Free SoundsofLove by Marilyn Kelly Page B

Hedges especially
irked him. He’d attended Eton with the man, who had a cruel streak Julian
abhorred. Such a nature rarely repented, and such men made terrible husbands.
    A trickle of resolve began to course through his veins. He
should tell Cathryn that he found her worthy of the ultimate gesture, and he
would handle Hedges on her behalf. He wondered again briefly about the lack of
children from her first marriage, but Sir Geoffrey failed to produce an heir in
a previous marriage as well. Perhaps he should wait to propose until she
carried his child. She had all the signs of a fecund woman—fine skin, ample
curves…desire to match his own. His prick thickened and he wished her with him
so he could begin testing her fertility. She was a remarkable female.
    Her barrenness was a risk he was willing to take, although
he knew his mother would disagree. Over the years, the marchioness had paraded
one female after another under his nose, the only requirements being a history
of male heirs and a title above earl in the immediate family. Perhaps if she
had added good hygiene and a hint of charm, one of the women might have
captured his interest. But none had, and he tired of that hunt.
    Now that he had caught Cathryn’s scent and found her so well
suited, he would not give her up without a battle.
    His resolve hardened when he considered his adversary.
Hedges was in for some unpleasant encounters. Julian would enjoy tearing the
man apart. He was glad to have the power to deny him access to the Philological
Society. If it came down to it, he would challenge him to a duel, something he
had never done before. His heart pounded erratically at the prospect, and he
patted his damp brow with his handkerchief. He had found a woman worth fighting
over. And a man worth defeating.
    Slipping her note into his breast pocket, he rose to inform
his butler of the change in plans. He would need his carriage early. Fifteen
minutes was enough time to inform Cathryn of his intentions and steal a few
kisses. He meant for her decision to be as easy as possible.
    He would offer her virtue, honor…and pleasure.
     
    When Cathryn heard the knock on her front door at eleven,
she hurried to the window and saw the Ahlquist carriage at her curbside. A
touch of anger at Julian’s refusal to obey her wishes was quickly displaced by
trepidation. He was likely upset over her note, and he would either scold her
or try to wear her down with physical advances. Waldemere’s warning over
Julian’s temper came to mind, and a stab of fear straightened her spine.
    On the other hand, her virtue might be in imminent jeopardy.
That thought warmed her body.
    Lewin opened the parlor door a moment later. “Lord Ahlquist
is here to see you, milady. Shall I show him up?”
    She nodded, straining to appear composed with such conflict
looming. “No tea today.” He left and she rushed to the looking glass.
    Two nights with little sleep had taken a toll; she looked
positively haggard. Pinching her cheeks and wishing for some rouge, his comforting
words came back to her, I’ll not do wrong by you, Cathryn. Whatever happens
between us, I’ll take care of you.
    Julian appeared behind her in the doorway and caught her eye
in the mirror as she finished her preening. He was dazzlingly handsome, and she
froze as he approached her. He had a wild look about him, as if he intended to
devour her. A frisson of fear crept up her spine, setting her on alert.
    “The book was a gift, not a loan.” His voice was rough as he
set a bundle down on the table beside her.
    By the time she turned, he was so close that her skirts
brushed his boots. Her voice came out a raspy whisper. “I meant no offense, my
lord.” The blood thrummed in her ears and her hands clenched at her sides,
although she had no true defense against such raw power.
    “I’m afraid I took great offense at your note, Cathryn.” He
leaned closer and his eyes sparked. “I am unaccustomed to being dismissed.”
    His