Free Rushed to the Altar by Jane Feather Page B

unseen watcher. She could take in his appearance now without distraction, and it was an appearance every bit as attractive as she remembered. In fact, even more so. Everything about him bespoke wealth and privilege, from the green striped silk of his knee britches and full-skirted coat to the gold edging on his black tricorne hat. But despite the elegance of his clothes, and the leisurely fashion in which he strolled down the street, everything about the Earl of Blackwater, about his physique and his manner, warned that this was not a man to tangle with. His free hand rested on his sword hilt; his posture was alert, his eyes sharp and quick, missing nothing. She hadn’t noticed before quitehow powerful his shoulders were, but the close-fitting coat set them off to perfection, as plain dark stockings did for a pair of well-muscled calves.
    A little frisson of excitement crept up Clarissa’s spine. She turned from the window, saying calmly, “His lordship is coming down the street, madam.”
    “Good, punctual as always. Stay here, I will greet him in the hall.” Nan examined her reflection in the mirror above the fireplace, deftly pinched her cheeks to produce some color, and ran a dampened fingertip over her eyebrows before hurrying from the room.
    Clarissa sat down and then stood up, nervous now and unsure how she wanted to present herself. She heard the door knocker and the earl’s composed tones greeting the steward. Then the door opened and the earl came in with Mistress Griffiths. He bowed to Clarissa, smiled, his black gaze sweeping over her.
    “Good morning, Mistress Clarissa.”
    She curtsied. “Good morning, my lord.”
    He laid his hat and cane on a pier table beside the door and extended his hands to her in invitation. “You have an answer for me.”
    Clarissa dampened her suddenly dry lips. She glanced at Mistress Griffiths. “Madam, I wish to talk with his lordship alone. Afterwards I will leave you to do business as you see fit, but there are some things I wish to discuss first that concern only Lord Blackwater and myself.”
    Nan looked astounded, put out, and was about toexpostulate, when she remembered that this lodger was not one of her usual girls. She was neither destitute nor seemingly experienced in the ways of whoredom. It would do no good to badger her when she could simply walk out of the house if she chose.
    She looked at Jasper and shrugged. He nodded. “Perhaps you’d be good enough to leave us, Nan.”
    Nan glanced once at Clarissa, then with another shrug left them alone.
    “So, what is it that we must discuss?” Jasper sat down, smiling amiably. “Mistress Griffiths is not accustomed to being excluded from these delicate matters.”
    “No, I daresay she’s not. Sherry or Madeira?” She lifted the decanters in turn, suddenly more sure of herself now that she was alone with the earl.
    “Sherry, please.” He took the glass, and a mushroom tartlet, and leaned back in his chair regarding her with a wary amusement. She seemed different now, older than she had previously, strangely determined. “So, let’s hear it.”
    Clarissa kept her back to him as she took a quick fortifying gulp of sherry. Then she said, “You want me to play a part in a charade. I would like it agreed between us that that is
all
I will do. I will play the part of your mistress, but I will not
be
your mistress in any real sense.” She felt her cheeks warm as she said this. She’d never had such an awkward conversation with anyone before.
    Jasper frowned at her averted back. He hadn’t really given much thought to the physical aspects of this contract,but it had never occurred to him to question his right to whatever he wished in that area. He certainly found her physically appealing, and at the back of his mind had lurked a degree of anticipation at the prospect of bedding her. Now she was laying down conditions that caused him puzzled chagrin.
    “I’m not sure I understand. You will
play
my mistress, but