Read Online An Improper Lady (The Powder and Patch Collection) by Jane Godman - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Jane Godman
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descended into farce in the final frame, with both protagonists hell bent on losing and making no attempt to hide their intentions. Jack succumbed to the laughter which had been threatening for some time to engulf him, and placed his head in his hands. He was recalled to his surroundings by a stern reminder from Sir Peregrine that he was responsible for recording the scores.
After an hour, Bella was stamping her foot in temper while Sir Peregrine appeared unruffled. His superior skill was starting to show. While Bella’s wild shots occasionally found their mark, he was able to avoid scoring on every occasion. No matter how hard she tried to lose, Bella found her own score creeping up while Sir Peregrine’s remained comfortably low. Time after time, he placed the object balls so that she could not avoid hitting them.
When, at last, she won the frame and, therefore the game, Bella threw Sir Peregrine a reproachful look and slammed down her cue. In spite of the icy conditions, she stomped out onto the terrace.
Sir Peregrine coolly slipped his jacket back on and, with a rueful look at Jack, followed her. Bella was standing with her back to him, tension quivering through every inch of her slim body. When he placed warm hands on her shoulders she shuddered slightly, but did not attempt to move away. Slowly, he turned her round to face him.
“ You cheated!” Her voice was low and throbbing, and she turned her head away as he bent to kiss her.
“ My lady, you wound me with these cruel words.” He released her and placed a hand on his heart in an old-fashioned, courtly gesture. “You won the game and now, when it is time to pay the agreed forfeit, you insult my honour!”
His tone changed suddenly. “Look at me, Bella.”
It was a command and, instinctively, she obeyed it. The blaze of love in his eyes as he smiled down at her took her breath away.
“ The wager is unimportant, except as a reminder of my determination. Know this.” He held out his hands and she placed both of hers in them, allowing him to draw her closer. “I love you, and I intend to spend the rest of my life with you at my side. I don’t care what your past has been, my only interest is in our future. If I wanted a prim and proper lady, I would have found myself one these many years past! But I find that only an improper lady will do for me, and I abhor primness! And, my darling…” She smiled slightly at the endearment. “Until you are my wife, I will never give up trying to win you. Throwing a game of billiards is nothing in comparison to what I am prepared to do! I will lie, cheat, steal, whatever it takes…”
Bella’s minx-like smile lit her face. “I cannot have your descent into a life of crime on my conscience! If it is truly what you wish, I will marry you tomorrow, Perry.” She was rudely interrupted as his lips swooped down on hers in a bruising kiss.
It was some considerable time later before she was able to speak again. “Now, may we please go to bed?” she asked plaintively.
And Sir Peregrine, ever obliging, swept her into his arms and carried her up to his bedchamber.
After an hour, Bella was stamping her foot in temper while Sir Peregrine appeared unruffled. His superior skill was starting to show. While Bella’s wild shots occasionally found their mark, he was able to avoid scoring on every occasion. No matter how hard she tried to lose, Bella found her own score creeping up while Sir Peregrine’s remained comfortably low. Time after time, he placed the object balls so that she could not avoid hitting them.
When, at last, she won the frame and, therefore the game, Bella threw Sir Peregrine a reproachful look and slammed down her cue. In spite of the icy conditions, she stomped out onto the terrace.
Sir Peregrine coolly slipped his jacket back on and, with a rueful look at Jack, followed her. Bella was standing with her back to him, tension quivering through every inch of her slim body. When he placed warm hands on her shoulders she shuddered slightly, but did not attempt to move away. Slowly, he turned her round to face him.
“ You cheated!” Her voice was low and throbbing, and she turned her head away as he bent to kiss her.
“ My lady, you wound me with these cruel words.” He released her and placed a hand on his heart in an old-fashioned, courtly gesture. “You won the game and now, when it is time to pay the agreed forfeit, you insult my honour!”
His tone changed suddenly. “Look at me, Bella.”
It was a command and, instinctively, she obeyed it. The blaze of love in his eyes as he smiled down at her took her breath away.
“ The wager is unimportant, except as a reminder of my determination. Know this.” He held out his hands and she placed both of hers in them, allowing him to draw her closer. “I love you, and I intend to spend the rest of my life with you at my side. I don’t care what your past has been, my only interest is in our future. If I wanted a prim and proper lady, I would have found myself one these many years past! But I find that only an improper lady will do for me, and I abhor primness! And, my darling…” She smiled slightly at the endearment. “Until you are my wife, I will never give up trying to win you. Throwing a game of billiards is nothing in comparison to what I am prepared to do! I will lie, cheat, steal, whatever it takes…”
Bella’s minx-like smile lit her face. “I cannot have your descent into a life of crime on my conscience! If it is truly what you wish, I will marry you tomorrow, Perry.” She was rudely interrupted as his lips swooped down on hers in a bruising kiss.
It was some considerable time later before she was able to speak again. “Now, may we please go to bed?” she asked plaintively.
And Sir Peregrine, ever obliging, swept her into his arms and carried her up to his bedchamber.
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