New start? He had hit a nerve. “Yes, of course,” she answered immediately and without thinking it out.
“Then, if you would allow—I would be honored if you would consider joining my party for dinner and the theatre on Friday evening. I know it is short notice, but I only just became aware the troop was in town and would be performing tomorrow night.”
He expected her to say yes. She saw that in his eyes, felt and sensed it with every nerve, and she discovered without any doubt that she wanted to say yes to this man who stopped and started her heart with the sound of his voice. But she couldn’t say yes and realized how very disappointed
she was as she told him, “I am afraid it is impossible, my lord, but thank you … thank you so much.”
“No?” He frowned, but then his brow cleared. “Ah, but let me explain. Both Miss Delleson and Mr. Lutterel will be with us, which makes it quite an exceptional outing.”
“Nevertheless, as much as I would have enjoyed the pleasure of … of all of your company, I am unable to join you,” Sassy replied, reluctant to tell him why.
He wasn’t giving up. “Sophy … Miss Delleson has expressly mentioned to me that I must not walk away unless you agree. She will be greatly, and poutingly, disappointed. I do assure you, Miss Winthrop, you will be comfortable, for I shall not do anything you may not like.”
His eyes and their blue color looked like warm pools she could dive into, get lost in, seek comfort in … What was happening to her? She wanted this man with every fiber of her being. How could this be? She scarcely knew him.
“I could not accept if it were the Prince Regent himself doing the asking, my lord. You see, I have already accepted Dr. Bankes’s very kind invitation to the same performance.”
“Ah, and of course the proprieties needn’t be considered when you are accompanied by the good Dr. Bankes?” His voice was dry and his words clipped.
“Dr. Bankes was thoughtful enough to include my class in the invitation, so I have no fears that the proprieties are in danger,” she responded curtly.
“Smooth, very smooth of your doctor. I must give him that. I was not aware that country doctors were so well affluenced. He must have a thriving practice, for theatre tickets are dear.”
His words found a home in Sassy’s brain and snuck up on her. She had not thought of this. Poor Dr. Bankes. And how kind of him, she added in her mind. Another voice whispered, Interesting.
She said, “Well, if you have nothing further to speak to me about, I would like to proceed with my evening stroll.”
“There is much I would like to speak to you about, Sassy,” he said using her given name in a low, sensual tone that went right through her and made her eyelashes flutter. “However, I fear you are not ready.”
“Good night then,” she said, moving past him and out the front door.
* * *
The marquis stood thoughtfully for a long moment before he turned toward the anteroom to Bianca Sallstone’s private quarters. He noticed a light flickering where the headmistress’s door met the hardwood floor.
When he knocked, Miss Sallstone opened the door wide and smiled a welcome.
“Why, my lord, how nice.” Bianca Sallstone put a hand to her tousled curls. She stepped aside and waited for him to enter, inviting him to be seated with a wave of her hand.
He took a moment to slip off his greatcoat and draped it over a nearby empty chair, dropping both his top hat and gloves there as well before taking up a seat.
Bianca’s eyes brightened appreciatively, he noted, as she looked him over and wet her lips with a lingering tongue.
She sat behind her desk, smoothed the silk of her skirt, and then folded her hands on the desk in front of her. “Well, now that we are comfortable, my lord, may I inquire what lucky thought brought you to Netherby?”
Slowly he crossed his ivory covered thighs and tapped his knee. He examined his black hessians as though only their shine was important before bringing his eyes back to her lovely countenance. “I am a careful man, Mistress Sallstone. When we spoke earlier, I mentioned the fact that I was interested in subscribing to Netherby—I still am. However, I reserve the right to make sporadic visits, just to assure myself that all goes on as it should, when I am not expected.”
“I see,” Bianca said cautiously. “That is, of course, very wise, though I can’t imagine why you might think it necessary.”
“That said, I might add that I had another reason, but not one I am ready to discuss with a lady,” he said, wondering if she would take the bait.
“Why, my lord,” she responded, “you intrigue me.”
“Tell me, Mistress Sallstone, is it not wrong for one endowed with the name Bianca—a name that makes a man think of many beautiful things—to forbid its use?” Again he baited while his eyes purposely moved to her full breasts, lingered, and then returned to her face.
She gave him a warm smile and the concession he requested with an inclination of her head. “Of course, my lord, you have its use, should you desire.”
“Bianca,” he said softly, “how came you to be lost among governesses and children?”