Desperate Measures (Regency Undone) by Claire Firth Read Free Book Online

attend.  We will remain there for the weekend.’
    ‘ Well, I shall certainly enjoy seeing your mother again, Your Grace.  I own I became fond of her during my visits when she was so ill.’
    ‘ I am sure she will like to see you too, Isabelle.  She is always quick to tell me that I do not deserve a wife such as you.’
    Isabelle blushed.  ’She is too kind, Your Grace.’
    ‘ Guy…’ he said quietly, and as she looked at him in surprise ,‘ that is my name, and as my wife, I request that you use it.’
    The gleam in his eye made her feel uncomfortable; she could feel the colour in her cheeks deepening.
    ‘ Of course … Guy.  If you will excuse me now, I will retire to the library and continue with my reading.’
    She rose from the table, and inclined her head as the footman held the door open for her.  She didn ’t know why she felt so uncomfortable when her husband looked at her in that particular way.  Just that she did, and she needed to make her escape. 
    In the library she ran her fingers lovingly along the shelf of books, enjoying the feel of them.  Finally she came to the current book she was reading.
    ‘What book is that?’ Guy’s voice came from directly behind her. 
    She jumped.  He was standing close; so that she could smell the scent of his cologne, feel the warmth from his body.
    ‘A … a novel by Mrs. Radcliffe,’ she responded, unnerved.  ‘It is very light reading.  I thought I would take it to my room.’
    ‘ A Sicilian Romance?’ he murmured, his hand closing over hers so that he could see the title.  ‘That surprises me.  I would not have taken you for a romantic.’
    She felt uncomfortable at his closeness, an unfamiliar tingle darting through her at the touch of his hand on hers.  Her breath seemed suddenly tight in her throat and she wished there was a little more space between them.  
    ‘As I said, Your Grace, it is quite a gentle read.  Quite nonsensical really-’ sh e broke off abruptly as he suddenly reached out and turned her to face him fully.  The gleam in his eye was there once again as he looked down at her. 
    ‘ I do believe I asked you to call me by my name, Isabelle,’ he reminded her softly.  ‘Do you really find it so difficult to oblige me in that matter?’    
    ‘ I …of course not … Guy.’ 
    Drawing on the strength of the last few years , she drew herself to her full height and met his gaze full on.  ‘It is just because we still do not know each other terribly well that I find it a little difficult.’
    ‘ Then perhaps we need to rectify that,’ he murmured, tightening his grip on her arms so that she was aware of the latent strength in his fingertips.  He dipped his head towards hers, one hand moving up towards her cheek, and her assuredness faltered as it occurred to her that he might be about to kiss her. 
    ‘ Your G… Guy!’  Her hand fluttered up, blocking his chest - a solid chest that felt firm and very masculine beneath her touch.
    ‘ Do not move.  You have a speck on your eye lash.’
    The gentle touch of his fingers on her lashes caused the breath to catch in her throat.  Her heart was pounding so heavily in her bosom she was sure he must hear it.  He was looking at her with such concentration she could feel the colour burning her cheeks.  Then suddenly he smiled and pulled back from her.
    ‘ There, that is better.’
    The shock of his smile rendered her speechless.  It altered his features completely, making him appear softer; more appealing.  She shook the sensation off.  From somewhere she found the strength to clear her throat and speak, her demeanour distant as she murmured.  ‘Thank you.  Now if you will excuse me, I think I will retire to my room?’
     
    It was because he was standing so close to her, had been looking so deeply into her eyes that he knew her reserve was being used as a cloak to cover her discomfiture. He would have had to be blind not to see how rigid her body had gone when