are.”
“I didn’t come for tea,” she reminded Poppy.
“I know,” Poppy told her. “My brother is held up, and he asked me to entertain you while he handles a few things. He shouldn’t be long.”
Carly frowned. She was irritated, but there was not much she could do to change the situation. “Did he say how long he would be?” She set the violin on a nearby table. “I don’t wish to waste time. Billie will be worried if I get back too late.” Anger filled her. He had agreed, albeit reluctantly, but still… She thought she could trust him to keep his word.
“I promise he will not be too long.” Poppy handed her a cup of tea. “Drink this and please,” she began. “Try to remain calm. My brother won’t go back on his promise. He will teach you.” She smiled softly. “Besides, this gives your presence here credence. You can honestly say you had tea with me if anyone asks.”
“Why would they ask?” She lifted a brow. “I’ve given no reason for them to not trust me.”
Poppy sighed. “You know what I mean.”
She did. Carly was taking her irritation out on her friend, and it wasn’t Poppy’s fault. “I am sorry.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I am just…”
“You’re anxious,” Poppy supplied.
Carly gave in and sipped her tea. There wasn’t anything else she could do. She would have to wait for the earl to show up for her first violin lesson.
Lord Sheffield strolled into the room. He stopped in front of them. “Please excuse my tardiness,” he told Carly. “I trust Poppy has entertained you in my absence?”
He was cool and collected and didn’t really glance at her. It seemed as if instead he looked straight through her. It was unnerving. “She has. Poppy is always gracious.”
“Perfect,” he replied. “Then grab your violin. It’s time we began.”
“In here?” she lifted a brow.
“Yes,” he said. “For now. This lesson is more for me to gain a feel for your skills. Your audition didn’t tell me enough about your playing ability.”
She narrowed her gaze. Carly wasn’t sure she believed that, but she’d let it go for now. She set her cup of tea on the table and retrieved her violin, then returned to her seat. “What would you like me to do first?”
Before the earl could give her instructions, Poppy stood. “Excuse me a moment. I’m going to get a book to read while you two do…” She waved her hand dismissively. “Whatever it is this is.”
After Poppy left the room, Lord Sheffield turned his attention back to Poppy. “I want you to try something.”
“All right,” she agreed. “Tell me what you want me to do and I’ll try.”
“First put your violin in position.”
Poppy lifted the violin and placed it under her chin. She held the bow, ready to start playing. He didn’t instruct her to do anything else. “What next?”
“Put your left hand on the fingerboard, around the third or fourth position.” He motioned to the violin.
“You do not wish me to use the bow?” she asked in a confused tone.
“Not yet,” he told her. “I want to see how well you do with this first.”
She positioned her fingers as he had instructed after she set her bow down. “I’m ready,” Carly told him.
“With your four fingers above the four strings, use your fingers to pluck open the strings. Do each string one at a time, with the corresponding finger above the string.” He motioned to her forefinger. “Start with that one until you reach your pinkie.”
This seemed so simple. She didn’t understand why he was going through the motions of this. Why would she need to pluck the strings? Shouldn’t she be getting more proficient with the bow? After she was done, she glanced at him. “Was that what you wanted.”
He nodded. “Repeat it.”
Carly sighed and settled in to do as he asked. She plucked each string, and when he said nothing, she repeated it again. Carly did it several times until he finally waved his hand at the violin. “That’s enough.”
“Is that all we are going to do?”
“For today.” He grimaced. “I’ve seen you use the bow. This gives me an idea of your skills and will help me to design your lessons from this point forward. We will work on more when you come back again.”
The entire lesson hadn’t been a lesson at all. She hadn’t learned anything new and felt as if this had been a futile effort. “Is there anything you want me to work on before I return?”
He shook his head. “No,” he told her. “I have to work out each stage for the lessons. Just relax. You’ll learn, but it’s going to take some time.”
That wasn’t good enough for her, but what else could she do. She walked over to him. There wasn’t much distance between them. She could feel the heat from his body enveloping her. Her violin was still in her hands, but the bow remained where she placed it. Carly was glad she still had her instrument, or she might have moved closer, and then touched him.
There was something between them she couldn’t identify. Her breathing became more ragged, and she had trouble sucking in air. It didn’t help that he kept staring at her mouth. Did he want to kiss her? More importantly…did she want him to?
She swallowed hard. “I need to go.”
Carly didn’t wait for him to respond. She grabbed the bow and left the room without another word. Carly had to go home and examine her feelings. She didn’t like how easily she could have fallen into his arms. One touch, one word, and she would have walked willingly to him, and she feared that it would have been her undoing.
She couldn’t afford feelings of a romantic nature, but it might already be too late. What if these lessons helped those feelings along? What would she do then?
Chapter 7
When Carly had decided to approach Lord Sheffield about his deception, she hadn’t been fully certain what she would demand from him. All she had known was she wanted him to pay in some fashion. She certainly hadn’t intended to extort those demands from him the way she had. Why couldn’t he have agreed to teach her? Would it be so terrible to help her play better? Apparently it was, since she'd had to go to extreme lengths to get him to acquiesce.
