He stared at her for the longest time, then finally said. “You must think very little of me now.”

  She looked over, tilted her head, and gave him a slight smile. “Quite the opposite Lord Seth. Quite the opposite.”

  He had said nothing more. Simply drank the lemonade, then rose and left the cottage without saying goodbye.

  That had been rude, but he had still not come to terms with what he had done.

  He also did not think he could ever face Frances again, but the next day, as soon as he had finished breaking his fast, he had gone to the cottage where he found Frances struggling with a pail of water. “There are more buckets near the well. Could you bring them please?” And just like that, the day before was forgotten and he helped her water the newly planted flowers and then began repairing the terrace.

  They had healed the best that they could that summer. A fifteen-year-old boy and a thirteen-year-old girl, becoming friends when they never would have been except for that sad set of circumstances they shared.

  Without Frances, he may have gone on burying all emotions. Her reward for being there for him whenever he visited and loving him was his rejection of her because he was too much of a coward.

  He hurt her before she could hurt him.

  Seth didn’t deserve to have Frances back, but that was not going to stop him from pursuing her.

  Marriage had unexpectedly occurred to him earlier tonight. It had been a surprise when it shouldn’t have been. If he had been braver five years ago, he and Frances would already be wed. Instead, he did what she had predicted—earned his fortune and lived a cold miserable life while he kept everyone at a distance. Financial security had been all he wanted, but Seth hadn’t realized how cold a mistress she would be.

  No matter what, he had to win Frances back.

  At least she had returned his kisses this evening, and they had shared more passion, but that did not mean that he had won her yet.

  In fact, he suspected that she was proceeding with caution and not about to open her heart to him again, not that he could blame her. But, one day, Frances would be his, even if he had to grovel while he begged for forgiveness for being such a bloody fool five years ago. He would win her heart again.

  He must!

  Frances woke in bright spirits. Last night had been beyond lovely and she now had a revised purpose. Yes, she would let Seth court her as much as he wished. She would welcome kisses and caresses, and return to how they had once been, all the while guarding her heart. So long as she kept her purpose and goal in mind, she could have a marvelous time and walk away unscathed.

  At the announcement that Seth had come to call, butterflies took flight in her belly. She welcomed and acknowledged them. To try and deny her response to Seth would only leave her vulnerable. Therefore, she would acknowledge her heart and the voices in her head, enjoy while being constantly aware of her vulnerability.

  Seth came to his feet as she entered the parlor.

  “Shall I ring for tea?” she asked.

  “I would much rather walk, or ride.”

  “A walk would be lovely,” Frances admitted. “I will return after I have collected my pelisse.”

  It did not take her long before she once again joined Seth, very much looking forward to their walk. She used to take strolls daily when she lived in her brother’s home in Mayfair, but since she’d moved in with Bethany, there was not a park near. At least, she was not aware of one and the area was still somewhat unfamiliar.

  “I have given consideration to traveling to Doncaster for the St. Leger Stakes,” Seth offered.

  “Why?” He had never discussed horse racing with her before. Then again, there were a good many interests that he had kept from her when he visited her in the cottage.

  “It is thrilling, for one,” he answered, then stopped and turned toward her. “Go with me.”

  Frances merely blinked at him.

  “It would be a grand time. I promise.”

  “Go with you,” she repeated. “Ride with you in a carriage from London to South Yorkshire. Do you know how long that would take? Do you wish to see me ruined?”

  He frowned. “I shall bring Blythe along to act as chaperone.”

  “I have no desire to return to South Yorkshire even if it is near my brother’s estate.”

  “I still wish you would attend with me.”

  “To what purpose? To watch horses race around a track and fools lose their money?”

  “I assume you do not approve of wagering on the horses,” he said.

  “Do you intend to do so?” she countered.

  “Why, yes.”

  “Then you, too, are a fool.”

  Seth frowned at her. “Why do you say so?”

  “Are you familiar with each horse racing? Are you associated with the training each horse received? What of the jockeys? Do you know them all? The same for the owners, and trainers.”

  “Statistics are kept on each horse at The Jockey Club. I have made myself familiar,” he argued.

  “Yet, anything could happen,” Frances insisted. “Betting on the outcome of a horse race is as risky as wagering on the role of dice.”

  “With dice, it is all luck.”

  “And unless you have the skill to predict the outcome of a horse race—control as one does over the cards being held in a hand—then winning is pure luck.”

  “Ah, but there is no determining how a die will fall, but statistics, and times, and bloodlines of a horse allows a gentleman to make a reasonable prediction of who will likely win.”

  “Perhaps,” she admitted. There was far more risk with the role of dice. However, without the proper knowledge or training, she would never wager on a horse race, yet it was a favorite pastime for gentlemen.

  “I hope you enjoy the St. Leger Stakes and do not return with empty pockets,” she finally said.

  “It would be far more fun if you would join me.”

