Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2)(43)
“You do not sound as convinced. Did he try to kiss you?”
“No, he did not kiss me last night.” That was true, even if it left out the previous kiss in the library and did not even begin to explain all those things he had done that would be far beyond Angela’s imagination.
“I suppose that would have been too much even for this new Duldon that you speak of. He always has been such a stickler for high morals.”
Bliss could still feel his fingers thrusting between her legs, feel the ache coiling within her. “I’ve never quite thought of him that way. It was more that I didn’t think he was interested in things like kissing”—memories of all the things they’d used the term “kissing” to cover filled her—“than that I thought he disapproved.”
“If you say so.” Angela did not sound convinced. “And did you say that he was going to help you find a husband? Why would he do that?”
“I have no idea. Although I do believe he still hopes to persuade me that he is the best man for the position.” Lifting her head, Bliss found that she was being stared at. Lord Temple stood a bit down the path, his gaze firmly fastened upon her. His eyes ran from her ankles, barely visible beneath the hem of her skirts, up to her bosom and then on to her face. He seemed quite lost in contemplation as he raised his long fingers to his lips.
She turned back to Angela, pretending not to notice. He was probably lost in thought and not thinking about her at all.
Before she could say anything Angela spoke up. “Oh, there’s Lord Temple. Do you suppose we should greet him? He did seem quite taken with you the other night at the Evanstons’ ball. Perhaps he should be on your list of possible mates.”
Bliss opened her mouth to answer, but Angela had already turned and was hurrying up the path toward Lord Temple. Giving an inward sigh, Bliss had no choice but to follow. She could only hope that Angela was wrong about his interest. He’d never impressed her as a man she would want to marry. Still, perhaps she needed a more open mind. Perhaps Lord Temple was different than she’d always thought him to be.
Pasting a determined smile upon her face, she strode up the path.
“It is good to see you, Miss Timms and Lady Bliss. I do hope you are recovered from last night.” Lord Temple took a step toward them.
Had he heard of her headache? Bliss had always known that he had some interest in her, but to inquire after her health…“Yes, I am quite myself this morning.”
“Good, I do like it when you are yourself. It is so—so interesting.” He gave her the strangest smile.
She must keep an open mind. “I am so glad. I do like to be myself.” Could this conversation become more inane? And would the man ever stop staring at her breasts? Perhaps she was just too aware of them today. The nipples were quite tender and at moments she feared they would…Stop thinking about that.
It was time to discuss the weather, the coming night’s soirée, the new bonnet she wished to buy. It was better to discuss anything than think about last night and its effect on her body.
She glanced up and caught Temple staring at her breasts, his lips open, his breathing deep.
Had she somehow let on what she was thinking? It was not the first time that he’d stared at her chest, but he’d never before been so indiscreet. Did he not care if she saw the direction of his gaze?
She pressed a smile up her cheeks. “Tell me, Lord Temple, did I hear that you’ve purchased a new racer?”
He met her gaze leaning slightly over her. “Yes, but I fear he is not yet well trained. He has not yet come to understand the whip.”
Chapter Eleven
“What do you mean that you wish to try kissing other men?” Duldon could not hide the anger in his voice. If they had been anywhere but the Duke of Mirth’s garden he would probably have resorted to a loud yell.
“I don’t know why you are taking on in such a manner,” Bliss said blandly. “You are the one that thought I should find a criterion for choosing a husband. I am only trying to do as you suggested.”
“That’s not what I meant. I was thinking more of seeing if you found their dinner table conversation agreeable.”
“I don’t see how that would help. And how would I go about it?”
“That is simple enough. You talk to them.” He could not help speaking as if she were somewhat lacking in brain cells.
“No, it is not that simple. Anyone can be entertaining for the length of a meal, but how will I know if they can only converse on one subject or if they are only polite in public? I have heard that many men behave differently in company than they do at home. I may find a man quite agreeable when out in society and then once we are wed discover that he screams at the footmen or doesn’t wish me to speak during meals.”
Duldon had to admit there was truth to that. “The same can be said of women. There are some who are sweet as sugar when out, but can cuss like fishwives in private.”
Bliss pursed her lips and glared at him. “And how would you know that? You have never been wed.”
“As we demonstrated last night, it is possible to be alone together without being married.”
Bliss’s mouth grew tighter. His answer evidently displeased her. “Well, then you must help me to spend time alone with other gentlemen.”