A Visit From Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

London and the life I have always known to set off on the unknown challenge of making your fortune was quite irresistible." She raised a shoulder in a casual shrug. "I am sorry if I misled you. I would have come to my senses in no time at all. Even as"—she braced herself against the irritating word—" frivolous as I am, I know accompanying you, regardless if it was only as a mere companion, would be a dreadful mistake. Besides, who would believe there was nothing more between us than mere friendship? My reputation, my very life, would be ruined. As for marriage, why, you and I would never suit."
    "No, we wouldn't."
    "But I can certainly understand how you would think I was suggesting marriage or something substantially less respectable. Frivolous or not, it's precisely what you would expect from someone of my family and background." She heaved a theatrical sigh. "I must confess, I am really rather embarrassed that I said anything at all, but you know how women of a frivolous nature are. And I, in particular, do tend to speak before I think. It's a dreadful flaw in my character and one I shall have to work on."
    "Indeed you shall." His voice was light, but his eyes smoldered. "The next man you offer to accompany on his"—he cleared his throat— " adventures may not be as understanding as I. He might well accept your offer."
    "Come now, Nicholas, I daresay I have learned my lesson and shall never do anything of the kind again." She met his gaze directly. "If I could take back my words, all of them, I would."
    "Of course," he murmured.
    She had to escape his presence, now, before her resolve crumbled. Before she turned into a quivering mass of despair. Still, she could not allow this ill-advised meeting to destroy her life and her future. "I do hope you will not tell—"
    "It shall be our secret," he said firmly. "You have my promise."
    "And you are a man of honor, aren't you?"
    He grinned. "Always about my word, if nothing else."
    "Thank you." She cast him a relieved smile. "I must return to the ball. I daresay Charles will wonder where I've gone to."
    "Yes, of course… Charles."
    She turned to go, stifling the impulse to run, to flee as fast as she could. Lizzie stepped to the door, then drew a deep breath and turned back to Nicholas. "I suspect we shall not see each other again, at least not for a very long time. I do wish you well, Nicholas. I hope you get everything you've always wanted." The enigmatic half smile that did delightfully unpleasant things to her insides lifted the corner of his lips, and she steeled herself against it. "Ah, Elizabeth, I cannot possibly get everything I want. Some things were not meant to be."
    Her breath caught, but she forced a smile to her face. "And some things were." She pulled open the door and started out.
    "Thank you again. For the book, that is." His voice was soft behind her, and her heart twisted.
    "Merry Christmas," she tossed over her shoulder. She couldn't bear to look back at him again. She stepped through the doorway and pulled the door closed, his final words lingering behind her.
    "Merry Christmas, Elizabeth."
    She leaned back against the closed door and struggled to catch her breath, fought to hold back tears. How could she have been so wrong? About him, and worse, about herself?
    Obviously her feelings for him were no deeper than his were for her. How could they be otherwise, now that he had revealed his questionable character? He was right, of course. What simmered between them was nothing more than desire. Lust. She had never tasted it before and therefore had no defense against it. Nicholas was mysterious and handsome, and only a woman long dead and deeply buried would fail to succumb to his charms. And his kiss. No doubt nothing more than the result of his travels through the world and the guidance of his uncle, a delightful gentleman but one any respectable woman would be wise to stay far away from.
    As humiliating as the last few minutes had been, at least she