Angel in Scarlet (Bound and Determined #4)(47)
Who was he talking about? Her mother would never have let her spend time with anyone who might be a “bad influence.” And in her recent experience surely she was the bad influence, corrupting poor Lord Colton with her evil demands—although she certainly didn’t object to any corrupting Colton cared to do.
“Would you care to share the thought that leads to such a delightful smile?”
Oh dear, no, she would not. “I was just looking forward to the evening ahead.” Perhaps that wasn’t even such a lie, although she doubted that Lord Thorton would ever imagine the things running through her mind.
What did Colton have in mind for this night? He’d sounded so confident that he could manage to find a way for them to be together, but she didn’t see how.
And what would he do if he did manage? What would he demand of her?
“There’s that smile again.” Lord Thorton had leaned closer and she could feel his hot breath upon her cheek. A slight shiver took her, and not the one of delight that Colton caused in similar circumstances. “I will have to make sure that your night is as pleasant as your dream.” He gave her a nod of farewell and walked across the room to greet her mother as she entered.
“You do look lovely, my dear Miss Ripon,” Lady Perse said as she came up from behind. Her gaze also paused on Angela’s bosom. “And such a sophisticated gown for a simple country party.”
“I am quite sure that no party you throw could ever be described as simple, Lady Perse.”
“That may be true, but…Oh, look, Lady Johnson has already recovered from her journey. I am afraid that she is not a good traveler, and I was not sure that she would be joining us this evening.” She leaned closer. “She suffers from a sour stomach and often cannot eat for hours after even a short ride in a carriage. I do hope that she is wise to come down. I would hate for any mishap to occur during dinner. I will have to be sure that her dishes are only lightly sauced. Please do excuse me for a moment.”
And then she was alone and could draw in as deep a breath as her gown would afford. If she was careful, everything would stay just where it was supposed to. It would not do to have a breast pop out during dinner, although it might add to the excitement.
“Isn’t that a delightful giggle.” This time the warm breath brought the desired tingle of excitement.
She turned her face and gazed up at those dark eyes she knew so well. “I seem to be in high spirits this evening.”
“And why would that be?”
“I’ve been promised a treat, and ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved anticipation.”
“I’ve begun to realize that. I am quite good at building anticipation.”
She could only imagine. The tingle spread. Or perhaps she couldn’t imagine. It was hard to think about what Colton could be planning in such a situation. But that thought only made her quiver.
“Yes, I see you do like anticipation.”
“What are you planning?”
“And ruin the surprise?” His eyes gazed down at her neckline, where it was possible to see the peaks of her hard nipples pressing against the fabric. “I’d hate to ruin the fun you are having waiting.”
“But—”
“No buts. You will wait because I want you to wait.”
That certainly did nothing to calm her. What was it about his tone of command that set her all alight? She’d never liked being ordered about, but when Colton gave even the smallest hint that she was his to control…“I will do whatever you wish,” she whispered back.
“There you are, Angela,” her mother said, striding across the room. “I’ve been having the most wonderful conversation about you with Lord Thorton.” She glanced at Colton somewhat dismissively. “He seems to understand just what a treasure you are. He is quite hoping that he will be seated near you at dinner. Would you like me to have a word with Lady Perse?”
“We would not want to upset her table arrangements, Mother.”
“Oh, I do know that, particularly when she’s already been complaining about unexpected additions and having to even up the numbers. I do believe that she’s asked her companion, Miss Pratcher, to join us. I do hope the woman is actually entertaining. It can be frightful if one ends up seated with someone who doesn’t know how to hold a civilized conversation.” Her mother glared at Colton.
Oh dear, her mother clearly was not in a forgiving mood. Perhaps Angela should have done a better job of containing her disappointment and hurt when Colton had acted so cruelly at the end of the season. If only she had known that cruel edge emerged only when he was doing something he thought he should but did not want to.
It was not a good habit, but one she was sure could be changed over time.
Over time? That was not a thought she should be having.
“I will have to apologize to Lady Perse if I have done something so uncouth as to upset her table,” Colton said, drawing her thoughts back to him—or at least away from thought of him and the future.
“I am sure my mother didn’t mean…” Angela began.
“Well, you did place her in a most uncomfortable position,” her mother said, squaring her shoulders.
“Yes, I have always heard that having an extra unmarried man presents such a difficulty,” Colton replied, his voice even and polite, but his eyes filled with inner glee as they met hers.