Page 12 of Hot and Bothered in July
Reed inclined his head. “I have never cared much for men who desire attacking innocent women.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “I am surprised that your daughter recounted the incident.”
“She did not need to do so,” the baron returned evenly. “I am not without my own resources, Mr. Carrington. I have done my research on you as well, and thus far, you will be glad to know that other than some oats you sowed in your younger days, your reputation for shrewd business and fair dealings have become quite noted. And respected.”
Reed wasn’t surprised. In truth, he expected no less. He’d worked hard to earn a varied reputation. “That is certainly welcome news, my lord. And I hope that, once things are concluded with your daughter and I, that we can continue to enjoy the fruits of our combined venture. I understand you have a sizeable interest in the whale oil industry in America.”
The baron paused, his mouth falling slack before he recovered with a coy grin. “Very nicely done, Mr. Carrington. I can see you are also well informed. I have done my best to keep that association secret, but obviously I was not completely successful.”
“Not to worry. Your interests are safe with me.”
Reed hoped that the baron understood the double meaning. “I do believe that.”
As Reed was dismissed, he realized that the meeting had gone even better than he could have imagined. He had the sense that his future was about to turn around in the most productive of ways.
“Mr. Carrington.”
As he glanced up and saw a vision in pale yellow drifting toward him, her skirts outlining her curvaceous form with perfection, Reed had to clench his fists to keep from reaching out for Miss Kent. She was an enticing treat and he wanted nothing more than to partake of her tempting delights.
Clearing his throat, he gave a slight bow.
“I have been eager to know how things went with my father. If you could join me in the parlor for a few moments, I would be ever so grateful.”
Reed’s legs were wooden as he followed behind her, the gentle sway of her hips something he couldn’t easily discount. His focus was riveted on the gentle action, although he knew she was not doing it intentionally.
At least, he did not think so.
The doors remained open and as Sariah sat primly on the settee, he took advantage of the seat across from her. Deciding to open with her initial query, he said, “Our meeting was as productive as expected. He agreed to the terms we discussed last evening.”
Her smile was broad and so devastating in its loveliness that it nearly knocked him to the ground. “Wonderful!” She gave a shrug. “I suppose we are betrothed then.”
It was so matter-of-fact, so… accepting, that Reed wasn’t sure how to respond. “Er… yes, I suppose so.”
“Since we are now ‘betrothed’ in the traditional sense, I feel comfortable asking something of you.” She got up and moved to sit next to him, still a respectable distance, but much too close for Reed’s comfort.
“Oh? And what is that?” He swallowed hard, something telling him that he wasn’t going to like whatever she suggested.
With her amber eyes wide and expressive, and completely innocent in the most dangerous way, she said, “I should like for you to cure me of my hysteria.”
It was a good thing that Reed had not been drinking any tea at the time, because he would have spewed it across the room. Perhaps he hadn’t heard correctly… “Pardon, but it sounded as though you wanted me to cure you of?—”
“Hysteria, yes.” She nodded emphatically and then gave a sudden frown. “I promise I have not yet been diagnosed, but last night as I was looking through these Roman cameos, I discovered something quite remarkable happening. It was as though my very blood wasaflame.”
“I see.” Reed glanced at the doorway, wondering if he could bolt through it to safety.
She scooted closer to him and lowered her voice, making it entirely too sultry. “You see, I have heard some of the maids discuss this very ailment and how only a gentleman is able to cure the affliction. Since we are now in a more intimate arrangement, perhaps you might consider?—”
He had to stop this before it went any further. “Miss Kent, I think there is something you must know.”
Chapter Six
Sariah waseager for any insight that Mr. Carrington might reveal. She had been up half the night worrying over this conversation. She might like to act as though she was a world-wise woman, but in truth, there were some aspects of the marriage bed that she had no idea how to resolve without proper instruction to cure her curiosity—or this specific ailment.
“Hysteria is not a… disease like you might have been led to believe.”
“Oh.” She had not been prepared for that. “Are you quite certain?”
“Quite.” He took a deep breath and then seemed to be gathering his words. Or his courage. “It is something that a woman feels when she is overly… excited. What you are feeling is desire, a lack of sexual gratification.”
“Oh.” She had not been expecting that, but of course, it made perfect sense considering the book she’d been perusing in her father’s study. “That makes so much more sense.” She tapped a finger against her lips. “Most of the conversations I overheard over the years were very one-sided, and I never was privy to the male perspective on the matter. Maggie and Ava and I discussedthe subject at length, but we did not have a way to accurately calculate the results.”
