Part 37 (2/2)
But he did not. He shrugged, standing. ”I'll survive.”
She also stood, refusing to be disappointed, and quickly stepped into her drawers and pantalettes. ”You appear ready to mount a cannon,” she managed, and then she gave up. She was disappointed.
”What?” he choked.
She did not understand him at all. She did not understand why he couldn't become fond of her, why it had to be simply s.e.x, and she would never understand the line he had drawn and what it really meant. ”I mean, I am sorry you won't take your pleasure, too.”
”I heard you the first time,” he said, and he actually smiled at her. ”A man loves to have his size appreciated.”
”I am sure you have had more than your share of appreciation.” She faced him. ”Devlin, I'm confused.”
His mask reappeared. ”Don't be. It was just...a moment. I should have never stayed here for your fitting.”
”And what? I am so beautiful that you lost almost all control?”
”Frankly, yes.”
She stared, about to berate him for his mockery, when she realized he wasn't mocking at all. ”Are you being serious?” she gasped.
”Yes.” He pursed his lips in indecision, and then said, ”Yes, I am being very serious.”
Elation crept over her. She smiled. ”But-”
He touched her lips. ”Why don't you accept the flattery and enjoy it?”
She grinned. Inwardly, a song was bursting from her heart, the last bar of which was a dance. He thought her beautiful. All disappointment vanished.
”You know, I think that I will.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN.
REGENT STREET HAD CALMED by the time they left Madame Didier's shop. It was late in the afternoon and only a few vendors remained; some of the shops had closed, signs in the window p.r.o.nouncing this fact. A few pedestrians also remained; however, all were gentlemen, when earlier the reverse had been true.
”Is it later than I think?” Virginia asked quietly. Devlin had absented himself for the remainder of the fitting, but only after explaining exactly how he wished Madame to design and trim her gowns.
”It's four. But the ladies of the ton are preparing for their evening affairs at this hour,” he said as quietly.
She was trying to avoid eye contact. It was impossible, just as was avoiding her very distinct recollection of his touch and how it had affected her. Virginia was shaken. What should she do now? How could she proceed with their bargain when it meant so much more to her than a mere game?
She should be thrilled that he found her beautiful enough to almost lose all of his control, and while that had pleased her, despair now outweighed that.
”You will have some beautiful gowns, Virginia. I know you do not really care about fas.h.i.+on, but you may keep them when you leave.”
Instantly the anger came and she could not keep it at bay. ”I don't want the gowns.”
He hesitated, facing her squarely in the middle of the block, his coach, drawn by four handsome grays, parked a short distance ahead. ”But I am offering them to you.”
”And does it make you feel less guilty, your grand gesture?” she said with open bitterness.
He stared.
She flushed, wis.h.i.+ng desperately that she had not spoken, that she could stop revealing her every thought, wish and desire.
”I should feel guilty?” he finally said, slowly, as if choosing his words with care. ”For pleasuring you?”
”For everything,” she flung with heat.
”Offering you the gowns has nothing to do with guilt,” he said. ”You seem downcast. I was hoping to raise your spirits.”
”You could always pleasure me again,” she said tightly, ”that would certainly do the trick.”
He started.
She strode away, wis.h.i.+ng she had not said that, either; besides, the ecstasy he could bring was only the forerunner of pain. If only she were a woman of the world, a woman who could enjoy his favors indifferently without foolishly yearning for his love. If only he felt guilty for using her at all.
”Lady? Pretty puppies fer sale. Real fancy puppies, my lady, come, see!”
Virginia was blinking back tears. She looked up and into the broad face of a fat black puppy with huge floppy ears, big brown eyes and a pink tongue.
”Real fancy, ain't he?” The toothless man smiled.
But Virginia didn't see. The puppy was wriggling madly, an extension of his wagging tail. She smiled and took the pup into her arms, cuddling it to her chest, her cheek against its fur. He was soft and warm, and she hugged him harder, wis.h.i.+ng suddenly that she were back at Sweet Briar, where her life had once been so simple and so happy.
The tears ran then, fast and furious, freely.
”And what kind of breed is that?” Devlin's stern tone sounded.
Virginia blinked back the remaining tears and smiled at the puppy, which licked her cheek enthusiastically.
”A rare breed, sir, a very rare breed. From the north, I believe, is where the dogs come from. They make fine house dogs, sir, for they do not grow much at all. Just to the knee, perfect for a lady.”
Devlin snorted.
Virginia hugged the pup harder and it licked her face again. She looked up fiercely. ”I am taking this dog, Devlin.” And she stared, daring him to refuse her now.
”That dog is a Dane, if I do not miss my guess.” His gaze held her eyes. Not looking from Virginia, he sighed and said, ”How much?”
”A s.h.i.+lling, sir.”
Devlin handed him some coins. ”Five pence and consider yourself lucky.”
”Yes, sir, my lord!” The man beamed and walked back to the other puppies that slept in a crate.
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