An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(36)

She drew the woman toward the door.

The butler held the front door open and bid them a pleasant day as they brushed past him, only to find Lord Maitland’s best carriage paused before the stairs.

“Foolishness,” she cried out, turning on Maitland. “Any tenants with wits and in want of funds will see the crest on the door and hide, rather than answer our knock now.”

Maitland shrugged. “It’s this carriage, or you remain at Maitland House.”

She gritted her teeth, annoyed by yet another example of his protectiveness. There was no time to press for a change. Bellington was already looking uncomfortable, so Lord Maitland would only have himself to blame if the day’s collection did not meet his expectations.

All business, she spoke to the coachman about their destinations, passing over her list of addresses and the order to visit them. When she turned for the carriage door, Lord Maitland was waiting for her.

She smiled sweetly. “My lord.”

He scowled. “Time is passing, Miss Dalton.”

She clambered inside, noting the housemaid and Mr. Bellington had already claimed the rear-facing seats. That meant she’d have to sit side by side with Lord Maitland on the butter-soft, sea-green, forward-facing seats. So close to and yet so far from her handsome lover.

As Lord Maitland joined them, Theodora shifted toward the far windows and did her best to ignore the way her pulse raced, the brush of his arm against her side, the memories of mutual pleasure to be found in his embrace.

She did everything to ignore his proximity.

He glanced her way, and a small smile curved his lips. “Are you well today, Miss Dalton?”

“Of course.” But her cheeks blazed with heat. He must be aware she could not calm her pulse or the tingling sense of excitement she experienced around him. Why, he looked positively smug as he braced himself for a turn.

“I’m glad,” he murmured, schooling his features to the bored mien of a born aristocrat. He nodded. “I should not like anything to overset your delicate sensibilities so early in our adventure. We could have many more together.”

Was he talking about collecting rents, her employment, or sharing his bed again?

She thought perhaps the latter, given the way he tried not to smile. She felt almost certain that he was attempting to tease her about last night’s tryst. At least their adventure in passion appeared to have put him in a jolly frame of mind.

She smiled quickly, took a steadying breath, determined to make it through the day without throwing herself at him for another bout in his arms. Aware that they were not alone, she kept her tone light. “Our adventure has only just begun, I suspect.”

“That is excellent news.” He brushed lint from his thigh. “I look forward to discovering what might happen by the end of the day.”

“As do I, my lord.” If she could have him again tonight, she’d be a delighted woman. “As do I.”

Three hours later, they returned to Maitland house more or less successful. The gleaming black carriage had undoubtedly announced their arrival to the tenants, but in most cases, not their intent. Three-quarters of the rents were collected, and all of the properties had been viewed as the viscount had wished. Bellington would round up the remaining rents due.

Exhausted, she smiled for the butler’s sake. “Where might I find my mother?”

“I believe Mrs. Dalton has retired to her room to rest.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ll take tea in the drawing room,” Quinn demanded.

“A tray for me in the study,” she requested.

“A tray for both of us in the study it is.”

Theodora risked a peek at Lord Maitland’s face, a little startled that he would decide to join her so obviously. After their first teasing conversation, Lord Maitland had withdrawn from her. He’d been every bit the bored aristocrat society expected as he’d inspected his properties, which had made the time spent together in a confined space awkward at times. She had no idea what he thought of the way she’d handled the business of collecting the rents, or of last night’s tryst now. However, she couldn’t very well insist he go elsewhere in his own house to have his refreshments.

Theodora slipped up the stairs, relieved to return to the quiet of her work desk. She set down her satchel, extracted the collected funds and set them aside on Lord Maitland’s desk to be recounted and secured in his safe. When she turned about, Lord Maitland was a foot behind her.

“The Gerrard Street property has a window broken on the upper floor. Have it fixed, Dalton.”

She dodged around him to reach her desk, made a note of his wishes and straightened, expecting more orders.

Lord Maitland’s hands swept up her arms from behind, instead.

She shivered. “My lord?”

“Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to watch you at work?”

Theodora licked her lips and glanced over her shoulder, very distracted by what his hands were doing. “I’m only doing my job.”

“Too well. I’ve never felt so unnecessary before.”

She turned fully at his ridiculous remark. “Come now.”

“Come?” The corner of his lip lifted into a half smile. “That’s what I want you to do. Immediately, if possible.” He eased her backward until her thighs pressed against her table. “Sit.”