Excerpt: 1812, December, A Kiss For Charity by Sherry Ewing (Part 3 of the flirtation scene)

“It is not that Adrian disapproves of the man so much as he does not approve of the lengths I have gone to attempt to explain the situation to Nicholas. My brother feels that if the gentleman will not take the time to listen to my explanation, then he does not deserve me. That I went to Lord Nicholas’s room so he would have no other option than to listen to me almost sent my brother to call the man out.” Grace gulped, her eyes darting to those nearby to ensure no one overhead what she just spilled out. “Good heavens! I have no idea why I just confessed such to you. What you must think of me!” When Aldridge only studied her, she continued, “Lord Nicholas has been avoiding me ever since.”

Aldridge leaned toward her and murmured in her ear, “Flirting, then, is perhaps not the best idea. Not if he thinks you are a faithless wife endeavoring to tempt him from the path of virtue.” He sat back, and, though his eyes were still merry, he had composed the rest of his face to appear sympathetic. “I am, despite appearances and reputation, a safe confidante, my dear.”

“My lord, I─”

“And if you escaped his bedchamber unkissed, Lady de Courtenay, given the way the man’s eyes follow you around the room, he is a bloodless creature and not worthy of your regard.”

She gazed at Aldridge shyly and leaned forward again. “Well, my lord, since I am confessing, I did not say that I left unkissed, but perhaps you are correct that flirting with you may not be in my best interest, although I have enjoyed this brief interlude. I can understand why Moriah and the ladies speak your name with such… enthusiasm.” As he remained silent, she added, “I once again apologize for my sister’s conduct and hope you will not think too unkindly of her or me. She is young, and our parents spoiled her before they passed away. When I placed our silly bet, I had no idea that she would think to set her sights on you and your brother of all people.”

“Ah. It was just an anonymous male who was to propose, was it? Anyone would do? You did not answer my question, Lady de Courtenay. Is your sister looking for a husband or just for a proposal? Your answer will guide my response, you understand.”

She stole another glance at her Miranda, who stared back at her with cold, hard eyes. “I suppose our conversation did get away from me, but, as for your answer, she is only looking for a proposal in order to win our wager, my lord. I do not believe she has intention of getting married at this time. I am sure our flirtations will only further her attempts to elicit an offer from you. I know she can be trying, but I would be grateful if you would handle the situation as delicately as possible. I know I am asking much, particularly since we are mostly strangers, but I would appreciate your discretion, along with keeping what I have told you about my situation with Lord Nicholas between us,” Grace added with a worried frown.

Aldridge was smiling at his own thoughts, his eyes twinkling. “My discretion can always be relied on, Lady de Courtenay. Even my worst detractors say this, so it must be true. I will say nothing about our discussion to Lord Nicholas. And I promise not to hurt your sister, though a little surprise would not go amiss, I think.” He continued speaking, but clearly to himself, “Yes. Gren will play along, and perhaps… No. Best keep it to the two of us.”

“You are a true gentleman, Lord Aldridge, but I think I will keep that secret to myself as well. I would not want your reputation to suffer,” Grace admitted. She could only speculate about what was in store for her sister in the coming days. “The less I know of what you and your brother have planned for my sister is perhaps for the best.”

His lips twitched again. “You are undoubtedly right! Would it be helpful if I referred to your brother as your brother rather loudly in Lacey’s presence?”

“Hopefully, Lord Nicholas can work the situation out for himself. Why else would I dress as Diana and my brother Apollo during the costume ball if we were not related as brother and sister? However, if you feel inclined to drop a few hints around the stubborn man, I suppose it would not hurt.”

“Consider it done.” He picked up her hand and raised it to his lips, dropping a kiss just above the skin, but so close she could feel the heat of his breath. “To seal the bargain.”

She raised her glass in a toast once Aldridge released her hand. “Consider our bargain properly sealed, my lord.”