“There, it is settled.” The woman smiled gently. “You will stay until he suggests you should go. I will take good care of you all. You two, into bed.”

  Diana and Clare tucked themselves into Edith’s bed swiftly, exclaiming over its size and softness. Edith marveled silently that she’d spent a night in a room that did not drip water from the ceiling.

  The maid added more fuel to the fire and curtsied. “I’ll go hurry up your breakfast tray.”

  When the door opened, Edith saw Mr. West waiting outside, leaning against the doorframe. He glanced in at her, and a fierce blush flooded her face when she realized he could have heard every word of their conversation.

  He did not look away or apologize. He did not tell her she had to go, either. In fact, he remained there until her breakfast tray was brought in and she started to eat as if that were perfectly normal. A satisfied smile played over his lips as she ate her fill in front of him.

  She must have given him such a fright that he must believe she needed watching over like this. She inclined her head to express her gratitude for his concern and care and hopefully reassure him all was well with her now. He could go back to being the rake he’d always claimed to be.

  Yet, he seemed in no hurry to go away.

  Sidney West was a kinder man than she’d ever dreamed he might be. He still cared, after all that her brother had said against her character. A pity she hadn’t she met him years ago, when she’d been of marriageable age. She might have encouraged him. But without any funds to her name there was no way he would ever have honorable intentions toward her.

  Five

  Sidney saw movement at the corner of his eye as Edith edged into the drawing room.

  At last.

  He was pleased to see her venture downstairs after several days of much-needed rest. They had spoken several times but never freely, since her sisters were always with her. They would be with her again tonight, and that was all right. He had grown used to watching his words with them already.

  He had spent some time considering the future of his houseguests. A future that seemed all too dangerous and uncertain for them. He was full of uneasiness. So worried, he’d put pen to paper and drafted a list of options Edith might consider. Only one seemed a solution he could live with. “So good of you to join me. Come in. Come in.”

  Edith’s smile was timid, and she clutched her shawl about her shoulders as she edged farther into the room. But her color was far better than when she’d first arrived. However, her gown was the same—unfashionable and faded with age.

  And yet, he found her a most intriguing woman. A woman he’d like to know better if he had a chance. Sidney glanced behind her. “Where are Miss Diana and Miss Clare?”

  “My sisters have chosen to remain upstairs. The maid found some old books suitable for children and they are being read to.”

  “Ah, I am disappointed not to have their company,” he murmured. “Well, I’d best summon the housekeeper to act as chaperone then.”

  She shook her head. “A chaperone is not required. I would prefer to speak to you with the same candor as our written correspondence.”

  “Very well.” Relief swept over him. He could be himself with Edith at last.

  She walked more confidently into the room, glancing right, and then left, and sat down close to the fire.

  “There will be a tea tray coming along at any moment,” he told her.

  “Your staff are extremely efficient,” Edith murmured. “I haven’t had to ask for anything to be done.”

  He laughed. “I hardly have to ask for anything, either. What I need just appears.”

  She grinned back, a smile that transformed her face. “Surely you make demands?”

  “Rarely.”

  She uttered a wistful sigh. “It must be nice to have competent servants. Or any servant at all, for that matter.”

  Edith had not had the help of servants in some time, though he’d offered to send some to her. “I trust dinner was to your liking, too.”

  “Yes, thank you. Almost too much again tonight.”

  He nodded as he took in her pale skin and thin fingers. Poor Edith. He would wager she had been depriving herself severely these past two years. The housekeeper was determined to put a little meat on her bones as soon as possible.

  Sidney agreed with her plan.

  Loftus had a lot to answer for, but he had left his London lodgings yesterday morning, utterly washing his hands of his responsibilities to these three females. Sidney vowed never to speak to him again should he return. He would also stand between Edith and her awful sibling, protecting her and supporting her in whatever decision she made.

  Edith glanced at him. “My compliments to your cook. We haven’t dined so well in a very long time. Not since Mama and then Papa passed away, in fact.”

  “I pay my cook well and let him cook what he likes for me,” he confessed.

  “You will always be well fed then,” Edith noted, and her eyes skimmed over his lower body before a blush brightened her cheek and she looked away.

  He hid a smile, flattered by attaining the interest of a proper woman. “I stint on nothing when it comes to the comforts of home.”

  “Unlike my brother,” she mumbled, and then she shivered.

  Sidney snatched up a blanket from beside him and draped it around her, letting his hands rest on her shoulders a moment longer than was proper. But then he folded his hands in his lap. He ached to hold her in his arms again, but it was not the right time. “Have you decided what to do?”

  “There’s nothing I can do.” She turned toward him and continued in a whisper, “We’ve no family, but I have the girls to provide for.”

  He turned toward her and met her gaze. “They need a roof over their heads that does not leak, a full belly each night, gowns and furbelows, a governess, and a lady’s maid for when they make their come out. And dowries.”

  Edith slumped. “None of which I will ever be in a position to give them.”

