Page 10

Graham smiled, smugly. “People talk, Lady Beatrice. However, I heard you came a bit more prepared this time with a mask. Perhaps next time you’ll have the illustrious invitation that is needed for new invitees.”

He finally brought his eyes down to meet hers and she quickly dropped her eyes to the ground.

Embarrassment mixed with frustration fueled her blood.

She made peace with asking him for help but her stubbornness did not want her to do it now.

If she asked now he would assume victory over her and she couldn’t have that.

Not that this was a game to her, but something told her that if she gave into him now, she would have a harder time resisting him later.

“It’s a learning curve, Your Grace. You will see me at one of those parties, mark my words.” Her words were delivered through gritted teeth and a fake smile as they passed Lady Swanson and her daughter.

Graham tilted his head and gave a smile to the passing ladies. “Of that I have no doubt, mouse.”

Beatrice’s skin heated. Who would have thought the pet name “mouse” would cause her body to react? He called her that the night they met, before they knew each other as Graham and Beatrice. That night they were just the masked man and a woefully unprepared woman.

There was something deliciously scandalous about the mystery of it all. A warm sensation settled low in her stomach that made her knees wobble under her skirt.

Beatrice could feel his eyes on her. “You do seem more confident today. Perhaps one day you will feel like you fit in there. We shall see.”

Her eyes met his. “I will and we will.”

Graham’s eyes darkened. “We both know what’s on your list, so I know how inexperienced you are.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened before darting around to their surroundings. “Shh! Someone may hear you.”

Her words did nothing to deter him.

“But just how inexperienced are you?” He finished, paying no mind to her sudden distress.

She furrowed her brows. “How do you mean? I thought it was pretty clear in the description of the word ‘inexperienced.’ You saw my list. Obviously the existence of number four is proof that I’m inexperienced.”

Her insides were spinning. She couldn’t believe she was having this conversation a handful of steps away from her mother, out in public where anyone could overhear them.

Graham pulled her closer to his side as he pretended to point to a bird in a tree. To anyone else it would look like they were admiring a beautiful Cardinal in the tree. However, what he spoke ignited a spark deep within Beatrice.

“The fact that you don’t know there are many ways to enjoy the human body does prove how inexperienced you are. You don’t always need a partner.”

Graham’s eyes were set on the flittering bird, hopping from branch to branch, his stance as casual as you could get on mid-morning park.

Beatrice eyes darted to Graham, who only shook his head. “Now, now, look back up into the tree, little mouse. We don’t want people to think we’re talking about anything uncouth.”

Beatrice did as she was told. Her eyes tried to focus on the bird even though she felt as if the ground had upended her.

“What do you mean?” Her whisper shook with curiosity.

He leaned in closer so his breath tickled her neck. She could smell the familiar scent of sweet smoke that had her mouth running dry. The cool breeze did nothing to calm her racing heart, and heating body.

“Tell me, Lady Beatrice, have you ever touched yourself?” His decadent voice had her eyes fluttering shut. “Eyes open, mouse.”

Beatrice’s eyes flew open at the command. She blinked a few times to clear her vision. Did he just say what she thought he said?

She licked her lips. “I’m not sure what you mean.” At least she didn’t think she knew. She’s heard a few married women gossiping about it, but she didn’t think it was something people actually did.

Graham turned his head so his lips grazed her ear. “The way you’re breathing tells me you do.”

Beatrice felt faint. This conversation could not be actually happening.

“Do me a favor, little mouse. Prove to me you’re ready for parties thrown on the ‘wild side of London.’”

Beatrice swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. “And… and how do I do that?” She focused on taking several deep breaths to regulate her breathing lest she fall right here in front of her mother and the cardinal.

“Touch yourself tonight.”

His words stopped the birds from singing, the world from spinning, the breath from filling her lungs.

She bobbled within his grip and with a chuckle he held her up. “Do you think that is something you could do for me?” He purred in her ear.

Words failed her, she could only shake her head in little nods.

“Good.” He looked around before he added. “One more favor, think of me when you do. Ah. Your Grace, your daughter and I were just admiring the nest of cardinals up there. They say that cardinals are messengers from passed loved ones.”

Her mother was now standing beside her. Beatrice’s face flushed as she looked up to Graham in complete shock. How was it possible for him to say such vile things to her in the same breath he addressed her mother? What sorcery did he possess?

“What a lovely sentiment, Your Grace.” Her mother looked up into the tree. “Oh look, there are several of them.” She slid her arm around Beatrice’s shoulders. “It’s as if it’s your father looking down on us.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened at the thought of her father being privy to the conversation she just had. Graham rolled his lips to stop a laugh. “Well isn’t that a lovely thought, Lady Beatrice?”

If she had any control over death it would take her now.

Graham dipped at the waist. “I must take my leave of you. I hope you both have a wonderful day and an enjoyable evening.” He winked at Beatrice before turning and leaving.

“He seems like a nice man.” Charlotte said after he left.

Beatrice’s mind was still reeling from her conversation with him as her mother led her down the pathway and back to their home.

Her mother chattered on about birds and balls while Beatrice contemplated if she really needed to check off the items on her list. Perhaps she should look into going to a convent instead.