Marista suddenly felt afraid.
She did not know why, but she had no wish for the Earl to think that she was deliberately trying to entice his friends to Dovecot House or seeking compliments she had never received before.
But there was no stopping the Peer.
“How could I have imagined,” he was now saying, “when I came here this afternoon at Stanbrook’s invitation, expecting to spend several rather dull days in the country away from London, that I would find anyone so exquisitely beautiful and alluring as you?”
“You are very kind,” my Lord, but I would rather we talked about – something – else. What are your – interests?”
“Beautiful women!” the Peer replied. “And, as you are more beautiful than anyone I have seen for a very long time, I need not tell you that I am enjoying myself.”
It wa