  “You could marry,” he suggested gently. “A husband will provide you with the security you need. Many men would appreciate your intelligence and want your company.”

  Sidney already did.

  Edith shook her head. “I think it best that I be sensible. Certain doors are closed to me now. My brother’s lack of support will be a mark against me.”

  “You are not ruined,” he reminded her. “Few will ever know you stayed with me, and those who find out can be persuaded to keep their mouths shut, if asked.”

  “When Loftus learns I remained with you, he will spread vile rumors, if he hasn’t already started. He will destroy me out of spite. Society will find me lacking in so many ways.”

  “Yes, there is usually little respect afforded an unmarried woman sheltering in a bachelor’s home. And I have a reputation that will not help you, I suppose. But you are a woman of virtue still. I know it and you know it. Never forget you deserve better than your brother believes.”

  She shrugged. “I wish that was true.”

  “A smart fellow will look beyond the rumors and innuendo, I swear,” he promised, but then the tea tray arrived, and he clamped his mouth shut.

  Edith inched toward it immediately. “Do you care for tea, Mr. West?”

  “I do. A cup of pure black for me, Miss Dean,” he requested, sending the servant scurrying away with a flick of his fingers. “No sugar.”

  Edith poured for him and then, when it came to serve herself, she hesitated with her hand over the sugar pot.

  Damn Loftus and his tight-fisted ways. He leaned toward her until their shoulders brushed. “I can afford a few dozen lumps of sugar in your tea. I don’t like to boast, but my pockets are a great deal deeper than your brother’s ever were, and I’ve a desire to see it used for the comfort of others, especially you.”

  Her lashes fluttered and her blush deepened. “Do you gamble like Loftus?”

  “Infrequently and only in small amounts.” When Edith nodded, he realized her question had been some sort of test, so he continued. “I inherited my starting funds like most young men, and I invest wisely. I don’t waste money on nonsense for no return.”

  “You don’t have sisters to waste it on,” she said quietly and glanced down at her hands.

  Sidney could see her cheeks turning red at her remark. Again, he could happily strangle Loftus for making her apologize for her very existence.

  But he had someone who depended on him now.

  He had Edith.

  Making her life easier had become most important to him, so he continued to boast. “I could bear the expense of three families such as yours without it creating a ripple in the ledger.”

  Edith blushed deeper and then added three lumps of sugar to her cup. He smiled approvingly as her spoon grated when she stirred.

  He’d like to know Edith a lot better than any brief stay would afford him. She had become important to him, and her sisters were delightfully honest, just like Edith had been from the start. But this was more than a mere diversion or charity. He had come to care for her very much over the course of their letters and, after finally meeting in person, the feeling of connectedness had only grown.

  If she went away, he might never have that again.

  Knowing what she was doing, and that she was safe, had become vital to his well-being. “Is there anything more I might do for you?”

  “You have been more than generous, sir. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

  “Smile and enjoy the time you have under a roof that does not drip rain on the furniture.”

  She laughed softly. “I must confess I already have admired your elegant ceilings and furnishings. You have a lovely home. Your letters did not do it justice.”

  “Well, I don’t like to boast,” he began. “But I enjoy a comfortable life.”

  Another blush formed on her cheeks. “Had I known you had such good taste and wealth, I might never have had the courage to write to you.”

  He was delighted by her candor. “I’m pleased I could surprise you.”

  “You have surprised me. You’re not the rake I expected to meet,” she confessed.

  “What did you expect me to do? Seduce you the moment we met?”

  “No, but you seemed too good to be true. But you’re the same as the man I’ve been writing all these months. A friend.”

  He could feel his own face growing warmer at her description, but he wanted to be more than her friend. “You are exactly as I imagined. Charming, intelligent, fiercely loyal to your sisters, but you forgot to mention that you were so beautiful.”

  She set her cup down and clasped her hands in her lap. “I’m not at all…”

  “You are lovely, and you kept the best surprise for last,” he assured her. “I’ll have to beat other men away from my door if you are ever seen.”

  “You exaggerate.” A soft laugh left her lips—and then suddenly her lips were on his cheek. “I wish… I wish you had been my brother instead of Loftus.”

  “I’m glad I’m not,” Sidney shot back. “If I was your brother, I could not do this.”

  He pressed his lips to hers.

  Perhaps he’d wanted to do that since he’d first lain eyes on her days ago in his hall, and even during their correspondence. He’d felt drawn to Edith for so long, and now that they’d met, he knew he would never forget her.

  He did not kiss her for too long or attempt anything more scandalous. Best not to tempt the devil in him and get carried away. He’d already gone too far than might be wise, but he would not allow her to think herself undesirable or that he was not thinking rakish thoughts about her.

  Sidney mastered his desire but noted the kiss had produced a dazed look in her eye. “You have options you haven’t considered yet. There is an attraction between us, but also respect.”

  If she wanted him and respectability, he could give her both.

  He cared about her enough to want to protect her, even from himself. He could never treat her the way he had the other women who’d come before. He must tread carefully but be completely honest.

