To Bed a Beauty (Courtship Wars 2)

From the first moment he entered her library the following morning, however, Roslyn realized that Drew’s intentions were the very opposite of hers. He strode to the window seat where she was curled up reading, pulled her to her feet, and seized her mouth in an unexpected and unexpectedly gentle kiss that was no less devastating for its tenderness.

Instantly breathless, Roslyn tore herself from his embrace and retreated halfway across the room, her fingers pressed to her burning lips. “Your grace-Drew! You cannot kiss me like that simply because we are betrothed.”

He looked unchastened as he moved toward her. “I suspected you were having second thoughts and wanted to remind you why our marriage is still a good idea. Here, this is for you, darling.”

For the first time she noticed that he was carrying a flat blue velvet box. When she took it from him and opened the lid, Roslyn nearly gasped to see an incredible sapphire-and-diamond necklace with matching earbobs.

“These are Arden family heirlooms,” Drew explained. “I retrieved them this morning from the bank vault in London.”

Frowning slightly, Roslyn looked up at him. “They are beautiful but far too expensive for me to accept.”

“Nonsense. It’s appropriate for me to bring you a betrothal gift. You can wear them tomorrow evening at the dinner Lady Freemantle is giving. It will lend credence to our betrothal.”

Roslyn refrained from mentioning that she would likely be returning the jewels to him since she doubted the wedding would ever take place.

“I admit,” Drew added when she was silent, “they are something of a bribe, since I must ask you to perform a distasteful task.”

“What task?”

“As much as I regret it, I will have to introduce you to my mother.”

“The Duchess of Arden?”

“Yes. She spends the summer at Arden Castle

in Kent. I’m on my way there now to inform her about our betrothal.” His mouth curled. “She would be outraged if I merely sent her a message announcing our engagement, and I would rather not get her back up since I want her to fully support you. I will take you to meet her later this week, if you are free.”

“Must I meet her?” Roslyn asked reluctantly.

Drew grinned. “I fear so. If she is seen to give her approval of the match, your acceptance in society will be assured. My mother holds significant sway over her peers.”

“I suppose you are right.”

Roslyn started to close the lid to the jewel box, but Drew stopped her. “No, try it on.”

“Very well,” she said after a moment’s hesitation. The neckline of her green muslin morning gown was too high and the color wasn’t right to do the beautiful piece justice, but it didn’t seem polite to refuse.

“Allow me to help,” Drew offered, lifting the necklace from the velvet bed.

Roslyn turned so that he could slip the necklace around her throat, but when he fastened the clasp, she found herself recalling yesterday when he’d helped her don her corset. This was much less wicked, yet she felt a tingling shock where his fingers touched the bare skin of her nape.

To distract herself, she asked him about his promise to search for Winifred’s thief. “Did you have the chance to speak to Bow Street yet?”

“Yes. I have two Runners investigating the color livery our thief wore. For now we will leave the search to them.”

Drew turned her around, his gaze surveying her. “Sapphires look lovely on you,” he said softly. “They complement your beautiful eyes.”

Roslyn felt her heart warm at his praise, yet she still felt uncomfortable at his flattery. “Drew…please-”

“I know you don’t care to hear how beautiful you are, but it’s true.”

His tender look affected her even more than the words. He did make her feel beautiful-

Which no doubt was his calculated intent, Roslyn suddenly realized.

She stiffened with renewed resolve. Pulling back, she managed a light laugh. “I know what you are about, your grace, but your tricks are wasted on me.”

“What tricks?”