Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

Letty tilted her head to a puzzled angle. “Then why do you continue to refuse his proposals?”

Brianna shrugged. “At first, it was because I believed that he was only acting out of guilt and a healthy dose of pity. I could not bear the thought that he would eventually come to regret his impulsive proposal and blame me for his unhappiness.”

“And now?”

“Now?” Brianna grimaced, a hint of color touching her cheeks. “I am embarrassed to confess the truth.”

“Tell me, Brianna,” the older woman urged.

Brianna hesitated before giving in to the inevitable. For all Lady Aberlane’s sweet charm, she could be like a hound on the scent of a fox when she desired.

“To be honest, I am enjoying having Edmond dance attendance upon me.”

There, it was said. Brianna squared her shoulders in expectation of Letty’s anger. Edmond was, after all, her nephew and it was hardly kind of Brianna to toy with him as if he had no pride.

Instead, Letty merely gave a slow nod of her head. “Ah.”

Her mild reaction only increased Brianna’s guilt, and she could not halt her need to explain her less than commendable behavior.

“Because of Thomas Wade, I was never allowed a London season, or even so much as a soiree, as other girls enjoyed,” she said, biting her lower lip. “I spent my days alone at home fantasizing about handsome gentlemen who never came to call.”

“I understand completely, my dear.” The older woman reached across the table to gently pat Brianna’s hand. “You wish to be courted.”

“I suppose that’s rather silly, considering the circumstances.”

“Actually, I think it is very wise. Every woman deserves to be properly wooed.” Settling back in her seat, Letty offered Brianna an encouraging smile. “And in truth, it is probably best for Edmond as well.”

Brianna’s lips twitched as she recalled the smoldering glances and lingering touches that revealed that Edmond was far from satisfied with their platonic courtship.

In truth, she was not entirely satisfied herself. Oh, there was an undoubted pleasure in having Edmond dance attendance upon her, and to know that he could enjoy her companionship outside the bed. But the desire that pulsed between them was not entirely Edmond’s, and the nights of lying alone in her bed were becoming near unbearable.

“I fear he would not agree with you.”

“That is because he is accustomed to women falling over their pretty feet to capture his attention,” Letty said tartly. “Edmond is a gentleman who appreciates having to fight for what he desires. And, my dear, he very much desires you.”

“His desire is something that I have never doubted.” Brianna glanced toward the box lying on the white tablecloth. “It is his heart that I seek.”

“You have that as well,” Letty assured her. “Never have I seen him so implacable. I do believe that he intends to spend the rest of his days sending you gifts and shadowing my doorstep if necessary.”

Brianna’s heart gave a painful jolt. The need that she had kept so tightly contained was threatening to break free and drown her in a dangerous tide of hope.

Even worse, she no longer desired to battle that hope.

“I did think he would be weary of it by now,” she admitted, her voice so soft it barely stirred the air.

“No, my dear, his mind is set.” Letty attempted to appear resigned, but managed only to look as satisfied as the cat that got the cream. “I quite suspect that you shall have to wed the poor man if I am ever to have peace in this house again.”

Before Brianna could respond, a uniformed footman entered the room and performed a crisp bow.

“Lord Edmond, my lady.”

“There…you see,” Letty said with a knowing smile. “Please show him in, Johnston.”

“Very good.”

Resisting the urge to flutter like a nervous schoolgirl, Brianna covertly slipped the jewelry box into a pocket of her gown and turned to watch as Edmond strolled into the room.

As always, he managed to steal her breath.