Billionaire Flawed 1(244)

I apologize. Perhaps you would tell me why you feel disadvantaged? Nicholas asked.

She is my eldest sister's, best friend. My sister is called Eleanor Pimms.

Ah. I'm sorry for embarrassing you. What is she really like? He had to shout over the orchestra now; they had started the first dance of the evening. I can't believe she is always so sensitive.

Whenever I have spoken to her, she has been most agreeable. Perhaps the manner in which you spoke to her was deficient.

Deficient, me, he thought. Perhaps. But she is a most interesting woman. He meant her looks.

If sir, you have any intentions toward her, I would advise you to turn them to another woman, Julia said.

Why?

She doesn't want to have another man in her life. Julia took a fan out of her bag and wafted it around in front of her face. My sister told me. They discussed it at her husband's funeral. She's adamant she wants to enjoy her freedom, without male interference.

Indeed, interesting, he said, his eyes floating in Adele's direction again. With her hair pinned up and a tiara on her head, she looked regal. He loved the shape of her neck, suddenly wanting to run his fingers over it's delicate contours.

David, go to her and tell her I'm sorry.

What? David pulled his head back in surprise.

Go to Lady Vaughan and tell her I am sorry. Ask her if I may approach her again.

Heavens, Nicholas, can't you do that yourself? David said.

No, I can't. I don't think she will entertain speaking to me. Go and tell her I am extremely sorry.

David reluctantly wandered across the room. Lady Vaughan, please excuse me. I am a friend of the man your were just speaking to, Mr. Nicholas Geragthy He became nervous when he noticed the expression of indifference on her face. He has asked me to tell you he is sorry for his behavior. Very sorry.

Adele was beginning to find the whole evening quite tiresome. It reminded her of Peter, and now this with Mr. Geragthy Can't Mr. Geragthy come and apologize?

He thought you would not speak to him.

Tell me about him. Who is he?

Mr. Geragthy is my best friend. David was careful not to say too much about Nicholas's view on women. He's the heir to the Earl of Borrowby. Adele listened more intently now. The Earl of Borrowby was one of the richest men in the country.

Then send him to see me, we got off on the wrong foot. I'd like to make amends.

Nicholas could see by the look on David's face that he'd been successful. Without saying anything to him, he passed him and in no time was standing next to Adele.

Lady Vaughan, I apologize for my behavior earlier.

Yes, your friend told me you would. Her expression relaxed, almost smiling. I am sorry too. I have been under a lot of strain recently.

Perhaps you would do me the honor of dancing with me? he asked. When she nodded, his heart lifted.

They spent the next hour, dancing and conversing. Suddenly she was bright and enthused by him. She was plotting. She fell to the floor. Lady Vaughan, he exclaimed as people stood in a ring around her. He tapped her face lightly, and she opened her eyes and groaned.

Please help me to my feet. I felt quite faint suddenly. Nicholas helped her up and took her to the balcony, where he ordered sweet tea. I am so worried, it is ruining my health, she said, in a low helpless voice.

What is worrying you?

I have terrible money troubles. Oh....... she began to cry.

Totally taken in by her beauty and vulnerability, he leaned towards her and spoke softly. Lady Vaughan, perhaps you would allow me to help you.

Oh, that would be so kind of you. But I'm afraid my troubles are very grave indeed. Hooked him, she thought.





Nicholas woke up early the next morning. As his valet dressed him, he looked out of the window over the land his family owned and thought about Adele. Was he being cruel or heartless? She was a widow, could he really be so mean to her? Would she really go for it?

David had stayed the night, and at breakfast, Nicholas sent the servants away. I want to talk to you, David, he said.

David knew him well, and the tone of his voice told him Nicholas was scheming. What about? he asked, as he bit into a sausage.

Lady Vaughan.

Not again, David thought. What about her?

She's the ideal candidate.

Heavens, Nicholas, stop playing games and spit it out. What are you cooking up?

She's a widow, right? David nodded. She doesn't want to get married again? David remembered that's what Julia had said, he nodded. Then she may well agree to be my fiancee without actually marrying me.

David was lost. Why do you think she'll do that?

Because, dear boy, Nicholas looked like someone who had just won a lot of money at cards, she has money troubles.

You bastard, you absolute bastard, David exclaimed. She's a widow, how could you be so cruel? Using her disadvantage for your own gain.

That's the way the world works, Nicholas said, tipping his chair backwards on two legs.