  “I cannot be away from Athena’s Salon,” Frances reminded him. “I have only just begun working there and do not wish to be sacked before the year is out.”

  “Neither my cousin nor Lady Bethany would do so,” Seth promised.

  “That is only because I suspect them of still attempting to play at matchmaker,” Frances begrudgingly admitted. No doubt they would happily send her on her way. Instead, she would likely lose her position when she finally exacted her revenge on Seth and no doubt her leaving Athena’s Salon would not be so pleasant.

  When they turned the corner and were once again nearing her home, Seth paused. “What shall we do tomorrow afternoon?”

  She cocked her head and looked up at him. “You are assuming that I have no other plans and that I will be at home to you.”

  He placed a hand over his heart. “I truly hope that you are free and will welcome me into your parlor.”

  She ducked her chin and smiled. “Perhaps. We shall see what tomorrow brings.”

  “Minx,” he muttered under his breath, then leaned closer. “We could attempt playing billiards again.”

  Her face heated at the very idea. “I believe I understand the rules and am no longer in need of lessons.”

  “You claimed not to understand them last evening.”

  “I will borrow a book from the lending library,” Frances dismissed because she did not want Seth to know how vulnerable she was around him.

  “Are you certain you would not like another lesson?”

  Very certain for it was a very dangerous game. “I will let you know if I change my mind.”

  When they reached her home, Frances did invite Seth up for tea. Though it would have been wise to send him on his way, she was not finished visiting. However, she had also expected Bethany to be at home; instead, she learned that Bethany had gone out.

  “Please bring a tea service,” Frances asked the footman, then took a seat in a comfortable chair instead of on the settee for fear that Seth would join her.

  She was drawn to him and wanted his touch and his lips on hers, but she could not succumb to desire whenever she was in his presence or she would never win in the end.

  While Frances had decided that one day they would be lovers, she would not rush ahead but be careful in her wooing of him until she was certain of his intentions, which she assumed would one day be marriage, or at least he would once again admit his love.

  Chapter Sixteen

  As soon as he learned that Lady Bethany was not at home, Seth could not wait to be alone with Frances so that he could kiss, hold and caress. He had hoped she would feel the same, but when Frances settled into a single chair when two settees were available, he couldn’t help but wonder if she felt the same. He was certain she’d been as filled with desire last night as he had been.

  Perhaps that was the reason she intentionally kept her distance from him.

  Had her passion scared her or was she wiser so as not to tempt that which was forbidden.

  “Thank you for the stroll. It was pleasant,” she offered as Seth decided to take a seat across from her.

  “Yes, it was. Perhaps we should walk again tomorrow.”

  Frances arched an eyebrow. “I have not yet decided if I will be at home.” The corner of her mouth quirked.

  Seth chuckled and shook his head. She played a game and though he did not know her intentions, he also did not mind.

  “You did not indicate that you already had plans.”

  “Perhaps I do.”

  “What would those be?” he asked.

  Frances shrugged. “Not all plans need to be shared.”

  “Therefore, I will not call,” he finally said.

  “Did I not say that I have not yet decided if I would be at home?”

  “You wish for me to call on you, but you may not be available,” Seth clarified.

  Frances grinned. “Yes.”

  “Very well.” He chuckled again. “I will call and eagerly wait for you to invite me in or send me away.”

  She had waited on him for ten years at the cottage and now Frances had control of her comings and goings and apparently his as well. Seth would give her this and it could simply be because she wanted to be assured of his intentions.

  A footman entered a moment later and set the tea service in the center of the table, which was also out of reach of the chair Frances had chosen so she had to move to one of the settees. Unfortunately, she chose the one across from Seth.

  “If you were free tomorrow, is there anything in particular that you would like to do?”

  She frowned as she poured him a cup of tea and added just a touch of milk, exactly as he had taken it all those years ago.

  “I need to visit the lending library. Perhaps that is what I will do,” she said as she fixed her own cup of tea, taking nothing with it.

  “I would be happy to accompany you,” he offered.

  “Though, I may go in the morning.”

  He arched a brow. “Simply to avoid me.”

  “Not necessarily, but if I find a riveting novel in the morning, I may be so engrossed when you call that I may not be at home to you.”

  He was done with her teasing.

  Seth set his cup and saucer on the table and came to his feet.

  Frances’ eyes widened as she looked up at him. Did she fear she had pushed too far?

  “Do you enjoy tormenting me, Franny?”

  She bit her bottom lip, which was a true sign that she was trying not to smile.

  “I believe you do.” He marched around the table and then took a seat next to her.

  “Were you not comfortable on the other settee?” she asked innocently.

  “I cannot convince you to be at home tomorrow from over there.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because I cannot do this.” He then placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted it before placing his lips against hers.

