Page 12

L ydia’s nerves were unaccountably jumpy as she alighted from her father’s closed carriage down the street from the Stapleton’s Boxing Salon.

She had sent a note ’round to Alexander at the salon yesterday asking for another lesson so he could have a contract ready to sign that would outline payment information.

After handing the driver a few coins, she gave him a faint smile. “Thank you, Giles. I shouldn’t need a ride home, for I would imagine Lord Wexley will see me back.”

“Of course, Miss Tetford.”

With a nod, she watched him climb back onto his bench and then drive away, then she turned to face the facade of the building with a soft sigh.

It was nearly the two o’clock hour, which was the time of her appointment, but since she hadn’t come dressed as a young man—she’d forgotten and additionally, she wasn’t comfortable going about Town in a disguise just because it was scandalous to be seen somewhere as a woman—she wondered which door she should enter the salon by.

In truth, Alexander promised he would be there to meet her, so she assumed they would enter through the discreet entrance, but as of yet, she hadn’t seen him.

When her father had asked after her plans for the day, she’d told him the truth: she was looking into the possibility of taking boxing lessons, for just that morning, she’d received another threatening letter from Colin, and what was more, he was in London.

Though she wouldn’t admit it to her father, that fact terrified her. It also brought home how right she had been to terminate the engagement, even if the dowry had been lost. No doubt that extra coin was what had prompted Colin’s urge to visit Town.

“Ah, there you are Miss Tetford.”

She whirled about at the sound of his voice.

He had just alighted from a hired hack, and after he paid the driver, Alexander came toward her.

“Lord Wexley. How lovely to see you again.” That wasn’t a lie, for it had been a few days since she was last in his company, and once more she was struck by how handsome he was.

That brown hair that seemed to have a mind of its own when flopping over his forehead in what resembled a wave on the ocean made her fingers itch to see if it was as soft as it looked.

Not even the jaunty tilt of his top hat on his head could hide that personality.

The closer he came, the more his hazel eyes caught the sunlight which made them appear as clear and nuanced as a marble she’d once seen when her brother played with his friends.

But what her attention caught upon was the breadth of his shoulders and how his jacket of bottle green superfine enhanced the whole of his torso.

How well she remembered what he’d looked like stripped down to breeches in the boxing ring with those shadowed planes and the ridged abdomen.

What I wouldn’t give to run my palms over that expanse.

Reminding herself that she didn’t need a man in her life, Lydia forced a swallow into her suddenly dry throat.

“I apologize it has been a few days. I’d meant to talk with you before about boxing lessons, but my father’s patients all developed acute conditions at the same time, so I was obliged to assist him with their care. ”

“Never apologize for helping a person in need.” With a grin, he gestured her toward the alleyway.

“Please, come with me. We’ll go up to my brother’s office like Duncan showed you before.

I can’t remember how many clients and members are in the salon this afternoon, but we’ll stay in the office to protect your privacy. ”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” In silence, she followed him, and when they climbed the narrow wooden stairs, she couldn’t help admiring the tautness of his arse or how the muscles in his thighs played with each tread he took.

Get hold of yourself, Lydia! You have seen many other attractive men before.

At the landing, she stood beside him while he fished about in his waistcoat pocket. When he frowned, he patted himself down, and her gaze went to his mouth. Had his lips always seemed so sensual? “Damn.”

“What?” It gave her something to focus on.

“I’ve misplaced the key to the door, and now that I’m thinking about it, I left it on my bureau top.”

Did that mean her lesson today would be postponed? How annoying. A huff of annoyance left her throat. “How are you this irresponsible, especially since you are the one who keeps the books?”

He slowly turned to face her. “Can I help it if I’ve been somewhat distracted of late?”

“With what?”

“Many things, I suppose, but mostly wondering if I should enter another bout.”

“Ah.” Lydia couldn’t help but point her gaze briefly to the heavens. “After your horrid showing at the last one?” When he stared, she snickered. “A glutton for punishment, are you?”

“Well, I, uh…” The emotions on his face went from shocked to annoyed, then to embarrassed. “That is to say, I’m a boxer at heart. Doesn’t matter—much—if I don’t win them all… I think.”

