Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

to as girls. It was a reminder of how close they had been, and even after Bronwyn’s station changed, her best friend still treated her the same.

Theo embraced her next. “I, too, fully support your decision whatever you choose.”

They left. Emma turned the sign in the window to closed and sank to the settee. How was she to decide what was best?

Chapter Nine

Christopher’s heart sank as he closed and locked the door behind the last employee to leave. Returning to his office, usually a refuge from his confounding personal life, Christopher slumped into his chair, hands cradling the back of his head. The stack of files awaiting his attention remained piled high. With no word from Emma, he lacked the concentration to study the necessary case law to ensure his clients victory in the courtroom. He missed reviewing the complex trade agreements that had, in recent years, extended to transatlantic dealings. Drafting and negotiating multifaceted terms for British importers provided him an outlet for his legal skills but also harnessed his talent to foresee the other party’s intent and next move. Theo shared his abilities and was lucky enough to have found an outlet to fully utilize her skills as wife to the Home Secretary.

Leaning forward, he snatched up his quill and reached for a clean piece of parchment. He should have pressed Bronwyn for answers. But he wanted to hear from Emma.

He dipped the tip of the quill into the ink well, and an unnerving sensation of doom settled into his chest. The nib scratched against the parchment. For years, his ability to recreate a person’s likeness had been stifled, but the lines on the page were flowing through him with ease. An outline Emma’s now familiar profile and supple body was coming to life. Damnation. Of all the people of his acquaintance, his sister-in-law’s brash friend had to be the one to become his muse.

Lady Arabelle had pricked his interest in music, but Emma had ignited his desire to draw and compose. From an early age, his appreciation for the human form meant his gaze was drawn to beautiful women. He was no saint, and he freely admitted to having shared a bed with a charming lady or two who had managed to catch his attention over the years. But not only did Emma capture his attention, she had seized his every thought and was slowly seeping into his heart. He caught himself humming as he finished the drawing.

Emma’s beguiling image stared back at him. This was no mere infatuation with a pretty face and lush body. No, Emma evoked a primal need within him to explore and possess her. Damnation, it was more. He didn’t want to simply possess her. He wanted her to want him in return. Hoped that she too experienced this magnetism that grew each day. But with each passing moment without a word from Emma, his hope dwindled. He rubbed his weary eyes. The candle had burned down to barely a nub. He pulled out his pocket watch, and the blasted timepiece confirmed it was nearly one in the morn. He should seek out his bed instead of waiting for Emma to magically appear. A shiver of fear tickled the back of his neck. Emma was a woman of her word. He should have heard from her by now. Something was amiss. He bolted for the door, grabbing his hat and coat on his way out.

Christopher nearly ran right into his brother, who was mounting the stairs. “Where are you headed?”

“To see Emma.”

“Let’s go inside, shall we?”

Landon walked past, leaving Christopher to follow.

“Is all well?” Christopher asked as they entered his office and relit the candle on his desk. “Why are you out and about at this hour?”

Landon moved to pull back the curtain to allow the moonlight into the dim room. Rummaging through his desk drawer, Christopher retrieved two candles and lit those as well, revealing Landon’s concerned face.

Landon said, “I invited Emma to dine with us this eve.”

“You mean you ordered her.”

“Bronwyn was concerned Emma would not eat tonight. My wife also informed me it was you who brought to light the challenges Emma might face.”

“Didn’t Emma seek out Theo for advice?”

“She did. Emma asked I pass this along to you.”

Christopher took the parchment from his brother.

Mr. Neale

Me thanks ye fer yer help, but I no longer need a dance teacher.

Emma

She didn’t need him. Bitter, Christopher said, “Well, she’s not one for flowery words.”

Landon frowned. “She took extra care to pen the note herself. Bronwyn offered to write it for her, but she refused, stating she needed to tell you herself. It was a huge undertaking for her, and it appears you are not deserving or appreciative of her efforts.”

“She runs one of the most sought-after dress shops, and you are telling me she can’t write.”

“Emma was never taught to read nor write.”

“But she has a bookshelf full of books in her store.”

“For her patrons’ enjoyment.” Landon paused, and his eyes fell upon the discarded drafts of Christopher’s sketches. Landon raised an eyebrow and asked, “What are those?”

Christopher answered, “Instructions for Emma.”

Remarkable. The woman couldn’t read, yet she’d interpreted his rather rudimentary drawings, excelling in executing the various positions with ease. The reminder of her in his arms last night reinforced his desire to see her again. But first, he had to be rid of Landon.

His brother continued to stare at sketches with acute interest.

Organizing the papers into a stack, Christopher asked, “Do you agree with her decision?”

“It was Emma’s choice. No one involved wants to see her hurt. Least of all Bronwyn.” Landon eased into the chair and crossed his legs. Drumming his fingers upon his knee, he continued, “But I admit I was surprised. Emma has the will of an ox, and I’d not thought she cared a whit about what the ton thought of her.”

Christopher flipped the top drawing over and clasped his hands on top of them. “So, you suspect she is doing it to protect