Page 31 of The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
Chapter Eight
Fletcher had not even fully processed the idea of pretending to court her before he’d opened his mouth to make the offer. But hearing about those men and the illicit propositions she received, having a serious suitor would deter them. If nothing else, paying close attention to her, as a good suitor should, would keep him close enough that he might identify some of the offenders. He’d like nothing better than to pound his fists into their faces.
If she were his, he’d protect her. He’d make certain every damned man in London knew that all it would take was a look in her direction and he’d make them regret ever knowing her name.
But Agnes could never be his. Christopher had made that abundantly clear—touch her and lose everything. He couldn’t blame her brother. She was intelligent, clever, and kind…everything that was beautiful and wonderful in the world.
Whereas he was nothing more than a cad with a courtesy title. Sure, he did his level best to earn his place in the world by relying on the only skill he seemed to possess—his ability to charm people. But pretending to be something he wasn’t wore on him. Agnes had been right to say that pretending to court her would be easy. He wouldn’t even have to feign interest in her. She was the only woman he’d ever truly wanted. When this was all over, Chris would send him on an assignment abroad and Fletcher would have finally gotten over his obsession with Agnes. Certainly, spending that much time with her would cleanse her from his system.
“What will this pretend courting entail?” she asked.
“Having never actually courted a woman, then, no, I don’t know how. But I’ve certainly seen it done and I’m a fast learner.” He hated that this was even necessary. He wanted her to give him a list of names of every man who had ever even looked at her inappropriately, so he could beat them senseless.
He smiled at her. Damn she was pretty. “If it means I have to spend more time with you, then I think I’m up for the challenge.”
“My brother asked you to watch over me while he was gone, did he not?”
Fletcher nodded. “Yes, he did. He’s worried about your safety.” Fletcher wouldn’t tell her that he and Christopher both knew about her activities with the Ladies of Virtue; any change in her behavior could potentially lead her to more danger. Right now, he was to watch, observe, and protect. And keep his hands off her. All while pretending he was courting her. Yes, keeping his hands to himself would be a significant challenge.
“If Glenbrook isn’t the unwanted suitor, who is it?”
She waved her hand dismissively. “That matters not.”
“Very well. At least I know this will keep you protected until your brother can return and see to things on a more permanent basis.” He leaned forward so that he was close enough to touch her. “Agnes, will you give me the names?”
“Names of who?”
“The men. The men who propositioned you and touched you.”
“Why?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
He reached up and cupped her cheek. “Bluebell, no woman should have to endure such behavior…especially not you. Tell me who they are.”
Tears formed in her eyes, but she tightened her mouth and shook her head, refusing to let them fall. “I am not different from any other woman.”
He shook his head. “Not true. You are special, Agnes, you always have been. Now, tell me.”
“What do you want to do to them?”
“I want to pound my fists into their faces. I want to hurt them. I want to scare them so badly they’ll never look at you or any other woman ever again.”
She leaned into his hand, then closed her eyes.
He wanted nothing in the world more, in that moment, than to pull her into his arms and hold her. Promise her no man would ever hurt her again. But she was not his, nor would she ever be. He was merely a stand-in until her brother returned. That being said, Fletcher fully intended to tell Christopher precisely what had been going on and to tell him what an ignorant arse he was. Not to mention a hypocrite. Passing judgment on Fletcher all the while ignoring the fact that his sister was potentially in danger.
She pulled away and shook her head. “I can’t tell you.”
He clenched his jaw and nodded. He’d not pressure her now, but eventually he’d know each and every bastard who had ever looked at her inappropriately. “Very well, we will begin immediately with our charade,” Fletcher said. “The ball tomorrow night can be our first public appearance.”
“It will not take my mother long to tell all of her ‘friends’ that you paid a call on me. The rumor that you’re courting me will be spread halfway across London by tomorrow night.” Agnes gave him a smile. “You’ll have no trouble feigning interest in me?”
“That is something I’d never have to pretend.” He stood. He needed distance between them before he did something foolish like pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless. “I should go, but I shall see you tomorrow night. Wear something pretty, preferably blue.”
“Blue? Why blue?”
“Don’t be daft, Agnes, no one looks better in blue than you do. Until tomorrow night.” He bowed and left the room.
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