The Passionate Love of a Rake. Jane Lark

their reaction, Violet walked into the room and crossed to the tea tray. “Shall I pour?” Her tone bore as much humour as annoyance.

      Feeling ashamed, Jane accepted with a nod.

      “Selford said you had a visitor. I presumed you would need some company.” There was censure in Violet’s voice.

      Jane smiled an apology and moved to collect her tea. Then she returned to the sofa and sat.

      “My Lord?” Her friend sent Robert a quelling gaze.

      Jane assumed he would instantly withdraw with some excuse to leave, but Robert was not so easily daunted.

      He nodded and walked forward to collect his cup then sat beside Jane.

      It seemed a deliberate move. She was very aware of his muscular thigh pressing against hers. She felt a blush again.

      “To what end do we owe the honour of your visit, Barrington?” Violet said, taking the chair opposite.

      “His Lordship kindly gave me a lift home,” Jane interceded before Robert could respond.

      Despite the charming smile on her face, Violet glared at Robert. “Your kindness was well rewarded, I saw.”

      Jane coughed, choking on the tea. She set it down. When she looked up, it was to see Robert smirking again. He looked like he was almost laughing.

      “Actually, I was on my way to call upon the Dowager Duchess. It was merely the hand of fortune that brought us together sooner.” He drained his cup and set it down before reaching into the breast pocket of his morning coat. He withdrew several folded notes and held them out towards her.

      She stared at them. “Your winnings, Your Grace,” he prompted.

      “My Lord, I—”

      His expression darkened at her denial, and he interrupted. “If you do not want it then give it to a charitable institution. I said I would lay the bet for you, and I did.” He tossed the money on to her lap and rose.

      Jane picked it up and put it on the table by her cup, then rose, too. She felt as though there was a tumultuous moat of misunderstanding and maybes separating them. Their impulsive embrace of moments ago was like a lost memory already.

      “Your Grace.” He bowed. “If you will excuse me, I should be off in any case.” He turned to Violet, stepped forward and, bowing, held out his hand, indicating for her to set her hand in his. She did not. Jane watched Robert rise and smile in a dismissive gesture that told Violet he did not give a damn. “My Lady,” he intoned scathingly, before turning away then striding from the room with an assured step.

      Oh. Jane looked at Violet, unsure what to do, but then, without any real thought, she set off in pursuit.

      “My Lord!” she called, halting his pace as he reached the top of the stairs. “Wait, I’ll see you out.”

      A knowing smile curved his lips.

      The infuriating man was driving her quite mad.

      When she reached him, she gripped his arm and led him on to the stairs, speaking in a whisper, “Robert, I do not want you to think—”