The Legend of the Earl (Heirs of High Society) (A Regency Romance Book)(17)

“Avoiding the papers won’t help.” Justin moved closer but still didn’t touch her. His clean scent rose to greet her. She liked the smell of his soap and its combination with his skin. Unlike some of the expensive oils that she was used to smelling on men, Justin smelled as though he’d just come from running through a forest, earthy like rain and bark. Looking at him this close, she didn’t get the impression the rags painted him to be or what she’d painted him to be herself. He seemed kind, and when he spoke, his words were authoritative but gentle. “You need to embrace the truth and let the ton see you do it. It’s the only way that the gossip and novelty of you will die down before another scandal comes. If you don’t, then you can expect to be hunted until you do. The sooner the better.”

Alex knew he was right. The men who wrote for the London papers were like dogs with a bone. They’d not cease until she came out. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Let me help you.” His eyes were gentle. “Let me introduce you to Society.”

“From all accounts, you’re not known to venture into Society.”

Something crossed his eyes before he looked away. Then they returned to her. “Imagine their reaction when I do and with you by my side. There will be talk, but all of it should be good.”

She decided to press the issue that was bothering her. “You’d have to take my arm if you’re to be my escort, and we’d have to dance.”

Justin became like stone. The only sign he wasn’t was that he continued to blink and breathe.

She leaned closer. “Does the thought of touching me really bother you?” Her hands rested in her lap, but his were only a few short inches away. What if she reached out to him? How would he react?

“Touch you? I…” He seemed to struggle with his words and then stopped and frowned at his hands.

Alex leaned away as heat hit her cheeks. “If you don’t want to touch me—”

“I want to touch you.” The words came out more like a growl that made Alex shiver. Still, he didn’t meet her eyes.

She didn’t know what to make of him. The intensity of his statement made it hard for her to doubt him.

It also made her think of doing more than sharing a simple touch.

But why hesitate? She knew some of the rules that governed lords and ladies. She knew a gentleman could not freely touch a woman except as an escort or to dance with her. They were strict rules that separated his class from hers, but he hadn’t even taken her hand in greeting.

Maybe he was promised to another woman. Betrothed. If that was the case, then Alex commended him for his restraint when other men would only think to do as they pleased when out of their fiancée or wife’s sight.

Yet he had a mistress.

Perhaps he shared more than a simple fondness for the woman. Maybe he was in love.

“Why?” she asked, not understanding him at all. “Why would you do this for me?”

He stilled and said, “Because I owe your father.” He’d said that before.

“What did my father do for you?”

Justin looked at her as though this topic were an easier one. “He saved my father’s life. A boating accident. Your father jumped into a lake and pulled my father to shore.”

“That’s good news,” she told him.

Justin nodded but said nothing.

“What are you not saying?” she asked.

“My mother did not survive that incident, and recently my father has passed.”

“Just like mine, apparently.” She knew it wasn’t the same, but she tried to sympathize with him. “I’m sorry about your mother.”

Justin took on another look that struck Alex right in the heart. Another soft smile that warmed his eyes. “Your father would have liked you.”

She smiled and turned away. “I don’t know. I lack all the grace of a lady.”

“Yes, but you make up for it with personality. I can barely tell the ladies of the ton apart these days.”

She’d have been offended had he not finished that statement. She smiled up at him. “I’m sure grace is much more favored than personality.”

“Not to me.”

The combination of his words and his gaze made her heart skip another beat before she pulled in a breath.

His eyes changed. Warmed further. His hand unclenched.

“Alex,” Reuben called.

She leaned away, though it took some effort, moving slowly so as not to make herself any more dizzy. Then she turned to look at Reuben.

“It’s time we leave,” her brother said.

Justin stood and held out a hand for Alex to proceed him. She was forced to get to her feet on her own, but since she’d been getting up and down from chairs by her herself her whole life—and since she was starting to like Justin more even with her confusion about him—she took no offense. She was startled when he spoke.

“Join my family for dinner,” he said.

“No.” Justin was lovely, and she sensed a liking growing between them, a friendship perhaps, but she was not ready to meet anyone else from Society. Still, she wanted to see him again. “Join my family for dinner,” she said, repeating his own words.

“Alex,” Reuben called again.

“I accept,” Justin said right before she smiled at Reuben. “She’s all yours, sir.”