Lady Barbara's Dilemma Read Online Free PDF Page B

“I am warm from wanting to kiss you, but I fear,” he said, “that if I kiss you again neither of us will cool off.”
    Barbara felt a thrill go through her as he lowered his head and she felt his breath against her neck. She closed her eyes and lifted her face and Wardour kissed her again, this time a little more insistently. His lips explored hers, but just as she began to respond and her mouth began to relax and open under his, he pulled back. Her eyes opened wide with surprise and disappointment.
    “I must ask you something before I forget myself,” Wardour said solemnly.
    Barbara wanted to say, “Yes, yes, ask away and I’ll answer and let us get back to what is truly important.” In truth, for all her anticipation of the moment, she was so distracted that she didn’t guess what he was about to ask.
    “I should talk to your father first, I know, and I fully intended to,” he continued. “But I fear I have lost control over my good intentions, and must ask now, for the sake of your reputation as well as my own peace of mind.”
    Lost control? wondered Barbara. Oh, let us lose control!
    “Lady Barbara, I do not think I am mistaken that we have an affection for one another. And this evening proves that we respond to one another in…other ways. Will you do me the honor of consenting to be my wife?”
    Now that the moment had come, Barbara felt herself go from hot to cold in an instant. Did she want to spend her life with this man? She thought so. She thought they could make each other comfortable and happy. And this evening had proved they would be physically compatible, if one could judge by a kiss or two. Did she love him as Judith loved Simon? She didn’t know, but she did know she was tired of waiting. And she also knew she wanted another kiss.
    “Yes, yes, I will,” she replied quietly.
    Wardour smiled. It was a spontaneous smile, which lit up his whole face, but it also had in it a trace of satisfaction. There was no surprise on his face, no lover’s insecurity. He had, to judge by his smile, expected her answer to be yes. As why should he not, she told herself. But still, it bothered her a little.
    Just then Wardour leaned down and kissed her again, and the moment of doubt passed. This third kiss was the best of all, for as her lips parted, he pulled her closer and pushed his tongue gently into her mouth. She wanted the kiss to go on for a long time, but he pulled away from her again, saying, “I wouldn’t like us to be discovered like this, my dear, even though we are now betrothed. People would say that I only proposed to avoid a scandal. I will ride out to Ashurst tomorrow and talk to your father.”
    Barbara found herself reluctant to start thinking practically. She knew he was right. It would be embarrassing to be caught in his arms. And he did have to speak to her father before an announcement could be made, so she swallowed her disappointment that they couldn’t go on exploring the delights of kissing for another hour or so and smoothed her hair and smiled up at him.
    “You are right, Peter. Although I hate to go back, I suppose we must.”
    He dropped a quick kiss on her head. “Soon we will be able to kiss as long as we want, my dear.” He pulled his cravat straight, and then opened the door.
     

Chapter 7
     
    Wardour left the next day for Ashurst. He did not see Barbara before he went, but that morning an exquisite bouquet of hothouse flowers arrived for her. Robin, who had joined her for a late breakfast, quizzed her about them.
    “Wardour has done everything to express his interest, but this is quite a floral tribute, Barb. Does this mean anything?”
    “It does, Robin,” she said with a smile.
    Her brother set down his coffee cup and looked over at her, his eyebrows raised inquiringly.
    “Peter and I became betrothed last night,” she announced.
    Delighted, Robin got up and went over to Barbara to give her a hug. Barbara felt tears come to her eyes as he pressed his cheek to