Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

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Tobias withdrew his eye from the peephole. Leopold and Mercy had returned; the servants were finally gone. He faced Blythe. She still refused to look at him and guilt trickled through him. She acted as if she’d never been kissed before, but that couldn’t be possible. No man married to her could resist those lips. Had she truly remained untouched since her husband’s death?

He moved across the room slowly and crouched down beside her chair. “The servants are gone. Mercy and Leopold are seated in the drawing room.”

A bright blush crossed her cheeks.

He set his hand to the arm of the chair. “Find me later tonight. I’ll leave my door unlocked.”

She jerked at his words. Her eyes were wide, her lips parted. Devil take it! He wanted to kiss her again, but all he would get tonight was a slap across the face for his behavior. Or would he? She had kissed him back quite enthusiastically. Her gaze dipped to his lips. He wet them and Blythe swallowed. Was she uncomfortable with his proximity or tempted by it? There was one certain way to tell.

But, as he moved closer to kiss her again, Blythe jumped to her feet and hurried for the door. She manipulated the lock and pushed the door open. Bright light filled the room and blinded him as Blythe disappeared.

Tobias hauled himself to his feet and picked up his book. No point following too closely on her heels. Blythe’s reaction confirmed what he should have known; he should stay away from proper ladies. They wanted wealthy lords not penniless lovers.

When he returned to the drawing room, Leopold sat alone, reading a newssheet. “Find anything new?”

“No nothing,” Tobias said quickly. Nothing, except a completely impossible desire to be exceptionally badly behaved around Blythe.

Leopold grunted and dropped the paper. “The old bastard must be laughing at us as we scratch around for clues.”

Tobias shook his head. “I doubt it. He didn’t know how to laugh.”

The corners of Leopold’s lips lifted in an evil smile. “Very true.”

Perhaps now would be a good time to speak to Leopold about the future. Tobias took the seat opposite. “I’ve been meaning to speak to you about the future. What do you intend to do about Harrowdale?”

His brother’s expression grew wary at the mention of their childhood home. “Nothing, why?” The small estate was Leopold’s legal property, but Tobias had come to the conclusion that his brother would never live there.

“I’ve given the matter considerable thought, and I’d like to live at Harrowdale.”

Leopold stirred himself to sit at the edge of his chair. “I had hoped you would stay here a lot longer before you made any decisions about this sort of thing.”

Tobias looked about him. “I don’t belong here amid all this finery. I want to go home.”

“When?”

“Not yet, not with Romsey still plagued by troubles, but I want the matter settled between us now before the wedding business raises its head and distracts you. It’s not so far away that we won’t see each other often.”

Leopold cleared his throat. “I’d just gotten used to seeing you over breakfast.”

Tobias smiled. “You’ll be a married man soon. I doubt you’ll regret missing me at breakfast if you can have your wife instead. Newlyweds will want privacy.”

Leopold’s wry chuckle eased Tobias’ concerns. He’d picked the perfect time to ask.

“Oh, all right. The house is yours to live in until you tire of living there alone. Then I want you to come back. I’ve not quite gotten enough of your company, but I do understand. We’ll work something out about the servants later.” His gaze grew sly. “Or is it you who needs the privacy. I know you said you had no interest in Miss Emma Trimble, but has another caught your eye?”

“No. There is no one.” The only woman to tempt him was living under this roof. Leaving would spare him the frustration of wanting and Blythe the embarrassment of being chased.

“A family of your own is just the thing for you,” Leopold said suddenly.

Tobias shrugged. “Being born a Randall hasn’t done me any good. I’m not keen to inflict suffering on an offspring.”

“Things are different now.”

Tobias set his hands to his hips and glared at his brother. “Really. So there is no danger to be found here? None at all?”

Leopold scowled. “You know full well what I mean. The old duke is gone and our side of the family will be safe once we find them.”