Free The Rake's Unveiling of Lady Belle by Raven McAllan Page B

description as she nodded eagerly. ‘Exactly.’
    Now why, Phillip wondered, did he not think that was what she meant?
    â€˜If you marry me you’ll know all about it and more.’
    â€˜I can’t.’
    â€˜You can and I won’t take that as your final answer.’

Chapter Four
    Damn the man. Belinda gathered her scattered thoughts together, and forced herself not to look at the creases in his once-immaculate jacket.
Oh my, I did that.
‘It is unfair to tease me.’
    â€˜Ma belle, you’ll know when I tease. This is not one of those occasions, although I admit I hadn’t intended to declare my intentions so soon. Do I therefore take it you are declining my proposal?’
    â€˜Of course.’ Those two words hurt, much more than she thought possible. ‘I wouldn’t saddle you with me.’
    Did he look wounded? If so the emotion must have dissipated fast. He grinned. ‘Oh believe me I’d ride you with or without a saddle.’
    Thank the Lord she wasn’t drinking or eating because that outrageous statement would have done it for her. As it was she gulped, swallowed several times and resisted putting her hands to her heated cheeks. Instead she bent to pick up her now empty glass.
    â€˜A waste of good whisky,’ she said as she straightened. ‘I must remember to clean the carpet as soon as possible, or it will stain.’
    â€˜If that is my notification to leave, I will do,’ Phillip said as he tossed off the rest of his drink. ‘Once you answer me.’ He put his glass down on the sideboard next to the decanter and turned towards her. ‘Your answer?’
    Oh, how she wished she could reply in the affirmative. ‘I must decline your oh so kind offer, my lord,’ she said rapidly and turned away so he wouldn’t see the regret and the moisture in her eyes. ‘One moment and I’ll see you out.’
    â€˜Ma belle.’ He took hold of her shoulders and turned her towards him. ‘Do not cry. Is it so horrific to know how much I want you?’ He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. ‘So much, I would wed you and not just bed you?’
    If only she thought he really meant his assurance. Her insides quivered at the idea. Even so, it wasn’t possible. He might say hang the ton, but it would be he who was hanged. Belinda shook her head. ‘It’s not that. Oh, Phillip, I can’t let you do such a thing.’
    â€˜At least you call me by my name,’ he said and she mentally groaned. In her agitation, Belinda had forgotten all formality.
    â€˜I’m sorry.’
    â€˜I’m not,’ he said. ‘In fact I insist you stick to it.’
    Belinda shook her head. ‘It would not be seemly.’
    â€˜Seemly be damned, I ask it. Is that not enough?’
    She wished it were so, but life wasn’t that kindly. ‘My lord, I…I wish it was.’
    Phillip ran his hand through his hair and reduced the immaculate curls to a dishevelled mess, and took a step back. ‘Ah well, we will see.’ He kissed her palm, and looked up at her over his lashes. ‘To remind you of me.’ Then he bit the flashy part of her thumb, just over the tiny scar, turned and left the room. The sound of his footsteps faded as he went down the stairs and a minute later a door slammed in the distance. Belinda sniffed, flopped into the chair he’d vacated and looked at her hand as if she’d never seen it before. The place he’d left his mark was red and tingled. Slowly she put her lips over the exact spot. Then she gave in to tears.
    Clarissa found her like that a while later.
    â€˜I was on my way here when I saw Tippen running towards my house. She told me she was on her way to get me, and good Lord now I see why,’ Clarissa said as she walked into the room without knocking. ‘What on earth has my idiot brother done now to upset you? Reconciled with Rotten Rosemary and insisted