  Edith was a woman of virtue. The right thing to do was to offer to marry her. But would she ever believe a rake could be reformed in just a few days?

  “You could stay with me.”

  Six

  Edith gaped. “Stay with you?”

  Mr. West nodded, “I think it the best course of action.”

  Her pulse sped up, and her knees trembled. Mr. West was very handsome and wealthy and had offered her his continued support. But his kiss scrambled her ability to think straight. She wet her lips. “What about my sisters?”

  “They will stay, of course.”

  She gaped at him. “You can’t want us all to stay?”

  “Well, why not keep them in London? They hardly take up much room.” His gaze caught hers and held it. “Unless you don’t want me.”

  She blanched. She liked Sidney West a great deal more than she ever thought possible. He’d been a good friend, and was very handsome, but should he become more than that in repayment for all he’d done?

  Mr. West sighed. “Forgive me. It was a mistake to discuss the matter so soon.”

  Edith’s mind spun. She’d kept all men at bay until him, but she’d been desperate for news of Loftus. Yet then, she’d continued to write to Sidney West, and over the months of their correspondence, and he had become important to her.

  He was a rake, but she trusted him. She clutched her hands together, trembling at the future in store for her. Was she afraid or excited about accepting his offer of protection?

  “I’d never been kissed before,” she admitted, blushing at how much she had enjoyed their kiss.

  “It was long overdue,” he answered.

  She’d known from the start that there would be consequences, coming to London and demanding to stay in a rake’s home. She just hadn’t expected to like them as much.

  Sidney West had made her feel safe, and like she mattered. She had been alone for so long with only him to confide in that she didn’t feel improper.

  He was offering her the world.

  He’d also called her beautiful when no other man ever had.

  She sighed. “I suppose it was overdue. I’m an old spinster, and…”

  “Exactly the right age to decide who should kiss you.”

  “It was a nice kiss.”

  “Nice.” He frowned. “But you seem disappointed.”

  “You have much more experience in kissing than me, and I didn’t know what to do.”

  He laughed out loud. “There is plenty of time to learn.”

  She was relieved he understood. “I suppose there will be.”

  He extended his hand toward her, and she took hold of his strong, warm fingers. A thrill raced through her as he raised her hand to his lips. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Dean, no matter the circumstances that brought us together.”

  Her face heated as it always did when he was close. She firmed her grip on Sidney’s hand, giving up a life of respectability for the promise of passion. “I am glad to have met you, too,” she told him…and then she kissed him again.

  Sidney curled his arms about her back and drew her against him as their kiss deepened, grew more carnal.

  Edith had been alone for so long that his kisses went straight to her head. She had missed hugs and comfort and knowing there was someone she could rely upon. Someone who saw her and understood what she’d been through.

  His touch slid down her back slowly and rested lightly on her rear. But Edith did not stop him. She closed her eyes and sighed instead. She would not fight her ruin. Better him than any stranger.

  His touch on her body was light but devastating to one so unused to that sort of thing. Sidney was a rake, a lover of many women. He’d warned her he was wicked in his very first letter so long ago. But her desire for him grew.

  She allowed him to lay her on her back, kissing her still. Edith had a moment of trepidation when he settled over her, but she was soon lost in feelings and desires she’d never experienced before but liked. His heavy weight upon her body made her restless, and she rubbed against him to heighten that feeling.

  But then Sidney was no longer on top of her. She was alone, and she opened her eyes to discover him on the far side of the room, raking a hand through his hair repeatedly.

  She sat up, breathing hard, and straightened her gown to cover her legs. “What’s wrong?”

  “The usual thing,” he said, laughing.

  She blanched. Had she been too willing?

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  “No. I am sorry.” Sidney was staring at his feet, with his back to her. He turned slightly. “I need a moment of privacy.”

  “I’ll leave,” she promised and stood on shaking legs.

  He suddenly spun around to face her. “No, don’t go.”

  “I thought you’d changed your mind about me.”

  “Absolutely not.” Suddenly, he was on his knees in front of her, pulling her down to sit again. His powerful hands cupped her skull. He tilted her face to his with such gentleness that her breath caught. “Edith, we agreed you would come to no harm when you accepted my invitation. From me as well as from others. I intended to keep my word, but I behaved like a beast just now and you deserve better.”

  She frowned. “I’m forever in your debt, and I’m willing to pay the price. No one would care.”

  Sidney cocked his head to the side and suddenly laughed. “Believe me, Edith, I would care if I made love to you without getting your agreement to marry first.”

  Seven

  The surprise on Edith’s face was a look to treasure forever. She was a precious gift Sidney was determined to unwrap, and very slowly indeed, too. But before he could seduce her, he had to make sure she understood what his offer entailed.

  He was a rake. An experienced lover of beautiful women and passionate about her. He was sure his lovemaking had already overwhelmed her good sense.

  But he was just like her. Looking for happiness.

  Edith had come to London imagining her brother might deliver safety and security and the love she’d been missing in recent years.