Free Darrington 01 - Marriage Minded Lord by Sandra Sookoo Page B

gaining access to an event where he would be present is a bit of a stumbling block.”
    “I am not a grasping, desperate female, my lord. I merely want to know where I come from, to see what’s different in me that doesn’t come from my mother. This isn’t selfish, is it?” Why did she feel the need to explain to him? She merely wanted him to understand her curiosity.
    “No , it isn’t selfish. It’s perfectly natural.” He kept his voice to a whisper as if they shared a conspiracy. A half-smile tugged at his well-shaped lips. “I don’t know His Grace personally, but I know of him, and may I say, you do resemble him, though in small ways.” He narrowed his eyes. “Your coloring is much more French than English, the way you incline your chin when gearing for an argument is much like him, as is the way you hold a teacup. I shall be certain to pay more attention to him the next time I’m in his presence. Perhaps there are more.”
    “Why?” Tendrils of excitement and joy climbed her spine. “Why would you do this?” In her passion, she forgot herself and clutched his arm. Muscles tensed beneath her fingertips. A clean, crisp scent wafted from him that was most pleasant and only added to the tension of being with him in the first place. “You will not tell him of my existence, will you?”
    “Absolutely not .” He gently touched her hand, chuckling as she jumped. “That would be a breach of conduct as well as the trust you placed in me, but as to the why,” a soft laugh rumbled from his chest, “human nature interests me, and distracts me from my annoyance of being in London. If knowing a few truths about the one who you claim is your father will set your mind at ease, I will do this for you.”
    “Thank you.” What was he after? No one—especially not the titled and rich—did anything without a price, and especially not for people of her ilk. “You don’t know me well. Why would you do such a thing for me, a near stranger?”
    Felix remained quiet for so long, she thought he wouldn’t answer, but then he said, “ If it were me in your position, I’d want answers too. Although, if I were you, I’d cling to my aristocratic French roots.” He allowed his gaze to travel the length of her body. “It’s something to be proud of.”
    She trembled as though she felt that slow caress.
    Finally, she couldn’t stand the suspense or his silence. “What will I owe you?” That look could only mean one thing. “If you have a notion that I’ll become your mistress, let me disabuse you of that idea straightaway.” Clarice glared. She refused to encourage her desire for him. Hadn’t her mother always told her that lust and nothing else would attract a man’s attention?
    “ I wish you wouldn’t keep thinking the worst of me.” He popped one of the raspberries into his mouth then chewed and swallowed. “Consider it a good deed, and rest assured, I don’t plan to take advantage. If doing this will make you happy, that’s all I require.”
    “Thank you.” She set her teacup in its saucer as her hand shook. “Though I don’t understand why you would care about my happiness, my lord.”
    “Let’s just say you’re not the only one who is curious about things.” He moved his chair closer to her. “I’d prefer you to use my given name. I’ve already given you leave to say it. Please know I will not make another advance.” As he held her gaze, his twinkled with mischief. “Unless you invite me to do so.”
    “That would be highly improper.” She couldn’t help thinking what a real kiss with him would feel like. She frowned. Would letting down her guard be the first step to walking the same path as her mother? After all, being a fallen woman had to start with a single kiss. Yet, he’d just offered to arrange it so she could see her father. Surely a man bent on tumbling a woman into bed wouldn’t put himself to that much bother. Her breath caught. Her lips tingled as if he had indeed kissed