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CHAPTER FOUR

This was the first time in a long while—at least since he had last seen her—he had felt nerves quite like this.

Not just a flutter or tightening in his chest, but his heartbeat echoing in his head.

No, thundering. He had said music to his ears, and it had become a deafening crescendo.

Now she sat across from him, sipping from a delicate teacup fit for her dainty hand.

She had discarded her gloves and changed into a soft blue day dress, mirroring his informality.

A few unruly honeyed curls spilled from her pinned updo, giving her a dishevelled look that made his groin tighten.

Her brows were slightly raised, widening her eyes.

Casting his gaze over her seated figure, he was pleased by how she had rounded out.

Eliza was a voluptuous woman, and he suspected her passion was just as full-bodied.

“Robert, you are making me nervous. No one has ever looked at me quite the way you are.”

Her murmur was soft but direct, and he chuckled.

“I am capturing this moment. It has been an age since we were this close in body. Age agrees with you Eliza. Your beauty knows no bounds.”

“I have no need for your flattery, Robert. I am here. Am I not?”

Ahh, the minx wishes to duel .

“My house, my rules. I will flatter you as much as I like.”

“What an intriguing way to treat a guest, though I suppose the only true harm in your praise will be the increase in my vanity.”

“There is another rule I must inform you of.”

She sipped her tea as she waited for him to speak. And that damned tip of her tongue snuck out again to lick her lips. What he was about to say was shocking, sinful, and not fit for any lady of her standing–but it was the reason she was here.

“You will sleep in my bed.”

Her face, decolletage, and arms turned crimson, and he wondered how far the crimson spread She opened her mouth but no words came out, and he regretted his forwardness.

Christ, they had not even finished the customary small talk .

“Every bit of etiquette demands I scurry away after such a licentious remark. However, that would be claptrap. I know exactly why I am here.”

Relief spread through him that she had not been offended by his suggestive statement.

“I am pleased we are on the same page, Eliza, truly. Speaking of pages, would you care to read passages from Donne aloud? It has always been my fantasy to have your voice reading his work wash over me.”

She gave him a wide smile that showed her even, white teeth.

“I would be delighted.”