“It’s not fair,” Patricia said, setting her chin stubbornly, but she subsided.
“Any other complaints?” James asked lightly, glancing around the table. “Walter? Cousin Maurice? I hope my illness did not discommode you.”
Walter, correctly taking his question as rhetorical, said nothing. Maurice replied, “Good heavens, no, no bother at all. I’ve been laid up all week with my lumbago.”
James cut his eyes toward Laura, whose eyes were dancing, her lips pressed tightly together to keep from laughing. James clamped his napkin to his mouth, muffling a choked noise.
“James, what’s the matter? Are you all right?” Tessa asked. “Claude, do something.”
“No, no.” James held up a hand. “I’m fine, Mother. I was just overcome for the moment by the joy of being back in the bosom of my family.”
“Of course you were.” Tessa gave him a sparkling smile. “Now that you are better, perhaps we should have a party. What do you think, Adelaide? We haven’t had the chance to introduce Laura to everyone.”
The conversation moved on as the other three women, ignoring Laura’s protests, launched into plans for a party. Laura said little, spending most of her time studying the faces of everyone around the table, hoping for some look or gesture or words that would give someone away. Now and then she cast a glance at James, monitoring his condition.
When the meal finally wound to a close, Laura moved to head off the possibility of James lingering with the other gentlemen over port. As she rose with the other women, she gave a smile to the table of men and said, “I hope you will excuse me. I am rather tired. Dear?” She turned to James. “Will you escort me?”
Amusement flickered in his eyes. “Of course. Dear.”
As they climbed the stairs, James leaned in to murmur, “You know they will all assume you are a shockingly demanding bride.”
“Oh, hush.” Laura could feel her cheeks heating. “Perhaps they are not as low-minded as you.”
James chuckled, a deep rumbling sound that set up the same sort of tingles in her as his wicked smile. “They are men, Laura.”
“Well, I couldn’t rely on you to take care of yourself. And I don’t think you’re quite up to another sparring session with Mr. Salstone.”
“You might be right. I’m not objecting, you understand. No doubt they are all green with envy.”
“Come in and stop talking nonsense. Does your head ache? Sit down and I’ll rub it for you.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“I didn’t offer because I had to.”
James hesitated, then sank onto the stool in front of her vanity. Laura came up behind him and slid her fingers into his hair. She glanced in the mirror before them. James was watching her reflection, and he quickly looked away. Laura began to massage his temples. He closed his eyes, hiding their silver gleam. Laura felt his body relax, leaning back into her. His head was heavy against her stomach.
Anticipation coiled low in her body, a breathless sense of waiting. She thought of sliding her fingers over his neck and across his shoulders, down onto his chest. It was wicked of her, for he had amply demonstrated yesterday that he wanted nothing like that from her.
Then why had he kissed her? Why, in his delirium, had he caressed her and fitted his mouth to hers, his fingers seeking her breasts, his tongue hot and eager in her mouth? Even though she was inexperienced, Laura couldn’t believe his actions had not meant that he was as hungry for her as she was for him.
It was pointless to deny her own passion. However wanton that made her, Laura wanted him. She wanted to be married to him in this most intimate way, to feel his heat and desire. Laura gazed at her reflection again. Her face was loose and soft, her eyes lambent. If James opened his eyes and saw her this way, he would know how she felt. It would be horridly embarrassing. She had to stop thinking this way. Feeling this way.
Suddenly James surged to his feet, taking a long step away from her. He dragged his hands through his hair, pulling it into some sort of order, and it seemed to Laura that he was trying to sweep away the touch of her hands. Had he sensed her thoughts? Her emotions?
She turned away, humiliation roiling in her. However much it might appear that James desired her, it was equally clear that he wished he did not. “I’ll ring for Owen to help you.” She yanked at the bell pull. “Since it’s clear you don’t want mine.”
“Laura, no . . .” He took a half step toward her. “I didn’t mean . . .”
“What nonsense. Of course you did. You seem to have acquired some notion that I am about to impose myself on you. Well, let me reassure you—the fact that I helped you when you were ill does not mean I want anything more from this marriage than we bargained for. I don’t.” She gave a sharp nod for emphasis. “Now. I am going for a walk and leaving you to yourself, since that is obviously the company you prefer.”