Her Wicked Proposal novel Chapter 10

Cedric seemed to reconsider his silence and opened his mouth to speak when a footman at the parlor door interrupted him.

"There's an invitation for you, madam, and I have a message for Lord Sheridan from Lord Lennox. He regrets that he must take the carriage and see to a personal matter immediately."

"He what?" The look of panic on Cedric's face was startling. Anne realized the dread he must have felt at being forced to travel the city alone. It must be dangerous too.

"Thank you, John. I'll take the message." Anne quickly rose and took the offered note and the footman left.

"Is everything all right?" Anne asked Cedric as he got to his feet. His eyes stared vaguely in the direction of the door, anxiety plain on his face.

"He left me..." Cedric's voice, although a low masculine timbre, still held the frightened waver of a little boy.

Anne's chest tightened at the sight of him, the mighty rake fallen so low. Rather than revel in Cedric's plight as she might have once, she felt only compassion. He'd agreed to rescue her from her situation, and it was only fair that she do the same for him. But she would have to do it in a manner that was less obvious. Anne knew enough about men to know that they hated being taken care of like children.

"If Lord Lennox does not return with your coach in a few hours, I would be most appreciative if you would accompany me in mine to the St. Laurent house for dinner. It would be most convenient. I don't wish to trouble my lady's maid to accompany me just for the brief duration of a carriage ride."

Cedric looked calmer, her suggestion working wonders on his anxiety. His shoulders, which had been bunched up tight, dropped back down and he took a deep breath.

"I would be delighted, but as you can see...I am not in my evening clothes. I need to return to my house to change."

"I do not take long to prepare. I could be ready in an hour, and we could take my carriage to your house before we continue." Anne prayed he could hear the hope in her tone.

"That would be...acceptable," he answered after a moment.

"I appreciate that you can offer me an escort. Now would you care to wait here in the parlor while I go and get dressed for this evening?"

"Is that the proper thing? I must confess I'm dreadful at following the rules of propriety. I would much rather stand in your bedchamber listening to the sounds of silk rustling against your skin as you slip the gown on...but I am certain that you would not allow that." Cedric chuckled. "You might think I've faked my blindness these past few months just for that opportunity." His sensual lips were parted for his laughter, and Anne could feel herself blushing madly. Thank goodness he couldn't see her face.

"I've struck my fair lady speechless!" he teased as Anne scowled at him. His lady? Not yet. Lucky for him he could not see her, otherwise he would have realized he was in trouble.

"Are you always going to be so..." Anne trailed off, lacking a word that could encompass his behavior.