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However, I will endeavour to make the situation as painless as
possible. "
He nearly groaned; he sounded as pompous and stiff as the surgeon who
had once removed a bullet from his arm. Perhaps he should offer her a
swig of whisky as well.
He cleared his throat.
"That is, I will try to restrain from inflicting my presence on you any
more than necessary. You may choose where you wish to live. I have
the town house in London and there is Grenville Hall, although my
stepmother prefers to reside there. There is a smaller estate in
Surrey and my hunting lodge in Scotland. I've no doubt my grandmother
would be delighted if you wished to stay with her. Or, if you prefer,
I can purchase a property for you anywhere you desire." He hadn't a
clue what he was saying. From the confused look on her face, he
suspected she hadn't either. And instead of looking relieved she was
looking more and more dismayed.
"You will be living at Biydon Castle?" she asked softly.
"No. It is not mine."
She knotted her hands.
"But I thought that ... that since you married within the proper time
it would come to you."
He stiffened.
"Do you think I forced you into marriage so I could inherit Biydon
Castle?" he demanded, his voice harsh.
"No. Of course I do not think that at all." She rose, not looking at
him.
"I don't understand. Why won't you inherit it? At least you should
have some compensation for all the trouble I've caused you." He strode
to her side, pulling her around to face him. Her wide, startled eyes
met his. Her lips parted in surprise.
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"Listen to me, Claire. This is nonsense. I wanted to marry you, for
reasons that have nothing to do with the damn castle or the night we
spent together. I want to hear no more about your forcing me into this
marriage. Besides, in case you've forgotten I was a most willing
participant that night."
"Oh." Her mouth looked soft and wholly kissable. Her eyes had
softened and he knew without a doubt she was as affected by him as he
was by her.
"I... I see."
"Good." His voice gentled. He should pull away, before he did
something rash. Like sweep her up in his arms and carry her to the
sofa. He abruptly released her and stepped back.
"It would be best if you stay with my grandmother for a while."
"If that is what you want." Her voice had gone flat, her expression
bleak.
"Perhaps you will at least tell me where you plan to reside."
She started towards the door.
"Claire'wait!"
She halted, her hand on the knob.
"What is it?"
"I would ask you to go to Biydon Castle with me, but under the
conditions of the will we would be required to live there together for
six months."
She bit her lip.
"That is very kind of you, I am sure, but I should not want to inflict
my company on you for six months." He inwardly groaned, wondering
what
had happened to his famed address.
"On the contrary, I was worried about inflicting my presence on you for
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six months. I should not mind your company at all." Except he had no
idea how he would keep from touching her.
She glanced away for a moment, then looked back at him.
"I... I think I would rather like to stay at Biydon Castle."
"Would you?" Relief coursed through him, and hope.
"It is only fair to warn you that it is not very modern. Some of the
furniture looks like it was brought over with the Romans and several of
the fireplaces smoke. Although the leaking roof was repaired recently.
At least sleep is possible without rain pouring on one's head."
A half-smile touched her lips.
"Are you trying to discourage me?"
"No. I didn't want you to think it is some sort of romantic place when
in reality it's damnably uncomfortable. It needs a dozen repairs. But
you'll never find a more beautiful setting--there's a view of the sea
that takes your breath away. The grounds are in poor shape but once
the gardens are restored..." He stopped, realising he was babbling
like a fool trying to convince her to go with him.
She smiled, the first genuine smile he'd seen today on her face. It
lit up her countenance and he realised, not for the first time, how
beautiful she was.
"It sounds lovely."
"It is." He stared at her, transfixed. Then wondered what she'd do if
he pulled her into his arms. How the devil he was going to keep away
from her was beyond him. Or, he could court her. Away from the
complications of their respective families, he could gently woo her to
be his wife in all respects. He realised, with sudden clarity, he
wanted more than just her lovely body or her honest soul with him. He
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