Taking pity on him, Lydia laughed. “Don’t take offense, Lord Wexley. Not all the Stapleton brothers can be prizefighters.”

This time his expression landed on annoyed, and that emotion reflected in his eyes. “That might be so, but I need the prize purses.”

“Why? Do you have vices that demand payment? A mistress, perhaps?” Though she enjoyed needling him, it was a good way to discover if he had a woman in his life.

“No.” A red flush went up his neck and above his cravat and collar. “The truth?”

“That would be preferable. I have no time for dissembling, and lying doesn’t endear anyone to me—male or female.”

He nodded. “I need to build up a decent income to appear more attractive to women. In the event I’d like to potentially court one,” he added in a rush.

“Oh.” That was… surprising. And the fact he’d said it made him rise in her esteem. “Is that something you wish to do? Court a woman?”

“I don’t know. Truth to tell, I’m confused about it.” He shrugged, and his rueful expression pulled at her chest. “Ever since Lewis married, and with Duncan always having a lady on his arm at society events, I’ve been feeling left out, like on the outside looking in.”

“While I hesitate to tell you this, I do understand what you mean.” She leaned her back against the wall since the landing was crowded and his presence filled the tight space.

“Many of my friends have married and are having children, and while it’s not something I’m willing to entertain for myself just now, I’ve also learned that envy or jealousy is not a good reason to court or marry.

” When she met his gaze, questions clouded the hazel depths.

“Those emotions are not the ones on which to build a relationship, and they might lose you the woman.”

“I can see how that might be possible. Additionally, it might cause her to break trust.”

“Exactly. Once that trust is lost, it is very difficult to retrieve.”

For the space of a few heartbeats, silence reigned between them.

“What if I find a lady that I do have an interest in, but because of my financial situation, I’m not at a point where I can offer for her.

Should I ask, even if I thought I could grow to love said woman, and hope those feelings were truth and might be returned? ”

“Oh, dear, such a complicated situation.” Did that mean he had a lady in mind and needed the advice of another woman? She played with the strings of her reticule. “This seems as if it’s a quick decision. Is it imperative that you find a wife immediately?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Then why are you trying to rush the timeline before finding the right fit?” When he remained silent, she blew out a breath.

“I speak from experience, Lord Wexley. I rushed into an engagement due to my mother’s wishes, but that match wasn’t the right one for me and wouldn’t have worked for the lifestyle I wish to pursue. ”

“Perhaps it is complicated.” He shrugged, and once more her attention was arrested by the breadth of his shoulders.

“My father didn’t leave the family well off, and with Lewis unable to box any longer and Duncan being cut off from receiving funding from the family coffers, we desperately need the cash.

Additionally, I am letting my rooms, as well as employing a valet and a part-time housekeeper. ”

That sent a frown tugging at the corner of her lips.

“So, then, you want an heiress. You’ll have access to her fortune as well as the time to sort your feelings.

” She couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice.

“Isn’t that how the beau monde acts? Coin makes everything better, even matches that are ill-fated?

” Was that truly the kind of man he was?

Willing to sacrifice his heart on the altar of coin?

“Not necessarily. I’m only saying—”

“Oh, what an idiot.” After muttering that, Lydia closed the short distance between them, stood on her toes, and then pressed her lips to his.

Immediately, a rush of buzzing feeling went through her veins, but all it did was enhance the craving for more.

Before she could really begin to enjoy the kiss, he pulled away without once putting his hands on her.

Surprise reflected in his eyes. “Why do you keep doing that?”

“This time was to stop you from talking and making more of a fool of yourself than you already are.”

“Ah.” He peered at her as if he couldn’t quite puzzle her out. “Since this is the second time you have initiated a kiss, does that mean you enjoy doing so with me?”

Did she?

That one they’d shared in the boxing salon office still had the power to send tingles of need down her spine.

In this as well, there was no purpose in lying.

“I rather might, but more research is needed.” Would he think her too fast or even too forward?

“You see, I’ve never been good at being a passive miss waiting around to have someone take notice of me. ”