What You Desire (Anything for Love 1)

The corners of Sebastian’s mouth curved into the beginnings of a smile, for he already knew the answer.

“Well, my lord,” Haines began. “I’d say that when she speaks the whole world lights up and if it means my ears have to take a bashing, seems like a fair trade to me.”

Sebastian’s thoughts were drawn back to Miss Beaufort. He admired her tenacity, her courage. Yet the qualities that intrigued him the most were the qualities he tried to suppress.

In an effort to protect her diminishing reputation, he had forced her to take matters into her own hands. He found himself wondering why he cared so much, why he felt such a desperate need to control and conquer.

What was it about Miss Beaufort that spoke to him in a way no other woman ever had?

Throughout his life, he’d always done what he felt right, propriety be damned. He considered the unconventional methods he’d used to save his father’s lands, to restore his legacy for future generations. How was he any different to Miss Beaufort?

Perhaps they had more in common than he first thought.

Knowing her brother was alive and well was not enough. She wanted to find him, to offer assistance and support. It’s exact

ly what he would have done. Woe betide anyone who tried to stop him. Suddenly, the road ahead became clearer. In future, he would treat Miss Beaufort as he would Dudley; as a partner, a friend. He would allow her the freedom to make her own decisions. What choice did he have? It was either that or he feared he’d be a rambling madman before the week was out.

“I can speak to the staff. See if Miss Beaufort gave any clue as to where she was going,” Haines said.

“That won’t be necessary. It appears Miss Beaufort is quite capable of taking care of herself,” Sebastian replied, pushing himself away from the jamb. “As soon as I’ve changed, I shall scour the streets for her. I’m confident she will return and when she does would you ask if she is free to accompany me for dinner this evening?”

“What, in the dining room, my lord?”

“Yes, of course in the dining room. I shall leave it to you to break the news to Mrs. Cox.” Sebastian turned and took a few paces towards his room. “Oh,” he said, swinging back round to face Haines. “Dudley Spencer’s wife will be sending a few things over for Miss Beaufort.” He was going to say he’d rather be damned than let her wear those breeches. But he was no longer in the habit of smothering butterflies. “There’ll be a few dresses, amongst other things. Have Amy press them and lay them out in Miss Beaufort’s room,” he paused and then added, “should the lady wish to wear them, of course.”

Haines nodded and made his way to the top of the staircase. He stopped, his calloused hands gripping the rail as he turned to face Sebastian. “I doubt life would ever be dull with Miss Beaufort around.”

Sebastian laughed. “No, Haines, life would be far from dull. Of that I am certain.”

Chapter 12

“I imagine Lord Danesfield must have been furious when he discovered I’d gone out,” Sophie said as Amy fastened the buttons on her gown.

“He did curse a few times, but I said you would come back.”

Sophie’s hands drifted down the front of the turquoise-blue dress, tingling at the feel of the soft silk. The elegant style, with its full sleeves and low décolletage, flattered her figure and made her feel feminine and rather bold.

She glanced at the white dress hanging on the door of the armoire. It was the more modest of the two and she knew she had made the right choice. If Dane intended to berate her over her expedition into town, she needed to feel confident, to feel his equal.

“You look very pretty, miss, if you don’t mind me saying,” Amy declared, unpacking the leather portmanteau Charlotte Spencer had sent over. “Blue really suits you. I doubt his lordship will have a mind for food when he sees you in that.”

“Amy,” Sophie scolded. Although she could hardly blame the maid for making such an assumption, not after witnessing their amorous interlude by the pool. “As I explained yesterday, the marquess is simply a friend who lent a helping hand when I stumbled.”

Saying it aloud made the whole thing sound even more absurd; a thought echoed by Amy’s snigger.

“I thought you said you had something in your eye?”

Sophie cursed silently. She had been so angry with Dane she could not really remember what she’d said. Besides, what was the point of striving for independence or fighting against conformity when she did not even have the courage to take ownership of her actions?

“Well, yes, perhaps there was a little more to it than that,” she admitted, straightening her back and lifting her chin. “But it will not happen again.”

No. It most certainly could not happen again, especially after such blatant disregard for her feelings. Her side still ached from being picked up and dumped in the carriage.

“Besides, the marquess is used to the seductive skills of a mistress,” Sophie added honestly. “I doubt I would ever be able to compete.”

Amy smiled and arched a brow. “Let me tell you, miss,” she whispered. “I know I babble on, and most of the time no one’s even listening, but I do know a thing or two. I know a man doesn’t kiss a woman the way his lordship kissed you if someone else is warming his bed at home.” She gave a little wink.

Sophie could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks.