Free The Husband List -2 by Victoria Alexander Page B

reputation.”
    “Yours?”
    “I used to have one, you know,” he said staunchly. “And damned impressive it was, too. But look at me now. Out in a disreputable garden with a woman with no reputation whatsoever. And not a soul to give it a second thought because I’m considered quite reformed. A man of honor no less, topping your list of husbands.
    “I can hear the whispers now: she’ll be safe with him.” A mournful note sounded in his voice. “What a sorry end I’ve come to.”
    “It’s not that bad. Why tonight alone you have laughed aloud and emerged from the shadows of the room. I daresay everyone in the place is speculating about us at this very moment.”
    “Do you think so?” he said hopefully.
    She bit back a laugh and nodded somberly. “I do.”
    “Then I have nowhere to go but up.” The teasing note in his voice vanished. “And bloody hell, I cannot stand this another minute.”
    Unease stabbed her. “Richard, what are you—”
    With a swift movement, he ripped his mask off like a man escaping from a prison. He pushed his hair away from his forehead, tilted his face up to catch the breeze, and pulled a deep breath. “That’s much better. I detest masks. I cannot abide things pressing on my face.” He shuddered. “Do you think Lady Forester will have me ejected for taking it off?”
    Gillian narrowed her eyes and adopted an overly thoughtful manner. “Perhaps. It could indeed be an unforgivable offense. I’ve heard her say there is nothing quite as attractive as a man of mystery.”
    “Hence her passion for deep, dark secrets.”
    “As well as other things.” She smiled and shook her head. “She may be right, though. What is more mysterious and exciting than a man with secrets? Or a man whose face is hidden? He could be anything. A pauper, a prince, a—”
    “He could be dangerous.”
    She lifted a shoulder in a casual shrug. “I imagine that simply adds to the excitement.”
    Richard propped his foot on the bench, rested his forearm on his thigh, and clasped his hands. “Do women typically wish for such excitement?”
    “Lady Forester is not at all a typical woman.”
    “Neither are you.” He studied her intently. “Then do you wish for such excitement?”
    “Me? I’ve never especially thought about it. I can certainly understand ...” Did she long for excitement? For a man of mystery? A stranger with secrets? Dangerous and irresistible? The possibility had never arisen. She shook her head. “No, of course not.”
    “No, you prefer to know all there is to know about a man before you propose marriage.”
    “It seemed wise at the time,” she murmured uneasily. It did sound rather harsh and calculating when he said it.
    “And extremely practical.” He nodded thoughtfully. “Why didn’t you accept Weston or Cummings? You’ve known them all your life.”
    “Oh, I could never do that to either of them,” she said quickly.
    “However, you could do that to me?”
    “I didn’t mean it quite the way it sounded. Perhaps I simply know them too well. They’re like brothers. Besides,” she laughed softly, “at this very moment I suspect Kit is flirting with a rather attractive shepherdess he remarked on earlier and Robin is trying to determine whether or not he should actively pursue a wife or if he can put it off for another year.”
    “They do care for you, though.”
    “And I for them, but...”
    “And I suspect either of them would give you the kind of marriage you want.”
    “The kind of marriage ...”
    “In name only.” His eyes smoldered.
    “Yes, well...” She avoided his gaze and stepped away from the statue. She pulled a deep breath and turned to him. “That’s not to be, is it?”
    “It’s entirely up to you.” He shifted his foot off the bench and moved toward her. Her heart thudded in her chest. Was he going to kiss her? Panic surged through her. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his.
    “Is it?” She choked out the words, her throat abruptly