A Baron in Her Bed by Maggi Andersen Page A

relationship on a safer plane. “You’ll tell no one of this?”
    “Kiss and tell? That is not my code.”
    She allowed him to take her hand and began to believe him, even though his behavior had been quite disgraceful.
    He turned her hand over and pressed a kiss on her palm, which sent endless quivers of feeling along her nerves. She snatched it back. “That is not within the bounds of friendship, my lord!”
    He held a finger to his lips. His dark lashes hid his expression, but she was sure his eyes danced. He was so outrageous she tamped down the urge to laugh.
    “Forgive me,” he said a smile in his voice. “It won’t happen again. Unless you wish it.”
    “I shall never wish it. Let us talk of something else.”
    “I have discovered quite a library at Rosecroft Hall. You are more than welcome to visit and investigate it, at any time.”
    “That won’t be possible. For many reasons.”
    His wide mouth quirked up in a grin. “Come dressed as Simon, if you must. I shall enjoy it no end.”
    She couldn’t resist returning the smile. “You are incorrigible, my lord!”
    He tilted his head. “But I confess, I do prefer you in that rouge-colored gown.”
    She gathered the folds in her fingers. “This hue is called rose pink, I believe.”
    He laughed and shrugged. “Rouge, rose pink. Red, chestnut?”
    “They are all very different.” Her tone censorious, she resisted the urge to pat her hair.
    “Well, you look very pretty in it.”
    “You are a compulsive flirt, my lord.” She shook her head but couldn’t prevent the small smile that hovered on her lips. “Weren’t we to speak of other things? How is my godfather today?”
    Guy scowled. “He has taken to his bed.”
    “Poor Eustace. He suffers terribly from gout.”
    “So I believe.” He fell silent.
    “I’m sure he will rally and be better company.”
    “I do hope so. There is much to discuss.”
    “I daresay. Years to catch up on.”
    “He shows little interest in my family.”
    This surprised her, for didn’t Eustace wish to validate Guy’s authenticity? “Oh? I’m sure he will when he feels better.”
    He looked doubtful. “Perhaps.”
    “Does Eustace plan to remain at Rosecroft Hall?” Horatia wondered if Eustace would be cast out of his home after all these years. Surely Guy would not do such a thing.
    “In truth, he has enjoyed my father’s hospitality unencumbered for some years. It might be difficult to relinquish it. He has a residence in town, as I’m sure
you’re aware.”
    “He has always enjoyed the time he spends at Digswell,” Horatia said. “He has many friends here.”
    “Did he ever make mention of my existence?”
    “No, he didn’t. Why?”
    “I suppose he hoped the heir would never return to England.”
    “And not take your rightful place here? What nonsense.”
    He shrugged. “I might have died.”
    What was Guy suggesting? She cringed at the dreadful notion and knew her upset showed on her face. “Surely, you don’t think that he…”
    Guy looked down at his hands. “I’ve yet to find out what has gone on at the Hall. Until then, I prefer not to talk about it.”
    Outraged at even the faintest suggestion of impropriety on her godfather’s part, Horatia rose. “Eustace is a good man, Guy. He would wish to do the right thing.”
    “It is hard to know the workings of a person’s mind. We are strangers, after all. He holds no affection for me in his heart.”
    “That’s very different from…” She couldn’t say the words.
    He stood. “I must go. I hope I shall see you again soon.” A grin tweaked the corner of his mouth. “On horseback perhaps?”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I believe this episode has put an end to my rides. Alone, anyway.”
    “Then I am not sorry for it. It is very dangerous, as I have taken pains to explain to you.”
    Was he just like her father underneath his bravado? Did he want a wife to merely be an adjunct to him? It hardly mattered to her. Fanny would make him