The Accidental Mistress Read Online Free PDF Page B

smiled.
    Roxburghe was in front of the fire, staring down into the flames moodily, one arm resting on the mantle, a booted foot on the fender. He wore no coat, just a white shirt and a waistcoat which she saw was unbuttoned when he swung around to face her, sensing her presence. Straightening up, she saw the beginnings of a frown.
    ‘You did not wear what I sent up.’ His voice was abrupt.
    ‘No, my Lord.’
    ‘Well go and put it on. You have time before dinner.’
    ‘No, my Lord. I am content with what I have on. And as there is only the two of us, I’m sure you’ll excuse me.’
    ‘Are you now! We shall see. Come forward; let me look at you.’
    Sophie hesitated for a moment, noting with dismay that he had been drinking. She walked forward slowly. Her own limited experience had taught her just how difficult a man could be if he was in his cups and the last thing she needed was Roxburghe in a contrary mood. And by the look of those faintly flushed cheeks and the glitter in his dark eyes, that was precisely what he was. Contrary.
    Coming to a stop several feet from him, she dropped a swift curtsey. For a long moment Roxburghe studied her, frowning a little, then the frown disappeared and a slow smile took its place. Sophie observed it with alarm. Under the circumstances, she preferred the frown. ‘I supposed I was comparing you to your cousin which must necessarily be unfavorable. Alice is a diamond of the first water, no doubt. But I see now that, while you’re no beauty, you’re face is quite passable while your body…’ his eyes ran down the length of her, ‘Well, even in that drab thing it is most appealing.’
    Sophie flushed. ‘Why thank you. What a pretty compliment!’
    Never before had a man said such a thing to her but the circumstances were extraordinary. She needed to stay calm – especially now that she knew he was drunk, for surely only a man who was highly intoxicated would talk to a lady in such a fashion – and ask that he return her back to London in the morning.
    Roxburghe dropped into a chair and gave her a lazy grin. ‘Come over here and sit on my knee. I think we should get to know each other better. What’s your name?’
    ‘Sophie, my Lord.’ Sophie walked forward but she sat in the chair opposite, perching on the edge, well out of his reach. The dark eyes took note, watching her with a hectic light. How much has he had , she wondered anxiously. Perhaps it would have been better to have remained in her room. She could have asked the housekeeper to bring her something on a tray. It was a bit late for that now, however. She had the feeling Roxburghe would object if she attempted to retreat and the last thing she wanted was to make a scene.
    ‘Well… Sophie. You’ve come as a surprise but I daresay we can muddle along quite well together.’ Once again, his eyes swept over her insolently. ‘Alice was a fool to have rejected what I could have given her. But her loss is your gain.’
    ‘What you could have given her?’ Sophie repeated, politely incredulous, ‘And just what was it you could have given her that would have made the loss of her reputation worthwhile, my Lord? Clearly not your name.’
    He laughed at that and struggle as she might for calm, Sophie felt her own temper begin to rise. Who does he think he is that we should all be so grateful for his attentions?
    ‘Jewelry. Clothing. Whatever she had wanted. Apart from marriage,’ he added, when Sophie would have spoken. ‘Have you any idea how many women have set their caps at my position?’
    ‘How fortunate it is to be you.’ Sophie observed dryly. The arrogance of the man! And the worst thing was that she knew it to be true. Society bent over backwards to accommodate men like Roxburghe, offering the Season’s prizes like so many sacrificial lambs. Some men played the courting game with honorable intentions but men like Roxburghe enjoyed what was on offer without making any promises.
    ‘Indeed it is. Come over