The Legend of the Earl (Heirs of High Society) (A Regency Romance Book)(12)

“You ride,” she told him.

Gerard smiled and nodded. “I do. I race.”

“Yes.” She knew this. Chris was obsessed with the races. “You’re very good, I hear.”

Gerard was cut off by Justin. “He’s only here because I came looking for you.”

Alex blinked at Justin. “Shall I curtsey now?”

Obenshire started choking again.

Justin put on a full smile that stopped Alex’s heart. “Well, since we are conversing with very few witnesses, I don’t believe that will be necessary.”

“Oh, are you to bow over my hand?” She thrust her hand forward and was amazed when Justin all but leapt back as though she’d offered him a snake.

His smile fell away, and the air around them seemed to cool. “That won’t be necessary either.” His brows became pinched, still staring at her hand.

Gerard, who’d managed to avoid Justin when he jumped back, moved and took Alex’s hand. “Lovely to meet you.” He bowed over it and offered his own grin in Justin’s place.

But Alex didn’t see it. All she saw was the look on Justin’s face as he continued to frown at the hand that his friend now held, his brows lowering further.

She tried to not feel offended but couldn’t manage to do so. It was clear he thought her beneath him, not worthy of his touch even with his gloves on. She sometimes hated it when she was right. Now, even more than before, she wanted him gone.

“Alex,” Rose whispered with a small nudge, seeking an introduction.

“This is my sister, Rose,” Alex announced.

Justin gave a flourishing bow to Rose, which made Rose blush, which in turn made Alex slightly less irritated with his presence. “I didn’t know Lord Wint had more children.”

“He didn’t,” Alex said.

Justin nodded in understanding. “You share a mother then.”

Alex changed the topic of discussion. “Why are you here?”

The borrowed lines that had formed between Justin’s brows slid away as his expression grew serious. “I’ve come to offer you my assistance.”

Alex shook her head. “Oh, I don’t know what to say, my lord. Thank you, but—”

“Our fathers were friends and though both have passed, I believe they’d have thought it right that I see you well situated. You shall live with me,” he went on in a way that began to irritate her all over again. He held his hands by his side as he rattled on. “I shall become your protector until your cousin can be found. You’ll be given all the provisions of a lady, and I will set a dowry on you that shall see that you are perfectly matched.”

Alex nodded her head very slowly as she played Justin’s words over and over again in her head.

She remembered why she hated the Beau Monde so very much.

They never cared about how anyone else was feeling. They simply ran right over people and never looked back to ensure that the victim was all right. Justin was the perfect example of a well-bred man, and she decided in that moment that she wanted nothing to do with him.

Alex smiled. “Thank you, my lord, but—”

“We should hurry if you wish to be ready in time for dinner,” Justin went on. “I’m not sure how quickly a seamstress can work, but I’m sure one of my sisters can loan you a few dresses for the time being.” His eyes drifted down her and never came back to meet her eyes as he said, “Though we’d have to get them altered.” There was a dark quality in his voice that said the thought of it pleased him.

“I don’t see your sisters allowing that to happen,” Obenshire murmured loud enough for her to hear.

Justin frowned, but Alex thought Obenshire correct. What woman wanted to share her clothes? Alex owned exactly one good dress that no one else had ever worn, and she’d go a round of fisticuffs before she’d let anyone near it.

“My lord,” Alex said. “I thank you for your brave and heroic rescue, but it’s not necessary.”

Silence filled the room.

Justin tilted his head slightly and just when Alex had been sure he could not grow more adorable, he did. “I don’t understand.”

She sighed. Confusion seemed to make him that much more attractive. She could stare at his expressive face for days, but she knew better than to allow that. “I’m refusing your offer,” she said plainly. “Good day, my lord.”

When he didn’t move, she added a curtsey, though she was certain she’d done it wrong and in too much haste.

When the earls still didn’t move, she put on an encouraging smile, even forcing it to reach her eyes.

“You refuse?” Justin finally managed to get out, disbelief taking over his entire face. If he kept on, she knew she’d kiss him. He was simply the most adorable man she’d ever seen.

She had to get away from him. “Yes, I refuse,” she said with annoyance. “Now please leave.”

Justin did the opposite and moved closer. Rain, mixed with linen and his cologne, filled her nostrils. The scent was intoxicating. “Why do you refuse? I’m offering you what any other woman in London would fall on their knees for.”

“Alex, maybe you should think about this,” Rose whispered, loud enough for Justin to hear.

Alex didn’t need to think about this. She needed to get away. “I’m only ever on my knees for two reasons.” She held up her fist, so he could follow. His eyes went to her hands. “To clean.” She popped one finger up. “And to pray.”