Free Miss George's Second Chance by Heather Boyd Page B

disappointment that he hadn’t taken advantage more than his title or his money. “I think I know what I want and am happy to wait.”
    Radley’s gaze grew sly. “Does Miss George still have you under her spell?”
    “I never said that.” He quickly emptied his glass to hide the foolish hope that consumed him. He really did wish for another chance with Imogen. He just wasn’t sure how to proceed.
    “Never denied it either,” Radley countered as he set his hat to his head. “Well, I wish you all the luck in the world. She wouldn’t even give a friend of mine the time of day two years ago when he went courting her. I’m for bed. Goodnight one and all.”
    With that Linus Radley scooped up his winnings and weaved his way from the room.
    “You’ve all but declared yourself,” Merton remarked as he gathered the cards and slapped the deck on the table.
    Walter shook his head. “Don’t you think you should wait on my sister to give you some sign your pursuit is wanted?”
    “If I waited on Imogen we’d never be married.”
    Walter’s brow rose. “So marriage is your goal after all.”
    “Yes,” Peter confessed. His whole body felt lighter for finally spitting out the truth. He may have set aside his original hopes but the truth was his goal had not changed in the past year. Blind or not, Imogen was the perfect match for him. She was smart, she was witty, and she attracted him. “I just need an opportunity to make her see that her blindness is not the hindrance to a happy and fulfilling life she believes it to be.”
    “Remember what I told you on your return. She doesn’t believe in passionless marriages. You will have to convince her the right way.” Walter pursed his lips and then dug in his waistcoat pocket. He glanced at his hand a long moment then slid a key, his front door key judging by the shape, across the polished wood. “Mind if Merton and I continue to play in your absence?”
    He gulped at the surprising boon he was being offered. Could it really be that simple to go to Imogen tonight and convince her to give him a second chance to prove he did find her attractive? Very desirable in fact. The idea of having her all to himself was too good an opportunity to pass up. “Not at all. Lock the front door as you leave. I have my key.”
    He stood, amazed at his luck but ecstatic at the thought of being completely alone with Imogen. When he’d visited with her earlier, her housekeeper and butler had lingered beyond the door making him rather conscious that they were listening in. He didn’t think they disapproved; he’d spotted their happy smiles as he’d left. It was just that some things were best kept between himself and Imogen. Peter swiftly left his house, hurried to her door and used Walter’s key to let himself into the dark terrace house before he was seen.
    As the door closed behind him soundlessly, he hesitated. He should lock the door behind him but then how would Walter return to his own home later that night. In the end, he concluded he had no choice except to leave the door unlatched. He didn’t know how long he had to speak with Imogen alone and he shouldn’t waste time. He snuck up the staircase hoping any servants would assume he was Walter returning from his evening out. He stopped at the doorway to the bedchamber he believed Imogen rested in and listened carefully. When he heard nothing he set his trembling hand to the door handle and slowly let himself inside.
     
     

 
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    Imogen jerked upright when her door opened and a floorboard creaked with the weight of a footstep. She held still and listened hard. “Who’s there? Walter?”
    “Hello Imogen.”
    Peter’s voice shocked her and she clutched her sheets against her chest. He shouldn’t be in her house at this hour of the night let alone standing at her bedchamber door.
    The door closed softly and Imogen’s heart really began to thump in panic. “What the devil are you doing in my room?”
    His