Earl of Sin (Lords of Scandal 6)

“What?” Mary looked at Ada.

Ada pursed her lips. “That child needs a little freedom to overcome her fears.”

Warmth spread through Mary. “That’s exactly what I thought.”

Ada nodded. “He’s grief-stricken from the loss of his wife. He can’t see that path. But you’ll aid them both. I’m sure of it.”

Mary’s eyes widened. “I don’t know, Ada. I don’t think he liked me.” Mary didn’t add that she liked him far more than was proper. Like wasn’t exactly the word. She was drawn to him in a way she had never experienced before. The tips of her fingers tingled to touch his hair, and she’d spent far too long wondering what it’d be like to share an intimate embrace with him. Shivers trickled down her spine. Maybe more than an embrace…

“How could he not like you?” Ada wrapped her arms about Mary. “You’re smart and fun and full of zest.” Her cousin gave her a squeeze.

“Thank you,” Mary gave Ada a hug before stepping back. “I appreciate your words of comfort.”

“But you’re not comforted,” Ada added, her hands coming to her hips. Slowly she looked Mary up and down as though she were studying for clues. “Something else is bothering you.”

“No,” Mary yelped but even she knew she’d said it far too quickly and much too loudly.

Ada slowly adjusted her spectacles on her nose. “It’s his looks, isn’t it?”

“What?” Heat filled her cheeks. “No. Of course it isn’t.”

Ada shook her head, waving her off. Of course her cousin didn’t believe her. “They’re distracting. One man shouldn’t be allowed to be so handsome.”

Mary’s shoulders slumped. “The same could be said for your husband.”

Ada tapped her chin. “True. But I wasn’t considering living full time as his employee.”

Mary shrugged. “I’ll have to keep my head down and keep to myself, I guess.”

Ada turned and walked toward the window. “I say you be yourself. You would do him a world of good. And for that matter you could also apply yourself to marrying him.”

Mary gasped. “I’m the tutor. And a spinster and—”

“From good family, beautiful, motherly, and available.” Ada turned back, a flicker of interest sparkling in her eyes. “This could be your chance to have a family of your own. You don’t say it but you feel the call. I’ve seen you around infants.”

Mary couldn’t deny her deepest yearnings, slumping in her chair, resting her head in her hands. “If I wanted the position of wife, I probably should have made a more favorable impression on the interview.”

Ada covered her mouth with her hand, suppressing a chuckle. “Oh Mary. That is a bit funny.”

Mary shrugged. “And true.”

“Funny things often are.” Ada came back to her side, laying a hand on her shoulder. “But your chance isn’t finished. Prove yourself valuable and see how your future unfolds.” Ada took a step away but then came back. “And protect your virtue. He’ll have to marry you if he wants that.”

That made Mary’s head snap up. “He doesn’t want me that way at all.” She might be ridiculously attracted to him but he’d been the picture of control.

“Oh please. You’re stunning and just his type, or at least that’s what Vice says.” Ada gave her a sideways glance.

Just his type? Was that true? “What sort is that?”

Ada shrugged then waved her hand. “Lovely, petite. You might be surprised by how much he actually likes you.”

Mary sat back in her chair. But why would he have been so cold if he’d been interested in her?

Sin stood just outside the front door, Anne’s hand tucked into his. In the end they’d decided to give her a few days off from lessons to get to know Mary. Might as well give her trial run a real chance at success. They’d also agreed to greet Mary when she arrived to make her feel welcome.

Which was a decision he wanted to regret. Lords did not, as a general rule, meet staff at the door on their first day. But as Anne bounced next to him, the first real smile on her lips that he’d seen in weeks, he had a difficult time regretting the choice.

“What do you think we’ll do?” Anne asked, dancing a bit on the end of his hand. She reminded him of a kite on a string. “Do you think we’ll go to see her cousins?”