Tempted By a Rake (Wicked Widows’ League #21)

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Goodness! She had certainly erred, and further insulted Demetrius, but how was she to know…

Lavinia nearly groaned when she recalled that he had told her that he had placed an advertisement for a maid of all work. How could she have forgotten?

And now, any warmth that may have developed between them last evening had just been destroyed because she had made the wrong assumption, gave him the cut direct as she walked into town and then insulted him upon her return.

As there was nothing to be done for it, she guarded her emotions, as she often did when with others, and made her enquiry. “Were you able to hire someone for the duration of your holiday?”

“I did not.”

“Why not?”

“Max did not like them.”

Certainly, she misunderstood. Demetrius was a reasonable and intelligent man. He’d not make serious decisions in such an inane manner. “Your dog decided?” she repeated slowly.

Demetrius grew very serious, nearly grave. “He is very particular.”

As she had heard no barking when one woman was leaving and another approached, Lavinia decided that Demetrius was blaming his peculiarities on his dog. What those characteristics were, she did not know, nor was it any of her concern. “I hope you have more success tomorrow.” She then turned to continue down the drive, though wondered if she should invite him to dine with her again given there was nobody to cook for him. Instead, another option occurred to her. “I will ask Mrs. Trenton to deliver a plate this evening so that you do not starve or poison yourself.”

“You are too kind.” His tone was dry and Lavinia suspected if she were to look into his eyes at this moment that they would reveal the same humor she often noted when she was trying to make a point during their various discussions.

While handsome and intelligent, Demetrius Valentine could be aggravating. Why did it always seem that there was laughter, just below his surface, that he managed to contain and too often she suspected that it was directed at her, though he continued to treat her with respect?

Not aggravating or irritating, but likeable, and it often confused her because his words and tone would often indicate one thing, but those warm brown eyes held warmth and sometimes delight. “Yes, well, I am invested in keeping you alive.”

She continued to the front door, very much aware that he was still behind her as Lavinia could feel him watching her. Though she had recovered from her headache there was still disquiet within as some of the anxiety that had greeted her this morning remained.

“Lavinia,” he called just as she stepped onto the small stoop.

“Yes?” she asked as she turned.

“Were you aware that there is a Christmas assembly being held in town this evening?”

“Yes. I heard mention of it and I was invited to attend.”

“As was I,” he offered.

A pang of jealousy struck in the very center of her chest, no different than the one when she spied one woman leaving his cottage as another arrived. “Which of the women will you be escorting?”

“None.”

She finally glanced back at him, which had been a mistake because Demetrius sauntered forward wearing a blasted grin. Why was he so happy most of the time?

If only she could be.

Lavinia stopped the thought and concentrated on him.

“Then it appears we will both remain in this evening.” She turned once again, anxious to get into the cottage and close the door because there was something about Demetrius Valentine that put her off balance and she needed to discover the cause, then the cure, so that it did not happen again.

“I had hoped that you would allow me to escort you.”

Lavinia’s heart started to hammer as her pulse raced. Why would he want to take her? She had seen the women who had been at his cottage today. They had been younger than her and quite pretty.

Slowly she turned, having given up the hope of escaping into the cottage, and not certain she wished to any longer. “I had not considered…”

“When was the last time you attended a ball or assembly for enjoyment?” he asked quietly.

“I attend them all the time,” she offered by way of dismissal.

What was wrong with her? Last night she had wanted to spend time with Demetrius. She had wanted…what she should not even consider. In fact, it would be best to put the foolish idea of a lover from her mind.

“You go as a chaperone to watch over your younger sisters, who are not here. When was the last time you attended such an entertainment just for the pleasure of it?”

All Lavinia could do was stare at him as she tried to recall. “Not since before I wed.” There had been no reason to attend a ball or anything for that matter after she had become a wife because her place was in his castle and hidden away in Scotland.

“Do you not believe that it is time? You did come here because you wished to do something for yourself. Would this not be the perfect opportunity?”

She was here for that purpose. Why should that not include an assembly? “I would be pleased to accept your escort.”

“Would this be before Mrs. Trenton delivers my lifesaving meal or after?”

“The assembly begins at seven, I believe. Shall we dine here at five?”

Demetrius had looked forward to hopefully having her in his arms for a waltz. Unfortunately, he failed to consider that he did not have the clothing within his wardrobe for a ball. Those were back in his set of rooms in London, worn only a few times.

Except this was not London, but Seaford. Not that it wasn’t a respectable town, but there was no one here from Society. It was a local assembly and likely no different than the ones he had attended when he resided with his aunt and uncle. Therefore, the best suit of clothing he had brought with him should do. Or so he hoped.

Never had he taken so much time with his appearance. Of course, it had never mattered before. He attended so few functions and if his evenings were spent out, it was at either a tavern or gambling establishment. All he could hope was that his appearance was not a disappointment to Lavinia.

Straightening his suitcoat one last time, Demetrius raised his hand for the knocker. A moment later the door was opened by Mr. Trenton, who stepped back to allow him entry. “Lady Teviot is in the parlor awaiting your arrival.”

He offered a nod then crossed to the parlor where he found Lavinia standing in the center of the room wearing a gown of emerald silk with an overlay of delicate lace. Not only did it fit her to perfection, but the way the gown hugged her breasts made his mouth water. She’d also arranged her hair so that it was pulled behind with artful and delicate curls that brushed her neck and temples. He fought the urge to stride forward and remove all the pins so that her mahogany tresses fell free, but she would likely be cross if he did.

“You look lovely this evening.” He bowed.

A smile pulled at her lips. Not one of happiness, but humor.

It was his clothing. They were not suitable for an assembly.

“I apologize, but I own nothing nicer.”

“There is nothing wrong with the style, Demetrius. I was just wondering if Max and Cal helped you dress this evening.”

He glanced down and sure enough there was dog and cat hair on his trousers and suitcoat.

Bloody hell! How had he not noticed? Further, he had been very careful to not come into contact with either of the pets after he was dressed.

“I shall return home and brush my clothing. I was unaware.”

“I am certain Mr. Trenton has a brush that we can use.” She chuckled as she exited the parlor, only to return a few moments later. “Give me your arm.” She then proceeded to brush the animal hair away before she had him turn to see to his back, then the front of him while standing far too close. Her scent of honeysuckle wafted and swirled around him. How had he not noticed her preferred scent before? Well, unless she never wore it except for going out for the evening.

She then bent but must have thought otherwise and handed him the brush. “I shall let you see to your trousers.” A blush stained her cheeks as he took it from her. He almost told her that he would not have minded, but she’d likely be scandalized or mortified, especially since he was already having difficulty keeping his desire in check. Her hand on his thigh would have made it impossible for Lavinia not to notice his reaction to her.