To Bed a Beauty (Courtship Wars 2)

“Because of…what we just did. Even if Haviland were willing to overlook the fact that I am no longer a maiden, his grandmother never would. She is such a high-stickler, she would be appalled if she were forced to welcome a wanton into the family.”

“Which is why you are better off marrying me.”

> “I cannot agree.”

Standing, he strolled over to her chair and bent down. “I intend to change your mind, love.”

Before Roslyn could even think to pull away, he kissed her…giving her a long, lingering, completely devastating reminder of the sensual power he held over her.

When he straightened, leaving her dazed and longing, his smile was almost smug. “If you won’t accept my proposal just yet, you should at least see the wisdom of becoming engaged for the time being. An official betrothal will deter a scandal before it has time to spread.”

She knew he was right. The gossip about them would be relentless unless it could be mitigated by a betrothal. The matrimonial capture of one of the most eligible noblemen in the kingdom would be a nine days’ wonder.

But it was the duke’s choice of words that interested Roslyn most. “What do you mean, ‘for the time being’?”

“Our betrothal only needs to be temporary. When the gossip eventually dies down, we can discuss whether to end it or go through with the marriage.”

Roslyn’s lips parted in surprise. The idea of a temporary betrothal had merit. She was not a total fool. She knew very well she had to at least consider accepting his proposal, even though she hated to admit it.

She didn’t reply as she finished putting on her stockings and shoes. When she was done, Roslyn remained in the chair and watched absently as Arden tamped down the fire with ashes, then removed the kettle from the hook and carried it to the kitchen stove.

When a knock sounded on the door, they were both fully dressed and ready to leave.

Roslyn reached the door first. The burly man standing there tugged his forelock. “I’m John Coachman, Miss Loring. I’m to take ye wherever ye wish to go.”

Arden answered for her over her shoulder. “We wish to go to Freemantle Park.”

“Very good, yer grace.”

When the coachman returned to his horses, the duke ushered Roslyn outside and closed the cottage door behind them. As he escorted her to the carriage, he murmured a low explanation. “We’ll return to the Park for now. We need to inform Lady Freemantle about our betrothal so she can help staunch the gossip. And we never did have tea.”

Roslyn rolled her eyes in annoyance and exasperation. She couldn’t believe he was taking this all so calmly. She couldn’t possibly feel the same equanimity.

When he handed her inside the hooded barouche and settled beside her, she felt Arden’s thigh press against hers. Instantly a shock of awareness shot through her. She quickly edged away from him, yet she couldn’t forget the memory of that hard-muscled male body moving over hers, within her. She knew the image would be forever seared into her memory.

Roslyn swore under her breath. How could she think clearly with Arden so near? She had to order her chaotic thoughts somehow. So serious a decision called for careful, rational analysis.

She didn’t want to wed him, or even enter into a temporary betrothal with him. But if she didn’t agree, what kind of future would she have? Marriage to any other gentleman was doubtful now. If she refused his offer, she would be condemning herself-and possibly her sisters-to notoriety for the rest of her life.

She shot the duke a sideways glance. There was always the remote possibility that their friendship could grow into something deeper. A formal engagement might miraculously give them a chance to fall in love with each other.

Roslyn bit her lip, trying to convince herself.

Of course, there was always the danger of giving her heart to him without her love being returned. It would be disastrous to harbor a one-sided ardor like her mother had done with her father in the early days of their marriage. Without mutual love, a husband and wife could so easily degenerate into bitter antagonists.

Did she dare risk it? Roslyn wondered. She would have to keep her own feelings for Arden safely under control. She most certainly could not let herself fall in love with him.

But if she could manage to keep her emotional distance, perhaps a betrothal was the best course.

And it would only be temporary, Roslyn promised herself. She could give their relationship time to blossom. If, however, Arden still hadn’t come to love her by the end of summer, then she would break their engagement, regardless of the consequences to her reputation.

September was only two months away. She could keep her heart safe for that long.

“Very well, your grace, you win,” she said reluctantly. “We can consider ourselves betrothed for the time being.”

“Call me by my given name. If we are betrothed, we should be on a first-name basis.”

“Very well…Drew.”