  Frances had no idea what had gotten into her, but she had enjoyed teasing Seth. Besides, she did not want him to think that she would eagerly be waiting whenever he called. She’d done that for ten years but she was not going to do so now.

  Further, she did not want him to think she would fall so easily back into his arms or be taken advantage of again.

  However, she had not expected him to end up kissing her.

  Of course, Frances had no objection, but pulled away.

  Seth frowned at her. “Should I have not kissed you?”

  Oh, she adored the concern in his blue eyes. “Not while I am holding a cup of hot tea.” She then leaned forward and placed the cup and saucer on the table.

  “I apologize,” Seth said right before he slid his hand behind her head and brought his lips to hers again.

  Frances relaxed and sighed. Oh, she did enjoy being kissed by Seth.

  It also did not take long before they grew more heated as he delved and she accepted. And even though she was sitting, Frances had to hold onto him as she grew dizzy. In fact, there was a moment that she felt as if she were falling and clutched onto his shoulders even tighter only to realize that she had been when her back connected with the pillows at the corner of the settee.

  This was certainly not proper at all and she should object but could not find the will to do so.

  When Seth took his lips from hers, Frances expected him to sit up and then assist her; instead, he trailed kisses along her jaw and down the side of her neck.

  Goodness, he scorched her skin everywhere his lips touched. Who would have thought that lips on a neck could heat the blood in her veins and she turned her head to offer better access uncertain what else she should do.

  He also didn’t stop at her neck but trailed kisses along her chest and just above her bodice as one hand came up and cupped her breast.

  Frances couldn’t help but moan as she arched against his hand.

  This was seduction and it was heavenly.

  “Frances, are you in the parlor?” Bethany called from the stairs.

  In an instant, Seth was sitting up then assisting her before he moved back to where he had originally been sitting and placed a napkin on his lap.

  She could not understand why until she glanced down and smirked.

  “It is your fault.”

  “You are the one who came over here. I did not ask to be kissed.”

  “It was in your eyes.”

  “It most certainly was not,” she argued.

  “And also in your tone with your tormenting and teasing.”

  “You read far too much into the words that were spoken.”

  “Minx,” he growled as he lifted the cup to his lips.

  Bethany stopped at the entrance of the parlor and glanced first at Seth and then Frances before she frowned. No doubt she had hoped to find them in a compromising position. Though, if that were the case, she would not have announced herself.

  Thank goodness that she had or all the plans Frances had made for Seth would have been ruined.

  “Why didn’t you answer when I called?”

  “I am sorry, but I was busy arguing with Lord Seth.”

  “About what?” she asked as she settled beside Frances.

  “Whether I will be at home to him tomorrow or if I would rather read a book.”

  “Who won?” she asked.

  “I will not know until tomorrow.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Had any other woman taunted him as Frances, Seth would have immediately lost interest, but she made him want to win her even more.

  Frances had always been confident, certain of herself, even from the first moment they had met.

  He chuckled, recalling their first meeting.

  “You may remain if you wish, though I will put you to work.”

  “Work?” he had asked.

  “I should also warn you that I can be bossy, and even though you are the son of a duke and I am a mere miss, I will order you about.”

  Seth had been intrigued, especially since she promised to treat him no differently than anyone else. He also needed the distraction, which Miss Hawthorn offered.

  “If you are staying, come with me.”

  He should have realized in that moment that Frances would determine her own path and not let anyone make decisions for her. Yes, she had suffered disappointments, such as when her uncle had promised a Season and then told her that it wouldn’t be possible. After three such years, she simply assumed that it would not occur and made peace with her place in Laswell. She had not even begrudged her sister and cousin when they were given a Season after Frances was already three and twenty because she had understood that it had not been financially possible until then.

  She could have fulminated against her uncle each time he disappointed her, but Frances had explained that it served no purpose to do so as none of them had control over a situation created by his older brother.

  Frances had changed little from the girl he first met and the woman he later fell in love with. She hadn’t truly needed anyone then and set out to restore a dilapidated cottage without seeking permission because she wanted and needed to. Had he not helped, Frances would have done all the work herself. Independent then and she had made it very clear yesterday that she remained so now when she would not agree to be at home to him today, not certain if she would prefer the company of a book instead of him.

  Seth wanted Frances to need him. He needed her to want him, but how did he go about convincing her?

  With a deep sigh, he approached her door and knocked and it was immediately opened by the butler.

  “Miss Hawthorn has asked me to inform you that she has decided to be at home to you,” he announced.

  Seth chuckled and for the briefest of moments almost had the butler deliver a message that Seth had decided not to call, simply to show that two could play her game. But he did not want to anger or lose her. And he needed to see her.

  “Please wait here and I will tell her that you have arrived.”

  This time, Seth did obey and cooled his heels in the entry and glanced at the closed doors. Beyond that was where the members of Athena’s Salon gathered for intellectual conversation and gambling. Would he ever be allowed to attend?