Excerpt from LOVE... BY THE BOOK
Just being in the same room with Evan Channing disconcerted her. It might have been his dark good looks, the sleek black hair, deep olive skin and liquid brown eyes. Those eyes had studied her earlier as if she were some sort of scientific specimen. He seemed to see inside her, right to her cowardly soul. Then there was his deep voice murmuring in her ear during the meal. She had no idea what he’d said, but the sound had sent alternate waves of heat and cold through her. She’d barely been able to eat a bite, though she’d drained her wineglass more than once before the champagne toast was served. She’d drunk that as well. Now, feeling a bit woolly-headed, she walked out onto the balcony for some fresh air, letting the breeze cool her face. The men were still having their port, while her mother and Phoebe sat and visited with Mrs. Channing. Lydia knew she should go back inside and converse with her future mother-in-law, a pleasantly plump woman with a distinctly Welsh accent. But Lydia wasn’t up to it right now. Thank heavens it was a small gathering, with just her immediate family, Evan, his mother and his Uncle Frederick. She’d never have been able to deal with society tonight. When the men entered the room, her gaze flew to Evan. He looked around, frowning, until he spotted her standing outside the open french door. A smile creased his face as he headed straight for her. She clutched the door jamb, her heart pounding. “There you are,” he said, stopping in front of her. “I feared you’d left.” “I just needed some fresh air,” she stammered. “Are you well?” he asked, taking her hand solicitously. Heat radiated from him, shooting up her arm. “I’m fine…just a bit warm.” “I am, too.” He guided her to the railing looking over the small garden at the back of the house. “Since our engagement is official, I’ll send the announcement to the Times tomorrow, then speak to the vicar about having the banns read. Shall we set a date now?” She stiffened, staring straight ahead. Official. The word pounded in her head. Once the announcement was published, there would be no backing out. She closed her eyes, not knowing what to say? “Lydia?” Gently, he grasped her chin and turned her head toward his. When she looked up, his expression was concerned. “What’s wrong, my dear?” Everything. But she could not say so. In truth, she was afraid of the weeks to come. Of what this marriage would mean. How it would change her life. He moved his hand to her shoulder. “Are you frightened?” She managed a jerky nod. “So am I,” he whispered. She stared at him in astonishment. “Truly?” “Truly. This is a big step for both of us. I realize we don’t know each other very well. If you’d like a long engagement—” “No. Waiting will just make things worse.” He quirked a dark brow. “How so?” Taking a step back, she spread her hands. “It will just give me more time to dread—” She broke off at the injured look on his face. “Forgive me, but surely you understand this marriage was never my preference.” He turned away from her and ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, I know, but I hoped you had become resigned to it.” “I have. At least I have tried to. That’s why I think it’s best just to plunge ahead. Once the banns have been read thrice, we can wed almost immediately.” He turned back, a frown marring his forehead. “Will that give your mother enough time to plan?” She shrugged. “All I need is a new gown.” “But won’t society think it odd we married in such haste?” She looked him in the eye. “Let me make one thing clear. I do not give a fig for what society thinks. If you supposed you were marrying a social butterfly, let me banish that notion right now.” He smiled at her. “Harry said you were sensible, but this surprises me. I’m happy to agree to a short engagement.” He stepped closer, towering over her. “The sooner I can make you mine, the better.” Her heart pounded and her breath caught as he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers for but a second before backing away. She drew in a deep breath. Her first kiss and it had been over almost before it was begun. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. “Shall we go inside and discuss the wedding plans with your parents?” “Not yet. There is something else I’d like to say.” It was now or never. “Yes, dear, what is it?” She licked her lips then plunged ahead. “I know how these things work. Arranged marriages, that is. I won’t expect fidelity from you.” His shocked expression surprised her. “Is that what you think, Lydia? That I’m marrying you with the intention of cheating on you?” “Perhaps not now,” she said. “But in a few years… It’s not as if ours is a love match. I won’t cut up a fuss if you decide to take a mistress. As long as you’re discreet, that is.” “How very… sophisticated of you,” he said dryly. “And once I’ve produced the requisite heir and spare, I assume I’ll be free to seek my pleasure elsewhere.” The thunderous look on his face startled her and she stepped back. “You’ll do no such thing,” he said fiercely, reaching for her. “Ours may not be a love match now, but I fully intend to see it turns into one.” With that, he pulled her into his embrace, trapping her arms between them as his encircled her shoulders and waist. His mouth covered hers, kissing her with a heady combination of passion and anger. Her resistance crumbled in the face of his onslaught. She clutched at his lapels and returned his kiss, even parting her lips when his tongue probed them. Overwhelmed by the sensations his lips provoked, she let her eyes drift shut as she clung to him. When he let her go, she could tell he was still angry. “There will be no more talk of infidelity. Have I made myself clear, Lydia?” “Yes, Evan,” she said meekly. “Good. Now if you’ll excuse me?” At her nod, he turned and strode back into the room. She moved to the edge of the balcony and grabbed hold of the wrought-iron railing. Good Lord, what had made her say that? It was the truth as she well knew from observing her parents’ arranged marriage. Perhaps things were done differently in the middle class. In any case, she’d never expected so much passion from her merchant prince. Perhaps this wasn’t going to be such a bad bargain after all. |