The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters 1)

“That is your room?” she whispered, her pupils large with fear or desire.

Desire, he hoped. She visibly swallowed as he took another step closer until they were only inches apart. At least she hadn’t forgotten what they’d had between them. “Yes, my room.”

She stared up at him as if unable to move an inch. Her breathing had become shallow and he prayed her reaction was due to his nearness. His own desire flared with the soft scent of lavender surrounding her. Unable to stop himself, he lowered his mouth to hers but before he could reach the sweet nectar of her lips, she pushed him away.

“Are you mad?” She stalked down the corridor to the room just past his. “Goodnight, Mr. Raynerson.”

Jack couldn’t help but smile even as desire ate at him. She still felt something for him and he doubted anger was the strongest emotion she had for him. There had been a spark between them and that was all he needed to create a fire.

CHAPTER 26

Tessa awoke the next morning feeling groggy and out of sorts. After a restless night due to Jack’s behavior and her own reaction to him, she wanted nothing more than to leave this house as fast as possible. How could he have attempted to kiss her after what he had put her through? The man had no idea of the embarrassment and shame he caused her. The thought of facing him again made her want to burrow herself under the blankets and spend the day in bed.

Perhaps she could avoid him all day. She almost laughed at the insane notion. The morning would be easier to evade him than later when she no choice but to eat dinner with the family. Hopefully, Regina would be satisfied with seeing her great-grandson today so they could continue their journey tomorrow. With that positive thought, she rubbed her eyes and then rang for Marianne to assist her with dressing for the morning.

A few minutes later, Marianne brought up a tray of tea and toast and placed in on Tessa’s lap. “I hope you don’t mind eating in your bedchamber. Most of the family is still abed after such a late night. The servants are all abuzz about the new heir.”

“I much prefer a nice quiet breakfast here,” Tessa responded as her maid set to work pulling out all Tessa’s clothing for the day.

“The servants said today will be very informal until dinner. While they don’t expect Lady Bideford to join them, his lordship requested a celebration dinner. I shall pull out your rose silk for tonight.”

“Very good. Did you pack my riding habit?”

“Of course, ma’am. Do you wish to ride this morning?” Marianne stopped and turned toward her.

“I believe I shall. After so much time in that dratted carriage, I need some exercise.”

Tessa sat back with a slight smile on her lips and spread jam on her toast. If she rode long enough, she might avoid Jack most of the day. This afternoon, she might just need a nap after such a long ride. Then all she had to do was get through dinner. She could do this. How hard could it be to evade one man?

Once dressed, she took one more sip of tea and was ready to face the day. “Marianne, please ask a groom to ready a horse for me to ride.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

Marianne left the room as Tessa decided on a hat to wear with her riding habit. She finally chose the hat that matched the green of her habit and placed it on the bed.

A light rap sounded on her door. “Lady Stanhope, it is Lord Bideford. Are you dressed?”

“Of course.” Tessa opened the door to Jack’s brother. “Is everything all right, my lord?”

“Please call me Bideford. No need to stand on such formalities as ‘my lord’ while you are here.”

Jack’s brother had a bright smile on his face but she couldn’t help but wonder if he had any sleep after the excitement last night. He had dark circles under his twinkling eyes. “Very well, what I can I do for you this morning?”

“My wife would like to meet you. After hearing my grandmother speak of you last evening, she is most curious about you.”

Tessa smiled. The man had a certain charm about him, not unlike his younger brother. “That would be lovely. When?”

“Now, if you can put off your riding for a short time.”

“Yes, of course. But I feel as if I should change.”

“Nonsense,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Georgiana won’t mind at all.”

“Very well, then. Lead on.” Tessa grabbed her hat and then followed Bideford down the corridor. She wondered about Lady Bideford. The woman must be near her age but Tessa could not remember meeting her before.

Tessa glanced at Jack’s door and prayed he was still sleeping so she could slip out after meeting the viscountess. Bideford opened the door to his wife’s bedchamber and Tessa smiled at the scene. Lady Bideford sat back against the headboard with both her daughters cuddled up against her as they all stared at the new heir lying on her lap.

“Come along, Georgie, I do believe it is time for his uncle to hold him.”